Gondola Ride & Venice Walking Tour
Discover hidden Venice on a 2.5-hour tour, explore Palazzo Contarini and enjoy a serene gondola ride
Finding the perfect blend of a walking tour and a gondola ride is rare but this experience offers both in one unforgettable adventure. Escape the crowds and discover a more intimate side of Venice with an off-the-beaten-path journey through hidden alleys and lesser-known treasures, such as the renowned La Fenice Theatre and Chiesa di San Moisè. Led by an expert guide, you'll uncover fascinating stories not found in guidebooks, before finishing with a gondola ride through Venice’s quieter canals.
- Meeting Point in Campo San Gallo
- Guided walking tour
- Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
- Calle degli Avvocati & Calle degli Orbi
- Teatro La Fenice
- Chiesa di San Moisè
- Gondola Ride
- Grand Canal
- Ending Point
Embark on a captivating journey through the hidden gems of Venice, starting in Campo San Gallo, just a short walk from Piazza San Marco. Your tour begins with a visit to the enchanting Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, famous for its stunning spiral staircase, offering panoramic views over the city. From here, you’ll stroll through Campo Manin, a lively square rich in Venetian history, before heading to the picturesque Calle dei Avvocati and Calle degli Orbi, two charming streets that capture the quieter, more authentic side of Venice away from the usual crowds.
Next, you’ll reach Campo Sant'Anzolo, a peaceful square with a glimpse into the everyday life of Venetians, before stopping at the grand Teatro La Fenice, one of the world’s most famous opera houses. Here, you’ll learn about its rich history and the incredible performances that have taken place within its walls. The journey continues with a visit to the Chiesa di San Moisè, a hidden Baroque masterpiece, where you’ll admire its intricate architecture and ornate details. This stunning church showcases the opulence of Venice’s artistic heritage and offers a quiet moment of reflection.
After these fascinating stops, the tour culminates in a relaxing 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s most iconic canals. You’ll glide along the Grand Canal, passing under the legendary Ponte dei Sospiri, the “Bridge of Sighs,” where prisoners would catch their final view of Venice before being taken to prison. Your gondola ride will also take you through the Bacino di San Marco, a serene area of the lagoon with stunning views of St. Mark’s Square and the surrounding landmarks.
The tour concludes where it began, back in Campo San Gallo, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Venice’s lesser-known treasures and its timeless beauty.
Gondola Ride & Venice Walking Tour Description
Your 2.5-hour tour includes:
Professional, English-speaking guide
1.5-hour guided walking tour of Venice
Explore hidden gems like Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and the Chiesa di San Moisè
Insight into Venice's rich history and art
30-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal
Maximum of 15 people per group
Please note that on certain days, most travelers who are planning to visit Venice for the day and stay outside the city will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn which days this fee is applicable, please visit https://cda.ve.it.
Explore Venice’s on a guided walking tour
Your 2.5-hour adventure starts in Campo San Gallo, conveniently located just a short walk from Piazza San Marco. You will start with a guided walking tour that will take you through some of Venice’s lesser-known treasures, away from the usual crowds. Wander through Calle dei Avvocati and Calle degli Orbi, where narrow streets and quaint squares reveal a more authentic side of the city. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into Venice’s history, art, and architecture, offering a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.
As you explore, you’ll pass hidden gems like Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, home to its iconic spiral staircase, and Campo Manin, a quite square full of Venetian charm. You will also stop by Marco Polo’s House, the legendary home of the famous Venetian explorer, where you’ll hear stories about his adventures and the lasting impact of his travels.
Uncover the Artistic Heart of Venice
Your tour continues with a visit to Teatro La Fenice, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. Discover the theatre’s fascinating history, from its destruction and reconstruction to the grand performances that have shaped Venice’s cultural scene. Afterward, step into Campo Sant'Anzolo, a peaceful square that offers a glimpse of daily Venetian life away from the main tourist paths. As you make your way through these charming locations, your guide will bring the city's artistic and historical heritage to life, showing you how Venice's past has influenced its present.
Admire Venice’s Hidden Baroque Masterpieces
The next stop on your tour is the beautiful Chiesa di San Moisè, a Baroque gem tucked away from the usual tourist routes. This stunning church features ornate architecture and intricate artwork that reflects the opulence of Venice's artistic legacy. Your guide will share the church’s rich history, along with the stories behind its masterpieces, allowing you to connect with Venice’s cultural heritage on a deeper level.
Relax with a Scenic Gondola Ride through Iconic Canals
To conclude your tour, relax on a shared 30-minute gondola ride and enjoy a new perspective of Venice’s must-see sights. Glide through the Grand Canal, passing under the historic Ponte dei Sospiri and the tranquil Bacino di San Marco, where you’ll enjoy serene views of St. Mark’s Square and the surrounding landmarks. Your tour finishes back at the Venice Tours office in Campo San Gallo, where it all began, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Venice’s hidden charm and timeless beauty.
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I meet my guide?
You will meet your guidein Campo San Gallo 1093, beside San Marco Square. This tour will finish back where you started.
What to bring?
Please bring a valid ID document matching the name provided at the time of the booking. We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a good camera and umbrella in case of rain.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Venice.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, due to the areas visited, this small group tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. If you have other mobility concerns, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to assist you.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
In rare cases when the tour is canceled, we will inform you as soon as possible. The tour does not operate during exceptional high tides, but in such cases, it can be rescheduled for the next day, or a refund will be provided.
Can I bring my pet?
No, pets are not allowed on this tour.
What happens if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine. However, in cases of extreme weather, the itinerary may be adjusted, or the tour may be rescheduled or refunded.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, food is not included in the price of this tour, and we recommend bringing water with you. Your guide will be happy to point you in the direction of restaurants and bars after the tour.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Children are welcome on this tour. Children under 2 years old can join the tour for free. Please note that strollers are not always accessible on this tour, and infants must not sit on laps due to limited seating.
Are there any extra costs to consider?
On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn which days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
How many people share a gondola, and how long does the ride last?
The gondola ride is shared with up to 5 people and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You will meet your guide at the designated meeting point.