Byzantine Venice: Walking Tour & Gondola Ride

Experiencing the captivating Byzantine heritage of Venice is a must for any traveler. This walking tour and gondola ride promises an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic sites, including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Church of SS. Giovanni e Paolo. Led by an experienced guide, visitors will gain unique insights into Venetian history and daily life. With audio headsets and access to key attractions, this engaging tour offers a memorable way to discover the beauty and charm of Venice from both land and water.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 3.5-hour guided walking tour exploring the Byzantine heritage of Venice, including access to St. Mark’s Basilica and a shared gondola ride.
Tour covers key locations like St. Mark’s Basilica, Church SS. Giovanni e Paolo, and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, providing insights into Venetian history.
Experienced guide offers a unique perspective on ordinary life in the city, enhancing the overall interactive and engaging tour experience.
Audio headsets are provided for better audio experience, and the tour is available in various languages.
Tour includes ticket for St. Mark’s Basilica, museum, and terrace, but hotel pickup/drop-off and commentary during the gondola ride are excluded.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Venice’s Byzantine heritage, providing visitors with a 3.5-hour guided walking tour and a shared gondola ride.

Priced from $114.25 per person, the tour is available in Spanish, English, French, and German. Guests can conveniently reserve now and pay later.

Priced from $114.25 per person, the tour is available in Spanish, English, French, and German. Guests can conveniently reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes access to St. Mark’s Basilica, its museum, and terrace, along with personal headsets for better audio. Visitors will learn about Venetian history and ordinary life in the city, culminating in a 25-30 minute gondola ride.

Certain items aren’t allowed, and the tour operates rain or shine, subject to high tide conditions.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a morning walk through Venice’s picturesque squares, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s rich history.

The first stop is St. Mark’s Basilica, where the guide focuses on its Byzantine heritage, offering insights into the church’s interiors.

Next, the tour visits the Church SS. Giovanni e Paolo and the Mercerie, providing a glimpse into ordinary Venetian life.

The highlight of the experience is the 25-30 minute shared gondola ride, offering a unique perspective of the city from the water.

Along the way, the tour covers key locations like Campo Santa Maria Formosa.

Experience Details

As an experienced guide leads the tour, visitors gain insights into the Basilica’s interiors and Venetian history. The guide provides a unique perspective, sharing stories about ordinary life in the city. Travelers admire Venice from the water, offering a fresh viewpoint.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes the ticket for St. Mark’s Basilica, entrance to the museum and terrace, and personal headsets for better audio.

The tour includes access to St. Mark’s Basilica, its museum and terrace, as well as personal headsets for a more immersive experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided. However, commentary during the gondola ride is excluded.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Passengers should bring a passport or ID and wear comfortable shoes.

Certain items aren’t allowed, such as luggage, large bags, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, backpacks, and shorts.

The tour operates rain or shine, but cancellation is possible during exceptionally high tides.

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Important Information

Meeting point for the tour is Calle Larga Ascension, in front of the post office, near St. Mark’s Square.

Participants should bring their passport or ID and wear comfortable shoes.

Certain items aren’t allowed on the tour, including:

Luggage
Large bags
Short skirts
Sleeveless shirts, backpacks, and shorts

The tour operates rain or shine, but cancellation is possible during exceptionally high tides.

The shared gondola ride is scheduled for 3:00 PM, with a 3-hour break between tours.

Expect potential queuing during high season at St. Mark’s Basilica entrance.

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Meeting Point and Logistics

Participants will find the meeting point for the tour at Calle Larga Ascension, situated directly in front of the post office near St. Mark’s Square.

Attendees should come prepared with their passport or ID and wear comfortable shoes. Large bags, backpacks, and other prohibited items like short skirts and sleeveless shirts aren’t allowed on the tour.

The tour operates rain or shine, though cancellations may occur during exceptionally high tides. The shared gondola ride is scheduled for 3:00 PM, with a 3-hour break between tours.

Queuing at St. Mark’s Basilica is expected, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Dress Code and Restrictions

Visitors are advised to dress modestly for the tour, as St. Mark’s Basilica has a strict dress code.

The tour operator enforces the following restrictions:

No short skirts or shorts are allowed.
Sleeveless shirts are prohibited.
Large bags, backpacks, and luggage aren’t permitted.
Guests must carry small personal items only.

These rules ensure a respectful and comfortable experience for all participants.

Adhering to the dress code allows full access to the basilica’s interiors.

Travelers should plan their attire accordingly to avoid any issues during the tour.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

The tour operates rain or shine, although it may be canceled during periods of exceptionally high tides in Venice.

The tour goes on regardless of the weather, so guests should dress appropriately. However, if the water levels in the city reach a point where it’s unsafe to conduct the tour, the organizers reserve the right to cancel it.

In such cases, guests will receive a full refund. It’s important to check the weather and tide conditions before the tour date to be prepared for any potential changes or cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour may not be ideal for families with young children. It involves a lengthy walking tour and a shared gondola ride, which could be challenging for young kids. Parents should consider the tour’s pace and duration when deciding if it’s suitable for their family.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?

The tour can’t be customized, but travelers can request private or semi-private options to better suit their preferences. Group sizes and activities are set, though travelers should check if any special accommodations are available.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any student or senior discounts. However, they do provide a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to be flexible with their plans.

What Is the Dress Code for the Gondola Ride Portion of the Tour?

The dress code for the gondola ride portion requires participants to avoid wearing short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and shorts. Comfortable shoes are recommended. This guideline applies to the entire tour, not just the gondola ride.

Can the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants or Shops?

The tour guide may provide general recommendations for local restaurants or shops during the walking tour, though the focus is on the historical and cultural aspects of the experience. Specific dining or shopping suggestions are not a core part of the tour.

The Sum Up

Discover the captivating Byzantine heritage of Venice through this guided walking tour and gondola ride. Explore iconic sites, gain insights into Venetian history, and witness the city’s beauty from the water. With expert guidance, audio headsets, and access to key attractions, this engaging experience promises an unforgettable journey through Venice’s rich cultural tapestry.

You can check availability for your dates here: