Welcome to Venice: Walking Tour, St. Mark's Basilica & Gondola Ride
3 hours
Max 18
Why take this tour?
Highlights
- Explore a real residential neighborhood in Venice, and familiarize yourself with its history and everyday life.
- Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of St. Mark's Square and step inside to admire its Basilica.
- Enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride through the city's canals.
- Discover Venice's secrets and hidden gems, from former palaces to quirky bookstores, that are authentically Venetian.
- Learn what it's really like to live in the Floating City from a local guide, getting tips on where to eat and how to avoid crowds.
- Sites Visited
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
- St. Mark's Basilica
- Gondola ride
- Rialto Bridge
- Rialto Fish Market
- Famous local bookstore
- Palazzo Grimani (exterior)
- Tour Includes
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
- Gondola Ride
- Headset
Take some time to explore Venice from a local's point of view
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Verified Customer reviews
Verified ratings
4.7 /5
based on 1028 Walks’ customer ratingsOverall rating
4.7 /5
1028 reviewsRating summary by category
Latest reviews
Excellent
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. She made an effort to take us off the main streets and avoid the crowds. The gondola ride at the end was very nice.
Viator customer · Christopher · Apr 05, 2026 Excellent
Shannon was amazing!! She was very knowledgeable and guided us through a wonderful tour. She was very kind and poised. Ending with the gondola ride was a treat!
Tripadvisor customer · Lauren · Apr 05, 2026 Excellent
We took the walking tour with Shannon. She was an amazing tour guide. With 3 little kids it was nice to have someone with an American accent so they could understand and ask questions. We learned a lot. Great tour!
Tripadvisor customer · Rosie · Apr 04, 2026 Great
We booked directly through Walks of Italy. Matteo knows a lot about the history, and walked us through various alleys around the city, explained the significance and the stories only a local would know. I am giving four stars because we were surprised to learn that St. Mark’s Basilica was excluded just that morning (the operator should know about it and did not).
Tripadvisor customer · Venkata · Apr 02, 2026 Excellent
A great tour. Very friendly and informative guide.
Tripadvisor customer · nicks2903 · Mar 28, 2026FAQs
Does this tour always visit the Rialto Market?
The Rialto Market is closed on Mondays. If you take the tour on a Monday we will still visit Rialto but you won't see as much activity around the market.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No. Unfortunately, due to site restrictions we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour. Guests should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity, including standing for extended periods and climbing stairs, which may not be suitable for travelers with certain health conditions or mobility limitations.
Do I need to bring my passport/ID with me?
Yes! All guests (including children) must bring a government-issued ID/passport on the day of their tour. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. The full names of all participants are required at the time of booking and must match the names on their ID/passport. Name changes are not permitted.
What if the weather is bad (rain, snow, hail, etc.) on the day of my tour?
Our tours run rain or shine so please dress for the elements. We also ask you to please remember hats and sunscreen if you are taking this tour in the summer as it might be very hot.
Can I take a gondola ride if I use a wheelchair?
No. Unfortunately, gondolas are not wheelchair accessbile.
Does my guide accompany me on the gondola ride?
No. During your gondola ride you will be alone with maximum 5 other people and your Venetian gondoliere. This experience is much better as quiet time. Just sit back, relax and soak up the beauty of the city's canals.
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