Venice Discovery Private Tour
Stand on St. Mark's terrace, explore Rialto Bridge, and ride a private boat through the Grand Canal
Experience the grandeur of Venice with a personalized itinerary that highlights both iconic landmarks and quiet back canals. Step inside the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica with pre-reserved tickets to see the Byzantine golden altar and stand on the exclusive upper terrace. Then explore the storied Rialto Bridge and neighborhood with a guide. End with a private boat ride through the the shimmering waterways of the city. This private tour offers unparalleled access and expert local storytelling.
What You Get With This Tour
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Unique Venice views & perspectives
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Pre-reserved St. Mark's Basilica tickets & tour
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St. Mark's Basilica rooftop terrace access
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Guided walking tour of Rialto Bridge
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Private Grand Canal boat cruise
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Private group experience
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Guide tips
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Food and drink
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at St. Mark's Square
Your tour begins between the two massive stone columns of San Marco and San Teodoro on the edge of the lagoon. Here, your guide introduces the history of the square, once the political and social heart of the Venetian Republic, while the salt air sets the scene for your adventure. -
2
Step inside the Church of Gold
Next, use pre-reserved entry tickets to enter St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture filled with shimmering gilded mosaics. Learn how the city’s merchants brought back treasures from the East to decorate this 11th-century cathedral, creating a space of immense wealth and religious power. -
3
See the Pala d’Oro and Bronze Horses
Once inside, follow your guide to the restricted upper levels to admire the ancient Bronze Horses, which are over 2,000 years old. You will also view the Pala d’Oro, a magnificent golden altar retable encrusted with thousands of precious gemstones and intricate enamel plaques. -
4
Climb to the rooftop terrace
Then, you will ascend to the exterior balcony of the basilica for a panoramic view of the 118 islands that make up Venice. From this vantage point, you can photograph the clock tower and the intricate stone carvings of the Doge’s Palace from a unique, elevated perspective. -
5
Cross the historic Rialto Bridge
Then walk through the narrow side streets toward the Rialto district, the oldest part of the city. As you cross the famous stone bridge, your guide will share stories of the merchants and markets that have operated here for seven centuries along the Grand Canal. -
6
Finish the tour with a boat cruise on the Grand Canal
Finally, board a private motorboat reserved exclusively for your group to glide through the city’s famous waterways. You’ll see ornate palazzos and hidden gondola workshops from the water before your tour finishes near St. Mark’s Square, leaving you perfectly placed for a Venetian dinner.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what’s included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Dress Code: Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women to enter St. Mark’s Basilica; entry may not be permitted otherwise. Please avoid wearing sandals, hats, shorts, skirts, or tops that expose your shoulders.
ID Requirement: A valid government-issued ID is required for entrance to St. Mark's Basilica. The name on your ticket (entered at check-out) must match the name on your ID, or you will be refused entry.
Accessibility: As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be accommodated to for most mobility concerns. Please reach out to us to make the proper arrangements. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the boat, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Weather Advisory: Being an island and subject to problems related to high water, the gondola or boat tour cannot be guaranteed due to force majeure. If this occurs, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Bag Policy: Large backpacks or bags aren’t allowed inside the attractions, please leave them at your accommodation.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Pre-reserved entry tickets to St. Mark's Basilica
Access to the St. Mark's Basilica terrace
Viewing of the Pala d’Oro and Bronze Horses
Guided walking tour of Rialto Bridge and neighborhood
Private motorboat cruise through the Grand Canal
Private group experience
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable shoes
Camera
Covering for knees and shoulders
Water bottle
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Likely to Sell OutCustomer Reviews
Caterina knew all the secret spots. She helped us understand the city and the boat part was relaxing and peaceful under a soft blue sky.
This tour let me enjoy Venice in a calm way. Walking and boat time felt balanced and peaceful and every moment felt meaningful and easy to enjoy.
Walking through quiet streets and then floating on the canal felt special. I felt close to Venice daily life and enjoyed learning while staying relaxed.
Each moment felt fun and relaxed as Nicole guided us through Venice showing how walking and water together tell a beautiful story.
Hidden squares and a sunset boat ride made me grateful as the city felt close and softly glowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm trying to book but I don't see any availability. What should I do?
If you are trying to book up to two weeks in advance, the website will show no availability. However, feel free to contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
I have doubts about my mobility. Is this the right tour for me?
If you have reduced mobility, it's a good idea to take this private Venice tour. The itinerary is much more flexible and easily modified than a small group tour.
What should I wear?
Since St. Mark's Basilica is a sacred place, both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be refused entry to a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Venice are hot - a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, you'll be walking plenty on this tour of Venice.
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this is an excellent choice for families as the private format allows for breaks and the boat ride is a highlight for children.
