Discover Venice’s captivating history and iconic sights with the "Discover Venice: Morning Tour & Gondola Experience." This flexible tour offers a 2.5-hour exploration, starting at Piazza San Marco. Participants can look forward to a guided walking tour, highlighting landmarks like Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco, before embarking on a serene gondola ride through the Grand Canal. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour promises to immerse you in the city’s rich culture and charm.

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Key Points

This 2.5-hour tour offers a guided walking exploration of Piazza San Marco and Castello district, followed by a 30-40 minute gondola ride on the Grand Canal and smaller canals.
The guided walking tour includes visits to key landmarks such as Doge’s Palace, Basilica di San Marco, and Campanile, with historical commentary provided through personal audio systems.
The tour is available in English, French, and Spanish, and has a flexible booking policy with no upfront payment required.
The gondola ride has a maximum capacity of 5 people per gondola, with seating assigned by the gondolier.
The tour meeting point is Calle larga de l’Ascension 1256, next to the San Marco Post Office, and early arrival is recommended for ticket presentation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour, titled "Discover Venice: Morning Tour & Gondola Experience," offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Venice’s iconic landmarks and picturesque canals.

Priced at $123.13 per person, the 2.5-hour experience is available in French, English, and Spanish.

The 2.5-hour tour experience is priced at $123.13 per person and available in French, English, and Spanish.

Booking flexibility allows reserving a spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes a guided walking tour of Piazza San Marco and the Castello district, as well as a gondola ride along the Grand Canal and smaller waterways.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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Itinerary Highlights

Starting at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, in Piazza San Marco, the walking tour explores the iconic landmarks of the city. Visitors discover the Castello district’s narrow streets and picturesque canals, then visit Campo di Santa Maria Formosa and Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Along the way, they learn about historical figures like Marco Polo and see Teatro Malibran.

| Piazza San Marco | Castello District |

|——————|——————-|

| Doge’s Palace | Narrow Streets |

| Basilica di San Marco | Picturesque Canals |

| Campanile | Campo di Santa Maria Formosa |

| | Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo |

The tour culminates with a gondola ride along the Grand Canal and smaller canals, offering a unique perspective of Venice.

Guided Walking Tour

The walking tour begins at Calle larga de l’Ascension 1256, next to the San Marco Post Office, where visitors will find the yellow sign marking the meeting point.

The 2.5-hour tour explores Piazza San Marco and its renowned landmarks like the Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco.

Participants will also discover the Castello district’s narrow streets and canals, visiting Campo di Santa Maria Formosa and Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo.

Along the way, they’ll learn about historical figures like Marco Polo and see landmarks like Teatro Malibran.

The tour uses personal audio systems and headphones for commentary.

Piazza San Marco Exploration

As visitors begin their exploration of Piazza San Marco, they’ll immediately be captivated by the iconic Basilica di San Marco, with its stunning Byzantine architecture and glittering golden mosaics.

They’ll also marvel at the imposing Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venetian power, and the soaring Campanile bell tower, offering panoramic views of the city.

Beyond these landmarks, the piazza is a bustling hub, filled with lively cafes, elegant arcades, and street performers entertaining the crowds.

Wandering through the piazza, visitors will feel transported to a bygone era, where the grandeur of Venice’s past still lingers.

Basilica di San Marco
Doge’s Palace
Campanile bell tower
Lively cafes and arcades
Street performers

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Castello District Discoveries

After exploring the grandeur of Piazza San Marco, the tour moves to the charming Castello district, where visitors discover Venice’s narrow, picturesque canals and streets.

They wander through the area, taking in the unique architecture and local life. The guide points out historical landmarks like Campo di Santa Maria Formosa and Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, sharing stories about notable figures like Marco Polo.

The tour provides an intimate glimpse into the city’s residential neighborhoods, offering a contrast to the more famous tourist sites. This portion of the tour allows travelers to experience the authentic character of Venice.

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Historical Figures and Landmarks

During the walking tour, the guide brings to life the history and notable figures of Venice.

Exploring Piazza San Marco, visitors learn about the iconic Basilica di San Marco and Doge’s Palace, which serve as reminders of Venice’s powerful past as a maritime republic.

The tour also ventures into the Castello district, where the guide points out the former residence of explorer Marco Polo and the Teatro Malibran, a 19th-century opera house.

The tour paints a vivid picture of Venice’s rich cultural heritage through its landmarks and the influential people who left their mark on the city.

Basilica di San Marco
Doge’s Palace
Marco Polo’s former residence
Teatro Malibran
Castello district

Gondola Ride Experience

The gondola ride offers visitors a tranquil journey along the canals of Venice, providing a unique perspective of the city’s iconic waterways. Guests board the gondola at Campo San Moisè and glide through the minor canals and the famous Grand Canal. The gondola experience is shared with other participants, with seating assigned by the gondolier. The maximum capacity is 5 people per gondola. Children up to 2 years old can ride for free if they do not occupy a seat. Guests are advised to arrive 20 minutes early to check-in and receive their tickets.

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Important Information and Inclusions

The meeting point for this tour is Calle larga de l’Ascension 1256, located next to the San Marco Post Office.

Passengers should arrive 20 minutes early to present their voucher and receive their tickets.

The gondola ride is shared with other participants, with seating assigned by the gondolier. Up to 5 people can ride in each gondola.

Children up to 2 years old can ride for free if they don’t occupy a seat.

The walking tour doesn’t include museum visits, and the gondola ride isn’t guided.

Tips aren’t included in the tour price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photography and Videography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and videography are generally allowed during the tour, though participants should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid disrupting the experience for others. Check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

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

According to the tour details, no food and beverages are included. The gondola ride is a shared experience, so bringing your own food and drinks wouldn’t be appropriate. It’s best to enjoy the scenic views without disrupting the experience for others.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible Throughout the Entire Route?

The tour is not fully wheelchair accessible as it involves walking along narrow streets and boarding the gondola. Some parts may be challenging for wheelchair users. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific accessibility details.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Documents for the Tour?

For this tour, participants don’t need to bring any specific documents. The tour operator will provide tickets and vouchers upon arrival at the meeting point. Guests simply need to show up 20 minutes early with their booking confirmation.

Is There an Option to Extend the Gondola Ride Duration?

There is no option to extend the gondola ride duration on this tour. The gondola ride is a fixed 30-minute experience that’s included in the tour package. Participants cannot request or pay to extend the gondola ride.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Venice’s iconic landmarks and serene waterways. Participants can enjoy the city’s rich history and enchanting atmosphere through a guided walking tour and a classic gondola ride. With flexible options and no upfront payment required, this experience is an accessible and convenient way for visitors to discover the magic of Venice.