Group: Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride

About the Tour:

Great for those with limited time to explore the Floating City, this 1.5-hour tour lets you visit some of Venice’s “greatest hits”—including Piazza San Marco, Basilica San Marco, and several other historic landmarks around the city's central square—capped off with an atmospheric gondola ride.

What We Love About This Tour:

• Marveling at the extravagant onion domes, gilded mosaics, and bronze sculptures of the Basilica San Marco—and the vast, arcade-lined square it presides over
• Learning about the other historic landmarks of the San Marco district, including its clock tower and Palazzo Ducale
• Floating through Venice’s canals in the most authentic way: aboard a traditional gondola
  
  

Tour Itinerary:

Stop 1: Basilica San Marco
After meeting your group, you'll first visit Venice’s monumental and stunning centerpiece: St. Mark’s Basilica. Completed in the 2nd century, the cathedral’s exterior—topped by five glorious Byzantine domes, and fronted by massive, elaborate arches and statuary (including the four life-sized bronze horse sculptures known as the Horses of St. Mark)—is dazzling. But, as you'll learn from your guide, the stories of how these structures were created are just as extraordinary.

Stop 2: San Marco District
Your group will spend the next hour or so exploring the other historic landmarks around the lovely San Marco district. You'll learn about the other significant buildings surrounding the piazza—including the Palazzo Ducale, the graceful bell and clock towers, and the stately Procuratie Vecchie (once the offices of high state officials). Wandering further afield, you'll also get to see the family home of Marco Polo, and learn about his history-making adventures.

Stop 3: Gondola Ride
Your tour will culminate with an idyllic, half-hour gondola ride through some of the city's main canals. As well as providing a unique vantage point over some of the Floating City's most beautiful landmarks; these narrow boats also give you a sense of how Venetians have traveled through their hometown since the 12th century.

Not Included:

• Entry to Basilica San Marco or other landmarks visited
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Gratuities

Important to Know:

• Please be sure to arrive at the tour departure point 15 minutes before the starting time. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, and missed tours or tickets will not be refunded.
• Unfortunately, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour.

Important to Bring:

• Good walking shoes. This tour includes several sets of stairs and bridges.
• A hat, sunscreen, and bottled water. Many parts of the walking tour are not shaded.