Venice’s best city tours start with the excellent 1.75-hour City Sightseeing Walking Tour – a perfect introduction that consistently earns rave reviews from fellow travelers. I love the 3-hour City Highlights Tour for first-timers since it smartly combines essential sights with a gondola ride and practical restaurant advice. The 90-minute Ghost & Legends Tour offers a fun, spooky twist on Venice’s history, while the Off the Beaten Track Private Tour reveals hidden corners and local secrets in 2.5 hours. Let’s explore these top-rated Venice tours in detail.
Key Points
- For a comprehensive introduction to Venice’s major attractions, consider the 1.75-hour Verona City Sightseeing Walking Tour with a 97% recommendation rate.
- The Venice: City Highlights Tour offers a 3-hour experience including a gondola ride, priced from $71.03 and rated 4.6/5 by past participants.
- For a unique perspective, the Venice Ghost & Legends Tour explores Cannaregio and Castello neighborhoods in 90 minutes with a maximum group size of 20.
- The Venice: Off the Beaten Track Private Tour provides a 2.5-hour immersive experience in the Dorsoduro neighborhood, priced from $121.56.
- The Family-Friendly Private City Tour is a 2.5-hour private tour suitable for children aged 6+, with a maximum of 12 participants and starting from €280 per person.
Verona City Sightseeing Walking Tour of Must-See Sites With Local Guide
For travelers on the lookout for an immersive Verona experience, the Verona City Sightseeing Walking Tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s must-see sites.
This 1-hour-and-45-minute tour covers Verona’s major attractions, from the iconic Piazza Brà to the city’s rich Roman and medieval architecture. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the small-group tour (maximum 10 travelers) provides historical context and insider insights, consistently earning 97% recommendation from past participants.
With convenient pickup and drop-off, the tour is accessible for wheelchair users and stroller-pushers. While some travelers desired more commentary during the walks, the tour’s highlights, including its emphasis on local perspectives and lesser-known facts, make it an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Verona.
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Venice: City Highlights Tour With St Marks and Gondola Ride
Travelers seeking a comprehensive immersion into Venice’s captivating history and architecture will find the Venice: City Highlights Tour with St Marks and Gondola Ride an engaging exploration.
Priced from $71.03 per person, this 3-hour tour takes participants through Rialto Market, Cannaregio, and St. Mark’s Basilica, culminating in a 30-minute gondola ride.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour includes a headset, skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s, and tips for local dining.
With a maximum group size of 5 per gondola, the experience provides an intimate and personalized encounter.
While the gondola ride may be substituted during high tides or heavy rain, the tour’s overall value, transportation, and guide quality have earned it a solid 4.6/5 rating from past travelers.
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Venice Ghost & Legends Walking City Tour
Intrigued by the vibrant history and architecture of Venice, some visitors seek a more immersive experience beyond the typical highlights.
The Venice Ghost & Legends Walking City Tour offers just that, guiding travelers through the lesser-known Cannaregio and Castello districts. With a maximum group size of 20 and multilingual guides, the 90-minute tour explores the city’s spookier side, sharing local legends and ghost stories.
While reviews are mixed on the quality of storytelling, the tour is praised for its unique insights and the optional gondola ride.
However, some guests have reported issues with group size and duration. This tour provides an engaging alternative to the standard Venetian sightseeing experience.
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Venice: Off the Beaten Track Private City Tour
A captivating alternative to the typical Venetian sightseeing experience, the Venice: Off the Beaten Track Private City Tour whisks visitors through the city’s trendy Dorsoduro neighborhood and lesser-known areas.
Priced from $121.56 per person, this 2.5-hour private tour allows guests to explore architectural gems and street art while learning about local culture from a knowledgeable guide.
Highlights include visits to Palazzo Zenobio degli Armeni and San Giorgio Island.
With overall and service ratings of 4.8/5 and 5/5 respectively, the tour provides excellent value, though some consider the price high.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.
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Off the Beaten Track in Venice: Private City Tour
For those seeking to explore Venice off the beaten path, the Off the Beaten Track in Venice: Private City Tour provides an immersive experience beyond the typical tourist hotspots.
With 117 reviews and a 98% traveler recommendation, this private tour boasts a Badge of Excellence. Priced from $124.94 per person, the tour includes transportation, a local guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off.
Participants will enjoy walking through quieter neighborhoods like Dorsoduro while learning about Venice’s history and culture from knowledgeable guides.
While last-minute cancellations have been an issue for some, the tour generally receives consistently high ratings, with praise for the engaging guides and unique local stories.
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Venice: City Center Historical Guided Walking Tour
Exploring the real soul of Venice, the City Center Historical Guided Walking Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Priced from $28.54 per person, the 1.5 to 2.5-hour tour allows guests to discover famous sites like St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Basilica.
With knowledgeable guides, the experience includes exploring narrow streets, traversing the Rialto Bridge, and optional add-ons like a gondola ride.
