Essential Venice, Private Tour: 2 hour small group walking tour

If you only have one day to spend in Venice and you don't want to miss any of the major sights or waste time standing in long lines then book our Essential Venice 2 hour walking tour. Option: End the tour with a private gondola ride!

Get a private tour to take you on a meticulously planned walking tour of Venice’s top sights in the company of a professional and local guide.

Never wait in a line, and see St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace from outside only. Enjoy the privileges of a carefully planned Essential Venice tour so that you don’t miss any of the sights because of crowds.

Learn about the different sestieri (districts), meet some of Venice’s influential rulers, see evidence of its maritime past and discover the prestigious role of the all-important procurators of San Marco.

Learn about some of the best-known sights in Venice including the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square.

You’ll hear about some of the magnificent artworks that grace the Accademia, learn about the origins of Venetian masks that are still worn at Carnevale, understand how the Bridge of Sighs got its name, and stand spellbound before some of the world’s most outstanding ecclesiastical artworks.

See the splendid St Mark’s Basilica from outside, and also hear the story behind the Roman bronze statues of the Horses of Saint Mark. Then, escape the thronging crowds that fill St Mark’s Plaza and dive down lesser-known alleyways to emerge in peaceful plazas lined with faded grandeur.

Stroll along little-known backstreets of “real” Venice observing local life and soak up the atmosphere in secret tree-lined squares bordered by charming pavement cafés.

Finish the tour with a 30-minute private gondola ride (your guide will help you organize it but tickets are not included because of the variety of choices).