We can’t think of a better way to experience the enchanting beauty of Venice than with this private walking tour and gondola ride. Exploring the city’s iconic landmarks like Piazza San Marco and Doge’s Palace with a knowledgeable local guide provides fascinating historical insights. And the convenience of a prearranged gondola ride offers a unique perspective of Venice’s picturesque canals. With flexible start times and personalized attention, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the city’s rich heritage. Let’s dive in and discover why this is a must-do activity for any visitor to Venice.
Key Points

- Guided walking tour of historical highlights in Venice, including Piazza San Marco and Doge’s Palace.
- Prearranged gondola ride to avoid haggling and provide a unique perspective of the city’s canals and architecture.
- Personalized attention from a knowledgeable local guide with flexible start times available throughout the day.
- Accessible tour with stroller-friendly options, but not wheelchair accessible.
- Positive reviews for knowledgeable guides and informative tours, with some feedback on tour duration and gondola ride length.
Tour Overview

The "Venice Highlights with Local: Private Walking Tour & Gondola Ride" offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Priced from $127.25 per person, this 2.5-hour tour combines a private guided walking excursion and a prearranged gondola ride.
Explore highlights like Piazza San Marco and Doge’s Palace with a knowledgeable guide, who’ll provide personalized attention.
The tour’s flexibility allows you to select your preferred start time throughout the day.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.
An access fee may apply for certain dates for non-Venetian visitors.
Into exploring Venice on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at
Inclusions and Highlights

This private tour includes both a guided walking exploration of Venice’s historical highlights and a prearranged gondola ride, allowing us to avoid the hassle of haggling with local gondoliers.
During the walking portion, we’ll visit iconic sites like Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace, with a knowledgeable guide providing personalized attention and insights.
The gondola ride offers a relaxing and unique perspective of the city’s canals and architecture.
With flexible start times available throughout the day, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to experience the highlights of Venice.
Meeting Point and Accessibility
The meeting point for this Venice Highlights tour is Campo San Luca, near the H&M store.
We’ve provided the exact Google Maps location to make it easy to find.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.
The tour is near public transportation, so it’s convenient to get to.
Most travelers can participate, though there may be a €5 access fee for certain dates if you’re staying outside of Venice.
Just keep these accessibility details in mind when planning your visit.
Guided Walking Tour Experience
A private guided walking tour is included in this Venice Highlights experience, allowing us to visit the historical highlights of the city. Our knowledgeable guide will lead us through iconic locations like Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace, sharing their passion and expertise about the rich history and culture of Venice.
| Tour Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Piazza San Marco | Explore the famous St. Mark’s Square and its surrounding architecture. |
| Doge’s Palace | Marvel at the impressive Venetian Gothic-style Doge’s Palace. |
| Personalized Attention | Enjoy the benefits of a private tour with a dedicated guide. |
| Historical Insights | Learn about Venice’s storied past from an informed local expert. |
| Flexibility | Choose from flexible start times to fit your schedule. |
Prearranged Gondola Ride

Alongside the guided walking tour, this Venice Highlights experience includes a prearranged gondola ride. This saves you from haggling with local gondoliers and ensures a seamless experience.
The highlights of the gondola ride include:
- Gliding through the serene Venice canals at a leisurely pace
- Admiring the stunning Renaissance architecture from the water’s perspective
- Enjoying the tranquility and romance of the gondola ride experience
- Avoiding the hassle of arranging the gondola ride on your own
- Maximizing your time in Venice by having everything pre-organized
This convenient and prearranged gondola ride complements the guided walking tour, providing a well-rounded exploration of Venice’s highlights.
Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Venice
- Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat
- Dolomite Mountains and Cortina Semi Private Day Trip From Venice
- Venice Private Arrival Transfer by Water Taxi: Cruise Port to Central Venice
- The History of Venice: San Marco Highlights Private Tour
- St Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip the Line – Semi-Private
- Venice Private Photoshoot – Walk,Pose,Repeat!
Flexibility in Tour Scheduling

