Discover the enchanting city of Venice through a private tour that guarantees you’ll skip the long lines. This 6-hour walking experience takes you to the iconic San Marco, Doge’s Palace, and a relaxing gondola ride. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll explore the city’s rich history and breathtaking architecture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises an immersive and personalized journey through Venice’s captivating charm. What sets this tour apart, though, is the opportunity to…
Key Points

- This private 6-hour tour offers skip-the-line access to top Venice attractions, including Doge’s Palace, Basilica San Marco, and a gondola ride.
- A knowledgeable local guide leads the tour, providing insights into the city’s history and architecture.
- The tour includes all entrance fees and a private gondola ride through the iconic Venetian canals.
- The tour is recommended by 94% of travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
- Compliance with dress code requirements and COVID-19 vaccination/test requirements is necessary for entry to religious sites.
Tour Overview and Highlights

This private 6-hour walking and gondola tour in Venice provides visitors with skip-the-line access to major attractions like the Doge’s Palace, Basilica San Marco, and Rialto Bridge.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour also includes a private gondola ride through the city’s iconic canals.
Recommended by 94% of travelers, this experience offers an immersive and seamless way to explore Venice’s highlights.
All entrance fees and the gondola ride are included, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option.
The tour starts at 10:30 AM in Piazza San Marco, meeting near the Lion Pillar.
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Inclusions and Pricing

The tour includes all entrance fees and a private gondola ride, providing a comprehensive and convenient experience. Pricing for this 6-hour tour starts at $648.01 per person, with variation based on group size. A local guide is provided, although gratuities are not included. Lunch recommendations are available from the guide. The tour is accessible for strollers, and service animals are allowed. Visitors must comply with Covid-19 vaccination requirements and dress codes for entry into religious sites.
| Inclusions | Pricing |
|---|---|
| – All entrance fees | – Starting price: $648.01 per person |
| – Private gondola ride | – Varies by group size |
| – Local guide provided | – Gratuities not included |
| – Lunch recommendations available | – Free cancellation up to 24 hours |
Meeting and Pickup Information
The meeting point for this tour is Piazza San Marco, near the Lion Pillar. Tours begin promptly at 10:30 AM, so it’s recommended to arrive a few minutes early.
The tour ends back at the same location, allowing you to further explore this iconic Venetian square on your own.
Transport to and from the meeting point isn’t included, but the area is well-connected by public transportation.
With skip-the-line access, you’ll maximize your time seeing the highlights without waiting in long queues.
Be sure to dress appropriately for entry into the Basilica and other religious sites.
Tour Accessibility and Requirements

Accessibility and requirements for this tour are important considerations.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Service animals are welcome.
Visitors must comply with a dress code, covering knees and shoulders for entry into places of worship and museums. A valid COVID-19 Vaccination Card or Green Pass is required for museum and church access.
Plus, there may be a €5 access fee for day visitors on certain dates, so travelers should check local regulations.
These accessibility details and requirements help ensure an enjoyable and seamless experience for all participants.
Doge’s Palace: Exploring the Seat of Venetian Power

At the heart of the Best of Venice Private Tour lies the awe-inspiring Doge’s Palace, the seat of Venetian power and a testament to the city’s rich history.
Skip the lines and explore the grandiose Gothic architecture, opulent chambers, and priceless artworks that adorn the palace’s walls.
Hear tales of political intrigue and Venetian might as your knowledgeable guide brings the palace’s past to life.
Marvel at the stunning interconnected canals and bridges that surround the palace, a true embodiment of Venice’s unique blend of land and water.
This is a must-see highlight of the tour.
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Basilica San Marco: Marveling at Byzantine Splendor
Next, the tour leads visitors to the majestic Basilica San Marco, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture that captivates all who set eyes upon it.
The tour provides skip-the-line access, allowing guests to explore the basilica’s breathtaking interior without the hassle of long queues.
Travelers marvel at the ornate mosaics, glittering gold ceilings, and impressive altar, all while learning about the site’s rich history from the knowledgeable local guide.
The Basilica San Marco is a true highlight of the tour, offering a glimpse into Venice’s illustrious past and the city’s enduring cultural heritage.
Rialto Bridge: Crossing the Grand Canal
After marveling at the stunning Byzantine splendor of the Basilica San Marco, the tour group now makes its way to the iconic Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most famous landmarks.
Crossing the Grand Canal, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the city’s iconic waterways. The guide shares the bridge’s rich history, dating back to the 16th century, and explains its significance as a vital commercial hub.
Travelers are encouraged to pause and soak in the lively atmosphere, with bustling markets and charming shops lining the bridge. This stop on the tour provides a glimpse into the city’s vibrant heart.
Gondola Ride: Gliding Through Venice’s Iconic Waterways

The tour’s grand finale is a private gondola ride through Venice’s iconic waterways. This quintessential Venetian experience allows travelers to glide effortlessly along the city’s canals, taking in the stunning architecture and lively atmosphere from a unique perspective. The gondola ride offers a serene and romantic journey, transporting guests back in time. As they drift through the narrow canals, they can appreciate the skill of the gondolier and the tranquility of this timeless mode of transportation.
| Gondola Experience | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Capacity | Up to 6 passengers |
| Historic Significance | Gondolas have been a fixture in Venice since the 11th century |
| Iconic Views | Capture iconic landmarks, bridges, and palaces from the waterline |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Customize the Tour to Fit Our Specific Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to fit the traveler’s specific interests. The knowledgeable local guide can tailor the itinerary and provide recommendations based on the traveler’s preferences, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience in Venice.
How Reliable Are the Tour Company’s Health and Safety Measures?
The tour company’s health and safety measures appear reliable, with a COVID-19 vaccination or green pass required for entry and measures like covered knees and shoulders. Travelers recommend reviewing local regulations before booking to ensure all requirements are met.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes We Should Be Aware Of?
According to the tour overview, there may be a €5 access fee for day visitors on certain dates, so travelers should check local regulations before booking. Otherwise, all entrance fees and the gondola ride are included in the starting price of $648.01 per person.
Can We Request a Private Guide or Do They Assign One to Us?
Travelers can request a private guide for this tour. The tour company assigns a knowledgeable local guide to lead the private 6-hour walking and gondola tour in Venice.
The best ways to document and share the gondola experience are to take photos and video, write a detailed journal entry, and post on social media. Travelers can also leave an online review sharing their memorable moments on the iconic Venetian canals.
The Sum Up
This private Venice tour offers exclusive access to the city’s top sights, including the iconic Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, without the hassle of long queues. The guided walk and gondola ride provide an in-depth look at Venice’s rich history and enchanting canals, making it an ideal way to experience the city’s charm. With personalized attention from a local guide, this tour is a must-do for those seeking a comprehensive and hassle-free exploration of Venice.
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