This tour provides the perfect introduction to Venice. You will explore the two sides of Venice; start in St Marks Square, the large piazza which is the heart of Venice and continue to explore the intricate, narrow and winding back streets of Venice.
The first stop for many visitors to Venice is Piazza San Marco. This large square is at the very heart of the city and is home to the famous Basilica di San Marco and the distinctive pink and white Doges Palace.
You will also explore the back streets of Venice, the narrow alleyways are home to beautiful canals, churches and piazzas that enthrall visitors. One of those you will visit was the home of Marco Polo, while there you will learn more about the famous explorer.
To complete your Venice sightseeing board your motor launch for a cruise along Venice’s canals. You will cruise down the bustling Grand Canal as well as some of the smaller canals.
- Tour information
- Activity schedule
- Itinerary
When does it run?
01 Apr 13 - 16 Nov 13: Monday - Saturday; 1110h (11:10am) & Sunday; 1400h (2:00pm)
17 Nov 13 - 09 Mar 14: Tuesday, Friday & Saturday; 1110h (11:10am)
10 Mar 14 - 31 Mar 14: Monday - Saturday; 1110h (11:10am) & Sunday; 1400h (2:00pm)
Duration
Approx. 3 hours
Start time
01 Apr 13 - 16 Nov 13: 1110h (11:10am) & 1400h (2:00pm)
17 Nov 13 - 09 Mar 14: 1110h (11:10am)
10 Mar 14 - 31 Mar 14: 1110h (11:10am) & 1400h (2:00pm)
Meeting point
Tour departs from the entrance to the Royal Gardens, located along the waterfront on St Marks Square (From St. Marks facing the Basilica turn right and walk towards the open water. At the two giant columns facing the water turn right, and following the line of trees after a 100 metres you will come to the entrance of the Royal Gardens where your guide will be waiting holding a sign with your tour name written on it).
Please report at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start time. This is mandatory to allow time for pre-departure briefing.
See on map
Ending point
The tour ends at St Marks Square
- Tour information
- Activity schedule
- Itinerary
The tour starts from the entrance to the Royal Gardens on the water front of St. Mark’s square. Accompanied by a guide you will set out on your walking tour which introduces many of the most exciting sights of Venice.
In St Marks Square see the Doges Palace and the adjoining prisons and listen as your guide will tell you the fascinating stories behind these buildings.
Then enjoy a guided tour of the interior of St Marks Basilica. Skip the line entrance to the Basilica and make the most of your time. This grand building dominates St Marks Square and is one of the most iconic structures in Venice.
Walk through the Labyrinth of backstreets, alleys and narrow passages forming the hidden side of Venice, which many tourists never see.
Move on to explore the dynamic Campo Santa Maria Formosa with its splendid Gothic Palaces. Learn about the renowned trade schools of Venice which laid the foundations of the great mercantile empire at the Scuola di San Marco. The sights with enriching historical narrations enlighten you on how illustrious Venetians, the likes of Marco Polo, and more common citizens made this stone city a lively and magical place. Visit Marco Polo's House and enjoy tales of this legendary globe-trotting Venetian.
Praise the Church of San Giovanni e Paolo "the Pantheon of Venice", enter an old merchant's warehouse and see the most beautiful well-head in Venice before finishing the tour near the Rialto bridge. Discover how Venice is at present and how it feels to live in the world’s most unique city, though not the most practical.
Board a private motor launch for the next part of your tour. Enjoy a soothing and rewarding Grand Canal cruise. Discover the history and stories about the magnificent churches and palaces lining its banks, as well as a few anecdotes on Venice's most significant street where the famous people resided.
Your tour ends at St Marks Square.