Venice: Grand Canal Private Walking Tour & Optional Gondola

Unlock the secrets of Venice's captivating old town on a private walking tour along the Grand Canal, with the option to glide through its historic waterways in a gondola.

Venice is a captivating city that draws visitors from around the world. The Grand Canal Private Walking Tour offers a chance to explore its enchanting old town, passing iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square. Opt for a gondola ride through the historic waterways to enhance the experience. This personalized tour provides an immersive glimpse into the beauty and charm that make Venice a bucket-list destination. What secrets might its winding streets reveal?

Key Points

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  • A private walking tour exploring Venice’s Old Town and Grand Canal, starting at the iconic Rialto Bridge and ending at St. Mark’s Square.
  • Highlights include passing through scenic campos (squares) and offering stunning views from the Ponte dell’Accademia over the Grand Canal.
  • An optional 30-minute shared gondola ride is available to provide a unique perspective of Venice’s historic waterways.
  • The tour is personalized with commentary in multiple languages and is highly rated by customers, with special praise for the guide Cinzia.
  • The tour logistics include a meeting point in front of Hotel Savoia and Jolanda, and comfortable shoes are recommended due to the walking involved.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Venice’s Old Town and Grand Canal

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Visitors begin their exploration of Venice’s Old Town and Grand Canal at the iconic Rialto Bridge, a famous landmark that connects the San Marco and San Polo districts.

From there, they’ll stroll through the city’s winding streets, passing by charming Campo Manin, Campo Sant’Angelo, and Campo Santo Stefano.

Strolling through Venice’s winding streets, visitors pass by charming Campo Manin, Campo Sant’Angelo, and Campo Santo Stefano.

The tour then leads them to the Ponte dell’Accademia, offering stunning views over the Grand Canal.

The journey culminates at St. Mark’s Square, where travelers can admire the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and Bell Tower, two of Venice’s most iconic attractions.

Major Attractions: St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace

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During the walking tour, visitors explore three of Venice’s most iconic attractions: St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, and Doge’s Palace.

  • St. Mark’s Square, the city’s main public square, is home to the grand St. Mark’s Basilica with its Byzantine architecture and glittering gold mosaics.

  • The iconic Rialto Bridge, one of the most famous bridges over the Grand Canal, offers stunning views and is a popular spot for photos.

  • The Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Venetian ruler, impresses with its ornate Venetian Gothic style and lavish interiors.

The Optional Gondola Ride

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Along With the walking tour, the experience offers an optional 30-minute shared gondola ride along the canals.

The gondola ride provides a unique perspective of Venice, allowing visitors to glide through the historic waterways. An audio guide is available via mobile app to enhance the experience.

However, gondoliers don’t allow eating or drinking in the gondolas. The gondola ride is a popular addition to the overall tour, providing a quintessential Venetian experience for an additional fee.

Guests can choose to include the gondola ride when booking the Grand Canal walking tour.

Private Guided Walking Tour

The private guided walking tour allows visitors to explore Venice’s Old Town and the iconic Grand Canal in depth.

The tour starts at the famous Rialto Bridge, connecting the districts of San Marco and San Polo. Participants will stroll through the city’s winding streets, passing by:

  • Campo Manin

  • Campo Sant’Angelo

  • Campo Santo Stefano

The tour culminates at St. Mark’s Square, where guests can admire the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica and Bell Tower.

The private guide provides commentary in multiple languages, delivering an immersive and personalized experience for travelers.

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Walking Tour Details

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The tour starts at the iconic Rialto Bridge, which connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo.

From there, guests stroll through the winding streets, passing by Campo Manin, Campo Sant’Angelo, and Campo Santo Stefano.

The tour makes a stop at the Ponte dell’Accademia, offering stunning views over the Grand Canal.

The walking tour culminates at St. Mark’s Square, where guests can admire the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and Bell Tower.

The private guided walking tour allows visitors to explore Venice’s Old Town and the iconic Grand Canal at their own pace with an expert guide.

Gondola Ride Information

An optional 30-minute shared gondola ride with commentary is available for those interested in experiencing this iconic Venetian mode of transportation.

Audio guides are provided via a mobile app to enhance the experience. Gondoliers don’t allow eating or drinking in the gondolas, ensuring a clean and comfortable ride.

  • Audio guide available via mobile app for gondola tour

  • Gondoliers don’t allow eating or drinking in gondolas

  • 30-minute shared gondola ride with commentary

Additional Tour Details

Customers will meet the tour at the designated meeting point in front of Hotel Savoia and Jolanda, avoiding the need to enter the hotel. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking through Venice’s winding streets. The overall rating for this tour is 5/5 based on customer reviews, with special praise for the guide, Cinzia, for providing excellent service.

| Attraction | Duration | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| St. Mark’s Square | N/A | Admire St. Mark’s Basilica and Bell Tower |

| Rialto Bridge | N/A | Connect San Marco to San Polo |

| Grand Canal | N/A | Enjoy views over the iconic waterway |

| Gondola Ride | 30 minutes | Optional shared ride with commentary |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can book their spot and pay nothing today, allowing for flexibility in their travel plans.

Can I Reserve the Tour and Pay Later?

Yes, you can reserve the tour and pay later. The tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, which allows you to book your spot without paying anything upfront.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price of $183.29 per person applies to all adult participants, regardless of age. There are no special rates available for this walking tour and optional gondola ride.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Gondola?

No, gondoliers do not allow eating or drinking in the gondolas. The tour information specifically states that gondoliers "do not allow eating or drinking in gondolas." Bringing your own food and drinks is not permitted on this gondola ride.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Russian. Guests can expect a live tour guide in their preferred language during the walking tour portion of the experience.

The Sum Up

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Explore the enchanting beauty of Venice on this private walking tour. Discover the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, and enjoy stunning views of the Grand Canal. For a truly memorable experience, opt for a shared gondola ride through the historic waterways. This immersive tour offers an in-depth look at the charm and history of this remarkable Italian city.

You can check availability for your dates here: