What to see in Venice

On this three-hour introductory tour of Venice, we will explore St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge area, getting to know the city and its origins. Escorted by a history expert, we’ll learn how the city of Venice grew from a series of tiny islands to the most powerful republic of its day. We will also get oriented to the contemporary city layout and learn how to navigate and explore this unusual metropolis on our own during our time in Venice. Introduction to Venice Tour We’ll begin the walk in Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square as its known in English, the most renowned public space in the city and, historically, its social and political focal point. While here, we’ll explore the basilica of Saint Mark, built as the private church of the Doge, which was created in the early 9th century after Venetian merchants plundered the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist from Alexandria—marking a symbolic turning point for a city that was beginning to dominate the Mediterranean. We’ll also dissect the exterior of the Doge's Palace, whose distinctive facade mixes architectural elements lifted from the Eastern tradition with Gothic designs. For a more in-depth analysis of this building, please consider our Doge's Palace Tour. Exiting from the square, we’ll get off the beaten track to the small canalside alleyways leading from St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge. Our guide will share stories of Venice’s rich history and point out examples of its unique architecture. We’ll take in the surrounding sestiere and a handful of churches, palaces, and public spaces that give evidence to the city's relationship with the East and its influences on architecture and daily life. As part of this, we may discuss Marco Polo’s reported ancestral home Corte del Milion, the trading center Fondaco dei Tedeschi, small clusters of Armenian homes and churches, and, finally, the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. We’ll end the tour understanding the layout of the city, the history of the Republic and some practical tips to use for the rest of our stay in Venice. For a deeper look at the built environment of Venice try our Venice Architecture Tour.

During this three-hour Venice Art Tour, we'll dive into the high Renaissance in the city and examine the work of Titian, Tintoretto, and other masters as they reflect this pivotal period in Venetian art. Along the way we'll visit two major monuments in Venice—the Scuola di San Rocco and the Basilica dei Frari. This is an excellent, in-depth tour for art lovers and works well in conjunction with our Early Renaissance Venice Art Tour. Venice Art Tour Part of the beauty of Venice is its wealth of art still in-situ—or, in place—rather than displayed in a museum. This allows us the opportunity to understand more fully the role and purpose of original works an opportunity we'll take advantage of on this Venice Art Tour, starting with the churches and scuole of the San Polo sestiere. The great scuole of Venice dominated public life, participating in lavish processions to proclaim the glory of the Republic and decorating their meeting halls with works by Venetian masters. The Scuola of San Rocco is no exception, with over 50 canvases painted by the 16th century master Tintoretto. His distinct style, most notable for his dramatic use of light, makes him him stand apart from many other Italian artists. We will spend a significant amount of time examining the art of Tintoretto, both in terms of style and in the context of the confraternity. For a broader look at Art in Venice, try our Accademia Gallery Tour. Not just satisfied to expound the glory of Venice through art, confraternities were also essential in performing charitable works, especially in times of plague. The Scuola of San Giovanni Evangelist, the second oldest confraternity in Venice, provides an architectural contrast to that of San Rocco, and one can still view a plaque describing the plague of 1348. Commissioning Masterpieces Proceeding just next door on our Venice Art Tour, the Chiesa dei Frari, built by the Franciscans, again reminds us of the importance of artistic commissions in the life of Renaissance Venetians and provides a microcosm of Venetian art and history from the 14th century onwards. The two important altarpieces by Titian contained in this church, The Assumption of Mary and the Madonna of Ca' Pesaro, would be reason enough to explore, and its further works by Bellini and Donatello only add to its value. Here we will be able to compare and contrast the work of Titian to his forefather, Giovanni Bellini, and with his successor, keeping in mind the work of Tintoretto Take Aways While focusing on the specific art viewed, we will also explore themes of social history, such as the role of the scuole in Venetian life, the effects of the plague, and the competition between artists for important commissions on our Venice Art Tour.

Your comprehensive introduction to Venice begins near St Mark’s Square with a two-hour guided walking tour highlighting the city’s important monuments. Follow your guide to the famous piazza and learn the history behind its landmarks, including the Byzantine architectural heritage of St Mark's Basilica and the adjoining prisons of Doge's Palace.
Visit the famed basilica of St Mark's with skip-the-line admission, without having to stand in long queues! At the Scuola di San Marco, learn about the medieval trade schools of Venice that provided the foundations for the great mercantile empire of Venice.
Leaving the crowds behind, enter a labyrinth of narrow passageways, alleys and meandering canals punctuated by delicate bridges as you further explore the enchanting city with your guide. Explore the lively Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its outstanding Gothic palaces, and view Marco Polo's house as well as an old merchant's warehouse and the city’s most beautiful wellhead.
Complete your walking tour near the Rialto Bridge, and enjoy free time before your boat tour of the Grand Canal begins. (Depending on the season, your boat tour will start between 4:00pm and 5:00pm. Your guide will provide details of the exact meeting location and time after the walking tour.)
Next, enjoy a relaxing one-hour cruise along the Grand Canal of Venice via water taxi. Along the way you will learn the history of the stunning palaces and churches that line the famous canal, as well as hear anecdotes about the famous people who have resided on Venice's most important ‘street.’ During the second half of your boat tour, discover the minor canals of Venice and soak up the romantic atmosphere.
Please note: St Mark's Basilica is free of charge to enter and we guarantee that you'll skip any long lines as part of this tour. Venice is subject to flash floods and occasionally the Basilica is closed to the public (without notice) because of high water or festivities.

Choose from one of four start times when you book and, on the day, make your own way to the gondola pier near Santa Maria del Giglio Square in central Venice.
When you’re ready, be shown onto your shared gondola by a traditionally dressed gondolier. Each gondola seats six people, and your craft will be just one of a group of around eight gondolas that will cruise the canals together as a flotilla. A singer will board one of the gondolas in the flotilla and will serenade your group of shared gondolas as you waft along the waters.

Sit back on your seat and soak up the gorgeous scenes as your gondola bobs along some of Venice’s prettiest waterways. Dip into romantic side canals and drift along a stretch of the Grand Canal past exquisite mansions and landmarks such as the Palazzo Barberino.
Enjoy the dulcet tones and melodies of the singer traveling with your flotilla as the notes drift through the air around your gondola. Lose yourself in the Italian songs as you watch for top Venice attractions including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum, the stunning marble bridge designed by one of the finest Italian architects of the 16th century – Anthony da Ponte.

After around 30 minutes of gliding along and around the Grand Canal, return to the start pier where your gondola ride finishes.

Venice: Multiple-venue Museum Cards Looking to see the sights and museums of Venice? Choose the museum pass that is right for you! San Marco Square Pass: This pass includes the Doge's Palace, Museo Correr, Archaeological Museums and the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. This pass is ideal for the traveler who only has a day or two to spend in Venice. Museums Pass: For the traveler who has more time to explore Venice's treasures, the Venice Museums Pass is the right choice. This pass includes all of the San Marco Museums plus the Murano Glass Factory, Burano Lace Factory, Ca'Rezzonico, Palazzo Mocenigo, Carlo Goldoni's house, Ca' Pesaro and the Museum of Natural History - 11 great museums in all!

Please find below a short description of each site:

Doge's Palace The official house of government throughout most of Venice's Ducal history, the Doge's Palace has both historical and artistic appeal. The rooms of the palace are decorated by Venetian artists, such as Titian, Tiepolo, Veronese and Tintoretto.

Museo Correr The museum of Venetian History includes displays collections of armory and Venice's Naval History. The Correr also houses an impressive collection of Canova's sculptures.

Museo Archeologico The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Venezia houses one of the most important collections of ancient Greek sculpture, including the famed statue of Leda and the Swan. The museum also displays ceramics, bronzes, gems and coins.

Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana The Biblioteca Marciana was designed by Jacopo Sansovia to house Greek and Latin codices donated to the Republic in 1468. The Monumental Rooms of the library now display the original edifice by Zecca, precious and rare manuscripts, and artwork by Tiziano, Veronese and Tintoretto.

