Morning Venice: St. Mark's to Gondola, Iconic Highlights

Explore the enchanting beauty of Venice on the "Morning Venice: St. Mark’s to Gondola, Iconic Highlights" tour. This 2.5-hour experience takes you through the city’s most celebrated landmarks, from the iconic St. Mark’s Square to a serene gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Guided by multilingual experts, you’ll uncover architectural gems and learn about Venice’s rich history, all while enjoying the tranquility of its canals. Discover why this tour is a must-do for any visitor seeking to capture the essence of this enchanting city.

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Key Points

Explore iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and Marco Polo’s residence during a 2.5-hour guided walking tour of Venice’s highlights.
Enjoy a shared gondola ride through the Grand Canal and minor waterways, providing a unique perspective of Venice’s serene atmosphere and stunning scenery.
Tour is led by multilingual guides who offer insights into Venice’s architecture and culture.
Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Meeting point is at Calle larga de l’Ascension 1256, next to the San Marco Post Office, with a required arrival 20 minutes early.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Morning Venice Highlights tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and waterways.

A comprehensive exploration of Venice’s iconic landmarks and waterways through the Morning Venice Highlights tour.

Priced from $121.43 to $130.57 per person, the 2.5-hour tour provides significant savings of up to 7%. Guests can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes a guided walking exploration of St. Mark’s Square and Castello, as well as a shared gondola ride through the Grand and minor canals.

With multilingual guides, travelers can explore Venice’s architectural and cultural highlights, culminating at Campo San Moisè.

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Itinerary and Highlights

The Morning Venice Highlights tour begins at the Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, in Piazza San Marco.

The guided walking tour takes guests through the iconic sights of the city, including:

Doges Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Campo di Santa Maria Formosa, a charming square with historic buildings.
The historic residence of Marco Polo, the famous explorer.

The tour also includes a gondola ride through the Grand Canal and minor waterways, offering a unique perspective of Venice’s serene atmosphere and stunning scenery.

The tour concludes at Campo San Moisè.

Walking Tour Details

Professional guides lead the walking tour in Spanish, English, German, and French, allowing guests to explore the architectural wonders and cultural highlights of Venice.

The tour takes visitors through charming streets, bridges, and canals, showcasing key landmarks like the Doge’s Palace, Campo di Santa Maria Formosa, and the historic residence of Marco Polo.

Though the tour doesn’t include visits to museums or attractions, it offers a rundown of Venice’s most iconic sights, providing a unique perspective on the city’s rich history and culture.

Gondola Ride Experience

A shared gondola ride allows up to 5 people per vessel, with seats assigned by the gondolier rather than selectable. This unique experience immerses guests in Venice’s serene atmosphere and sights.

The gondola ride:

Provides a non-guided perspective, allowing passengers to take in the city’s waterways at their own pace.

Provides a non-guided perspective, allowing passengers to take in the city’s waterways at their own pace.
Offers a chance to see historic bridges, palaces, and other landmarks from the iconic Venetian waterways.
Creates a sense of tranquility and immersion, as guests float through the city’s canals.

The gondola ride concludes the morning’s guided walking tour, capping off an iconic Venetian experience.

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Meeting Point and Requirements

Guests meet at Calle larga de l’Ascension 1256, next to the San Marco Post Office, to begin the morning’s tour.

They must bring a valid passport or ID card. Children up to 2 years old can join for free, as long as they don’t occupy a seat.

To ensure a smooth start, guests are advised to arrive 20 minutes early to show their voucher and receive their tickets.

The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, so guests should be prepared for any unexpected adjustments to the planned activities.

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Exploring Piazza San Marco and Castello

The walking tour begins with an exploration of the iconic Piazza San Marco and the Castello district.

Key landmarks include:

Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Venetian ruler, showcasing Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.
Campo di Santa Maria Formosa, a charming square lined with historic buildings and quaint shops.
Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, home to the impressive Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo and the former residence of Marco Polo.

Throughout the district, the guide shares insights into Venice’s rich history and cultural heritage as the group strolls through the picturesque streets and bridges.

Discovering Key Landmarks

What other key landmarks do visitors discover on this walking tour? As they stroll through the charming streets and bridges of Castello, they’ll see the Doges Palace, an impressive Gothic structure that was once the seat of Venetian government. Nearby is Campo di Santa Maria Formosa, a picturesque square lined with historic buildings. The tour also passes Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, home to the former residence of the famous Venetian explorer Marco Polo. Finally, the group will see the Teatro Malibran, a 19th-century theater known for its elaborate Baroque architecture.

| Landmark | Description |

| — | — |

| Doges Palace | Impressive Gothic structure, former seat of Venetian government |

| Campo di Santa Maria Formosa | Picturesque square with historic buildings |

| Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo | Home to Marco Polo’s former residence |

| Teatro Malibran | 19th-century theater with Baroque architecture |

| | |

Taking in Venice’s Serene Atmosphere

After exploring the architectural wonders and cultural highlights of the walking tour, guests can enjoy Venice’s serene atmosphere during the gondola ride.

The shared gondola experience allows for:

A unique perspective of Venice’s iconic waterways, providing a peaceful respite from the busier streets.
Relaxation and tranquility, as the gondolier gently propels the boat through the minor canals.
Appreciation for the city’s stunning scenery, including historic buildings and bridges that line the canals.

The gondola ride offers a truly immersive experience, capturing the essence of Venice’s captivating charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Specific Gondolier for the Ride?

No, guests can’t select their gondolier. The gondola ride is a shared experience, and the gondolier assigns the seats to the passengers. The tour doesn’t offer the option to request a specific gondolier.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

No, the tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The pricing is fixed at $130.57 to $121.43 per person, with the opportunity to save up to 7% if booked in advance.

How Accessible Is the Walking Tour for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The walking tour may not be fully accessible for individuals with mobility issues, as it involves navigating uneven terrain and some stairs. Visitors should contact the tour operator to discuss any accessibility needs prior to booking.

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

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the gondola ride. The tour operator provides a shared gondola experience with seats assigned by the gondolier, not selectable by the passengers. Bringing outside items is not permitted during the gondola portion of the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Walking Tour and Gondola Ride?

There’s no specific dress code for the walking tour and gondola ride. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Casual attire is acceptable, as long as it’s suitable for exploring the city on foot.

The Sum Up

Embark on an enchanting journey through Venice’s most iconic landmarks, from the grandeur of St. Mark’s Square to the serene tranquility of a gondola ride. Witness the architectural gems that define this captivating city, enjoying its rich history and unique atmosphere. This comprehensive tour offers a seamless experience, showcasing the best of Venice in just 2.5 hours.