With the flexibility to select start times throughout the day, we can choose a tour that best fits our schedule and preferences.
This allows us to explore Venice’s highlights at a time that works for us, whether it’s early morning, mid-day, or afternoon.
The tour’s flexible scheduling ensures we can make the most of our time in the city, without feeling rushed or constrained.
Whether we’re early risers or prefer a leisurely pace, the tour’s adaptability means we can tailor the experience to our individual needs and enjoy the sights at our own pace.
Reviews and Feedback

The reviews and feedback for this Venice highlights tour provide valuable insights into the overall experience.
Travelers offer praise for the knowledgeable and passionate guides, as well as the informative tours and great gondola rides.
However, some common issues include:
- Tour duration not aligning with expectations
- Gondola ride length not meeting anticipated length
- Communication challenges with the guide
To improve the tour, visitors suggest clearer meeting point instructions and better gondola ride experiences.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this Venice highlights tour. Travelers have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts at no additional cost. A Reserve Now, Pay Later option is also available, allowing you to secure your spot without an upfront payment.
| Booking Details | |
|---|---|
| Confirmation | At time of booking |
| Cancellation | Up to 24 hours before |
| Payment Method | Reserve Now, Pay Later |
| Tour Operator | Yo Tours |
The tour is operated by Yo Tours, so you can book with confidence knowing the experience is managed by a reputable provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
While it’s generally acceptable to bring our own snacks and drinks, we recommend checking with the tour operator beforehand to ensure it aligns with their policies. Staying hydrated and fueled can enhance our enjoyment of the tour experience.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Students?
Unfortunately, the tour provider doesn’t seem to offer any discounts for children or students. The price is a flat rate per person regardless of age or student status. We’d recommend checking with the company directly to see if any promotions are available.
Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Interests?
Yes, you can customize the tour to focus on your specific interests. Just let the tour operator know what you’d like to prioritize, and they’ll be happy to tailor the experience to your preferences.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Headphones for the Audio Guide?
No, you don’t need to bring your own headphones. The tour includes a private guide who will provide the audio equipment needed throughout the experience. Just show up and let them take care of the logistics.
Is There a Dress Code or Guidelines for the Tour?
While there’s no strict dress code, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing in layers. Casual attire is fine, but avoid overly revealing or inappropriate clothing to show respect for the historical sites visited.
The Sum Up
This captivating Venice tour showcases the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Explore Piazza San Marco and Doge’s Palace with an expert guide, then glide through the picturesque canals on a pre-arranged gondola ride. With flexible scheduling and personalized attention, you’ll learn about Venice’s rich history and enchanting beauty. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the city’s highlights in an unforgettable way.
More Food & Drink Experiences in Venice
- Portogruaro: Eastern Veneto through the Senses Tasting
- Wine Tasting with Local Food Board Pairing in Venice
- Grappa Tasting in Venice City Center
- Private 2 hrs Grand Canal, Hidden Gems Walk and food tasting
- Venice Offbeat Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe
- Venice Evening Food Tour: Bites, Drinks & Sit-Down Dinner
More Tours in Venice
- Haunted Venice Audio Tour with Palazzo Bovolo Entry Ticket
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Hidden Venice – Small Group Tour
- Venice: Boat tour and visit to Murano Glass and Burano Lace
- Il meglio di Venezia in un tour dei punti più e meno noti
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
More Tour Reviews in Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica Priority Entry, Host & Audioguide
- Haunted Venice Audio Tour with Palazzo Bovolo Entry Ticket
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Venice: Convent Garden of Redentore Entry Ticket
- Hidden Venice – Small Group Tour
- Murano, Burano & Torcello: Vetro, Case Colorate & Storia
Still browsing? Here are more Venice experiences we've covered recently
- Which Venice Workshops & Classes To Choose? We Rank The 13 Best
- The 5 Most Popular Shopping & Market Tours In Venice
- Discover 14 Great Photography Experiences In Venice
- Our 13 Favorite Venice Walking Tours
- 8 Best Private Driver Services In Venice (With Prices)
- Our Picks For The 5 Best Dining Experiences In Venice
- 12 Best Tours & Experiences In Venice (With Prices)
- 14 Best Wine Tours In Venice
- Top 12 Tours In Venice
- We Rank Venice’s 4 Top Dinner Experiences
- Venice’s 4 Best Full-Day Tours (With Prices & Reviews)
- 4 Must-Try Lunch Experiences In Venice