Ca' Rezzonico This palace along the Grand Canal features 18th century Venetian paintings, including works by Luonghi, Tiepolo and Canaletto.

Palazzo Mocenigo The palazzo at San Stae is dedicated to a collection of 18th century furnishings and painting, and houses the Center for Textiles and Costumes.

House of Carlo Goldini Birthplace of the famous poet, Carlo Goldini, the Palazzo Centani now displays Venetian theatrical memorabilia and is home of the puppet theater from Ca'Grimani ai Servi. The palazzo also houses a large library of theatrical manuscripts and materials.

Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art Palazzo Pesaro exhibits collections of 19th and 20th century paintings and sculpture by artists such as Klimt, Chagall, Matisse, and Kandinsky.

Murano Glass Museum The Glass Museum, located in the Palazzo Giustiniani, displays both archaeological glass and a historical glass collection which shows the many eras of Murano glass production.

Burano Lace Museum Displays detail the evolution of Venice's famous lace-making school and feature examples of exceptional quality.

Museum of Natural History The palace of the Fontego dei Turchi, center of the Natural History Museum, was erected in the first half of the XIII century by the Pesaro family. The name is derived from the short period during which the building was the center of trade (Fontego = fondaco, warehouse) and diplomatic work between the Ottoman Empire and Venice.

This walking tour is a perfect way to get to know Venice, both as a must-do introductory city tour for new visitors, as well as for anyone interested in the city’s history. After meeting your expert guide near St Mark’s Square, you'll take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Venice, learning about its colorful past through its most characteristic and iconic attractions along with its lesser-known sites.
The tour is composed of two parts and allows you to discover the lesser-known places of Venice and to try a means of transport found only in the city!
Starting with a walking tour of the city, you will explore the area around Piazza San Marco and Rialto Bridge. Learn about the top attractions and stop for photos in front of Venice's cultural centerpieces such as Teatro la Fenice, Scala del Bovolo and Rialto Bridge.
Your guide will determine the exact itinerary, depending on the day.
After your walking tour get ready to hop aboard a classic gondola boat (for up to 6 people) and enjoy a 35-minute ride through the famous Grand Canal (Salute area) as well as the smaller canals around the neighborhood of Fenice. As you glide along the Grand Canal, marvel at the glamorous bank-side palaces and churches and hear tales about how it became Venice's most important thoroughfare. The gondola ride ends by disembarking at Vallaresso Station in Dogana.
Please note: Venice walking tour does not include entry to the monuments

Your Venice walking tour starts at an iconic Venice attraction -- the elegant Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) -- a favorite sight for many and the oldest bridge in Venice. From this beautiful marble landmark you'll head off with your guide, listening to fascinating anecdotes and stories about the city as you walk.
Pass Marco Polo's house, and hear tales of this popular Venetian explorer and his seafaring adventures. You'll walk through lively Venice squares, including Campo San Luca and Campo SS Giovanni Paolo, and see locals going about their daily business shadowed by the city’s historic structures of varying architectural styles.
Next visit St Mark's Square, a highlight of any trip to Venice. As you stroll around this must-see square, you'll see Doge's Palace with its distinctive, white-limestone facade. Giancomo Casanova, Venice's legendary lover, was once held captive in the palace’s prison.
Continue to St Mark's Basilica, a place of worship that's often considered the finest example of Byzantine architecture in the world. Skip the long lines outside the basilica for a rare tour of its second level and terraces. Be sure to bring your camera to capture views of the bustling piazza below!
Upgrade to a Semi Private:
Keen to see all these Venice sights in a small-group of no more than 10 people, and enjoy a Grand Canal water taxi ride? Then upgrade and hop aboard a luxury water taxi and see the delights of Venice's Grand Canal on a 1-hour sightseeing tour. Follow this with a small-group walking tour, seeing all the sights listed in the standard tour plus Bovolo Staircase and Goldoni Theatre.
Upgrade to include a tour of Doge's Palace:
More time to spend? Upgrade to include a 1.5-tour of Doge's Palace. Enjoy skip-the-line access and a guided tour of the palace's ornately decorated public rooms. See incredible Renaissance art, including ceiling frescos by Tintoretto and the Veronese masterpiece Virtues of the Republic. As you walk through the Trial Chambers of the Council of Ten, see the corner of the room where accusations of treachery were passed to the secret service. Your Doge's Palace tour ends at the palace's Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), named to signify prisoners’ weary sighs as they caught their last sight of beautiful Venice.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Auronzo di Cadore, Province of Belluno, Veneto

Enjoy an optional easy walk or sit at the rifugio and enjoy the view of this spectacular mountain range -

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Lago di Misurina, Auronzo di Cadore, Province of Belluno, Veneto

Enjoy an easy walk around the lake or stop by a cafe' and enjoy the view of this magnificent lake

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ufficio Informazioni Turistiche Cortina d'Ampezzo, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Province of Belluno, Veneto

Enjoy some free time to wander around this picturesque and famous mountain village

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Lago di Braies, Braies, Province of South Tyrol, Trentino-Alto Adige

Enjoy an optional walk around the lake or sit down at one the cafes by the lake and take in the magnificent view ( season visit - we visit this lake when the tre Cime di Lavaredo is closed (from Nov until mid May )

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Escursioune Estiva - Sesto - San Candido, San Candido, Province of South Tyrol, Trentino-Alto Adige

Spend some time in this charming village close to the border with Austria . Set in beautiful Val Pusteria , it has the typical south Tirolean atmosphere ( seasonal visit - we visit San Candido when the Tre Cime di Lavaredo is closed from Nov until mid May )

Duration: 1 hour

Likely to Sell-out! Serenaded gondola rides on the canals of Venice regularly sell out weeks in advance. Book ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Settle into your comfortable seat aboard a six-person, 36-foot (11-meter) gondola and be captivated by the glamour and elegance of Venice as you glide through the city’s canals! Reminiscent of a time when gondolas were regularly used by upper class Venetians to traverse the canals, about 500 of the tapered wooden boats exist today, reduced from approximately 10,000 that filled the waterways a couple hundred years ago.
Departing in the afternoon or evening, drift along the Grand Canal and watch as the eye-catching palaces and churches, which line the famous channel, pass by. Your licensed gondolier – wearing classic black pants and striped shirt – will stand and expertly row with one oar through the busy watercourse throughout your 30-minute ride. A musician and a singer will also stand on board one of the boats in your flotilla to accompany your romantic journey with music and a serenade.
Admire other ornately decorated gondolas along the Grand Canal and soak up the quiet atmosphere as you float through Venice’s less crowded, narrow inner canals. At the end of the gondola ride, disembark at Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, one of the most famous
piazzas (squares) in Venice.
From here, follow directions to Hostaria Ai Coristi Restaurant, located behind San Fantin Church near La Fenice Theater, for a two-course meal (choice fish or meat dishes), with a glass of house wine, water and coffee.
Please note that you can combine the 3:30pm tour with your choice of lunch (to be taken before the gondola serenade between noon and 3pm) or with dinner (to be taken between 7pm and 9pm).

Unlike a gondola ride, this Grand Canal boat tour takes you through many diverse areas of the city for a thorough introduction to the city of Venice. Step foot on your boat near St Mark’s Square, admiring St Mark’s Basilica and Doge's Palace along with other landmarks as you disembark. While you ride, you'll learn about the origins and evolution of the Grand Canal, Venice's most important 'street.’
Marvel at the stunning palaces and churches that line the famous Venetian canal as you pass by squares like Campo Santa Maria Formosa that contain Gothic palaces and churches, like the magnificent San Giovanni e Paolo. Your guide will enlighten your group about Venetian architecture as well as the trade schools of Venice – such as the Scuola Grande di San Marco – that provided the foundations for the mercantile empire to flourish.
Then, take a fascinating journey through Venice’s minor canals to see parts of the city that are seldom visited by tourists. Take in the charming ambiance as you float through these less crowded canals. The boats are small enough to navigate the narrow canals, with enough space for you to comfortably sit outside to take photographs and listen to the detailed commentary provided by your guide. All boats are equipped with microphones and speakers so you can clearly hear the information.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Zani Viaggi Day Tours, Milan, Lombardy

