Best of Venice walking tour with St. Mark's Basilica and gondola ride
If you are only in Venice for a short time, The Best of Venice tour is the right choice for you. You will get an authentic experience of Venice as you wander the streets and piazzas with you English-speaking guide. There is no better way to uncover the mysteries behind this enchanting city in a relaxed atmosphere and at your own pace.
This tour starts at one of Venice’s best-known landmarks, the Rialto Bridge. Then, you will walk through the winding streets and over the tiny bridges of Venice diving into the heart of the city. You will visit Marco Polo’s house and hear about the Venetian son who went on a voyage and came back with stories of China - a world in the East that few had ever seen. You will experience the lively piazzas of Campo SS Giovanni e Paolo and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, where the Renaissance buildings and modern structures tell the eclectic story of the city’s development. You will also visit Doge’s Palace where you will marvel over ceilings frescoed by Tintoretto. This is where ambassadors waited nervously in this very spot for an audience with the Doge in the Hall of Four Doors and where you will see Chamber of the Council of Ten where many dark secrets lay.
As your tour continues you will pass by the famous Bridge of Sighs and head to St. Mark’s Square. Here you will get to skip the long lines and go inside St. Mark’s Basilica. See the mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica from up close and marvel at the diversity of Venetian culture as your guide points out the spots where eastern architecture and western design have blended to create an onion dome. Rarely included on guided tours you will have time to go to the terraces, which offer beautiful views over the piazza and wonderful photo opportunities! Your group will be no larger than 24 people to ensure your visit is comfortable and your guide easy to interact with.
Next, our representative will accompany you to the Gondola Station, where you’ll begin our 30-minute gondola tour (shared with no commentary) of the waterways with a real local gondoliere.