Departure from Zani Viaggi , Milan Visitor Center in Largo Cairoli

Pass By: Canal Grande, Veneto

Experience the beauty and glory of Venice, with its gondolas, exotic architecture and puzzling canals. On this day trip, Venice is yours to discover by boat and on foot. While in Venice you'll enjoy a boat trip across the Venice lagoon.

Stop At: Piazza San Marco, Veneto

Take a two-hour guided walking tour where you will uncover the most significant buildings and monuments, untying the labyrinth of canals and narrow alleys until you arrive at the magnificent St. Mark's Square.

Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Ponte di Rialto, Veneto

Admire the breathtaking view from Rialto Bridge, one of the oldest bridges spanning the Grand Canal.

Choose from various departure times when you book. Then, when the time comes, start your skip-the-line walking tour near St Mark’s Square where your knowledgeable guide will introduce you to the history of Venice and its famous square — the city’s social, religious and political hub for centuries.
As you walk around, learn why the first Venetians settled on what were unpropitious marshy islands, and how, through its mercantile wealth, ‘La Serenissima’ as it was known grew to become one of the world’s mightiest maritime powers. Ogle the ornate architecture as your guide explains the buildings before you, and then admire the marbled exterior of St Mark’s Basilica.
Skip the lines at the entrance, and marvel at the opulent interior. Behold the gleaming mosaics and statues and learn why the Basilica is considered a masterpiece of Italian-Byzantine architecture.
Next, set off into the quieter, lesser-known Venice of small canal walkways and campi (squares), unseen by many visitors. See the Querini and Stampalia art museum (exterior only) and discover hidden squares, bridges and loggia-fronted Gothic and Renaissance palaces. Learn how the floors of the palaces had specific uses and hear stories about daily life in the city during the days of the Venetian Republic.
Visit the squares of Santa Maria Formosa and Santa Marina, and look round the Il Milione courtyards named after Marco Polo’s ‘Il Milione’, the Venetian explorer’s personal accounts of his far eastern travels. Wander onto the Marco Polo Bridge and see the stone plaque that marks what was once his family house.
After around two hours, walk back to the Grand Canal where your tour ends near the Rialto Bridge.
Please note: On rare occasions, St Mark’s Basilica is closed without notice due to religious festivities or high water in Venice.

Meet your ghost-expert guide near the Rialto Bridge and set off on your 1.5-hour walking tour to discover Venice’s haunted corners.
As darkness descends and the crowds of the day disappear, you will feel as if you have Venice to yourself, with only the sounds of lapping water and your group’s echoing footsteps to accompany you.
Step down narrow passageways, trace silent canals and roam empty squares as your guide recounts six intriguing ghost stories and legends. Hear about the apparitions that stalk the city’s medieval palaces, listen to tales of strange sea creatures and shiver at the story of Venice’s 15th-century butcher, Biasio, who murdered children and added their limbs to his tasty stews.
Walk over flagstones that hide ancient underground cemeteries and delve down sidestreets to stumble across architectural follies such as the Fortuny Palace and Bovolo Staircase, an ornate stone spiral staircase. Hear ghostly tales about the staircase and how it enabled a medieval nobleman to climb to his living quarters on horseback.
Delve into one of the city’s last secret passages (access subject to water levels) and, as you walk, hear dark tales of the lover who used the alley to visit his married lover under cover of night.
Then, feel your blood run cold in the Calle dei Assassini, a shadowy street once frequented by killers and criminals, as your guide recounts the brutal murders that took place here.
After around 1.5 hours, make your way back to the Rialto Bridge, where your tour finishes.

When booking your private tour, choose from five departure times, which range from the morning to late afternoon, and let your guide know what you want to see. Your guide will devise a flexible itinerary to suit your preferences.
On the day of your tour, meet your guide in central Venice at your selected time, then set off to explore. If you’re staying near St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), you might choose to view some of Venice’s stunning churches, such as the Church of San Zaccaria and Santa Maria Formosa Church, before entering the bustling Rialto Fish Market to see what’s been hauled in from the Venetian lagoon.
While your guide will not be able to accompany you into churches or other historical buildings, they will be able to share interesting facts and stories with you as you wander around Venice. Toward the end of the tour, call into a traditional Venetian bar. Relax as you sip on a glass of wine and munch on an appetizer, while chatting with your private guide.
After three hours, the tour concludes at the original departure point.
Please note: St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica of San Marco) and Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) cannot be visited on this tour. Churches may also be inaccessible on Sunday mornings when religious ceremonies are taking place.

Head to Campo San Luca in central Venice either during the day or at night – whatever time suits you best – and then hop aboard your elegant gondola boat. With just your group (2-4 people maximum) on board, plus your own gondolier, your boat will glide away into the waters of the Grand Canal.
Once the main form of transport around the beautiful water-logged city of Venice, gondolas have more or less been replaced by the vaporetti (water buses) for getting quickly around. But nothing beats a pleasant glide around Venice by traditional gondola boat, passing the city’s Gothic palazzos and elegant bridges at a gentle pace.
Look out at the hustle and bustle of the ancient Grand Canal, seeing vaporetti, water taxis and other gondolas passing by, and then cruise along some of the quieter canals that act as side streets through the city. Sit back and relax as your gondolier serenades you with a song, and soak up the romantic atmosphere of Venice from the canals.
After 35 minutes out on the water, glide back to the start point where your gondola ride finishes.

The boat stops include:
• Piazzale Roma
• Carlton
• Sabbioni
• S.S. Apostoli
• Rialto
• San Vio, Trinita
• S.Marco, S.Zaccaria
• S.Maria Elisabetta
• Sant'Angelo and Hotel Dei Dogi (for guests staying in this hotel, Residenza Cannaregio or Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente).The boat will alter its route (where possible) to drop you at the most convenient stop available to your Venice Hotel. This service is available for minimum 2 travelers. It must be pre-booked at least 48 hours prior to arrival and cannot be arranged when you arrive so get in early and book online today.
When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Venice hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed within 24 hours and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. It's easy.
Passengers are advised that this is a shared transfer and you may be required to wait up to 30 minutes before transferring to your water taxi and onto Venice stops.

Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a private transfer so you will receive personalized attention and your motorboat is guaranteed to have no more than 6 passengers onboard.
You can choose from 2 different transfer options:
Meet and Greet service: Representative will meet you at the arrival terminal and take you to the pier embarkation point for your private motorboat arrival transfer.
• Full Service: Representative will meet you at the arrival terminal and stay with you until you arrive at your hotel.When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Venice city hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed at the time of booking and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the representitive. Your driver will drop you at the most convenient stop available to your Venice hotel. It's that easy!
For an unforgettable, stress-free arrival in Venice, book a private motorboat transfer.
This transfer does not service Mestre hotels.
Due to the Hotel Marriot location (Isola delle Rose), transfer to/from this Hotel are subjected to a surcharge of €20, payable on spot
Price is per person, based on 6 adults per car/vehicle.

Whether you’re traveling individually, as a couple or in a group, your ground transport needs are covered by this shared transport service by water taxi from central Venice and Venice Lido to Venice Marco Polo Airport.

When your time in the city comes to an end, simply board your shared water taxi at the nearest of the 11 boat stops (see Itinerary for a list of stops) to your hotel in either central Venice or Venice Lido at a prearranged time. Then, relax into the comfortable boat and soak up your last, wonderful views of the glorious city from the water as you’re whisked to the airport.

To make a booking, you will need to advise your flight details as well as your Venice accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. Approximately 24 - 48 hours prior to your departure from Venice, you will be required to reconfirm exact pickup time and place (the contact number will be provided on your travel voucher).