Offering flexible language options and group sizes, the tour provides excellent value, earning 4.4/5 stars from 666 reviews.
While some noted issues with bilingual tours and check-in organization, the majority praised the tour’s engaging experiences and informative guides.
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Family Friendly Venice Private City Tour
Venice’s Family Friendly Private City Tour provides an engaging and educational experience tailored for families with children. This 5-star rated tour, with 93% traveler recommendation, immerses guests in Venice’s rich history and culture.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour features interactive activities like scavenger hunts to keep kids entertained. Families can enjoy local snacks and gelato rewards along the way.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation. With a cancellation policy allowing free changes up to 24 hours prior, this tour offers flexibility for families.
However, some past guests have reported issues with tour structure and inappropriate guide behavior, so direct feedback to the host is encouraged.
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Venice: 4-Hour City Tour With Doges Palace & Basilica Visit
This comprehensive 4-hour city tour guides visitors through Venice’s most iconic landmarks, including the grandiose Doge’s Palace and the awe-inspiring Saint Mark’s Basilica.
Priced from $138.47 per person, the tour covers key sites like Santa Maria Formosa Square, Libreria Acqua Alta, and Marco Polo’s home. Guests enjoy skip-the-line access and personal audio systems, as well as the opportunity to visit the Correr Museum.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 38 reviews, this tour is praised for its informative guides and comprehensive coverage of historical sites.
While not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour operates in all weather conditions, making it an excellent choice for exploring Venice’s rich cultural heritage.
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Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center With Cicchetti & Local Specialties
Travelers seeking a delectable journey through Venice’s culinary heritage will find delight in the Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center with Cicchetti & Local Specialties. This highly-rated tour offers an immersive experience, with 100% of travelers recommending it.
Participants will explore the Rialto market and historic neighborhoods, sampling a range of Venetian specialties and ‘cicchetti,’ small plates served tapas-style. The small group size ensures personalized service from a local expert guide.
The tour includes lunch, snacks, and gratuities, though drinks are available at an additional cost. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.
Advance notice is required for any dietary restrictions.
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Venice in a Day: City Sightseeing Tour by Land & Water
The Venice in a Day: City Sightseeing Tour by Land & Water offers travelers an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Priced from £140.17 per person, the 4-4.5 hour tour includes a guided walking tour, skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace, and a 30-minute gondola ride.
Highlights include St. Mark’s Square, the former residence of Marco Polo, and the Malibran Theatre.
While the tour receives generally positive reviews, some guests note issues with group pacing and guide attentiveness.
Travelers must arrive 15 minutes early and follow a dress code, as the tour may be affected by weather or religious events at St. Mark’s Basilica.
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Guided Tour of Venice City Highlights for Kids & Families
Families visiting Venice can embark on an engaging Guided Tour of Venice City Highlights for Kids & Families. This 2.5-hour private tour is designed for children aged 6 and above, with a maximum of 12 travelers.
Led by a professional, kid-friendly guide, the tour explores Venice’s iconic landmarks, including the Rialto Bridge. Priced from €280 per person, the tour includes private transportation, snacks, and bottled water. Gratuities are also included.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Reviewers praise the guide’s ability to keep children engaged and the overall enjoyment of the tour by families.
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Venice: City Highlights Private Wheelchair Accessible Tour
Touring Venice’s captivating city highlights has never been more inclusive, thanks to the private Wheelchair Accessible Tour. This 2-hour guided walking excursion allows visitors to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including Piazza San Marco, Rialto market, and the islands of Murano and Burano.
With over 70% of the historic city being wheelchair accessible and public transport options eliminating architectural barriers, the tour offers a seamless and enjoyable experience. Customized experiences are available for those with other disabilities, and a live tour guide, certified BLSD staff, and skip-the-line access ensure a safe and informed journey.
At $151.16 per person, this private tour provides excellent value and accessibility for all.
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Morning Magic: Venice City Walk and Gondola Tour
Travelers can embark on a captivating Morning Magic: Venice City Walk and Gondola Tour, which combines a guided walking tour of Venice’s iconic Piazza San Marco and Castello district with a quintessential gondola ride along the city’s picturesque canals.
This 2-hour experience offers insights into the city’s history and architecture, with a personal audio system and headphones ensuring clear commentary.
The tour accommodates up to 15 participants for the walking portion and 5 for the gondola ride, which is a shared experience.
While museum visits and meals aren’t included, hotel pick-up and drop-off services are provided, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours prior.
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Venice: Secret City Gardens Walking Tour
The garden-centric walking tour of Venice takes participants on an intimate exploration of the city’s hidden green oases. Priced from $75.05 per person, the 2-hour tour is available in English, Spanish, German, and Italian.
Led by licensed guides with expertise in gardening and Venetian history, the walking tour visits private villas, ancient monasteries, and parks to discover over 500 lush green spaces.
Guests enjoy views from garden terraces, immerse in contemporary art within garden settings, and experience the aroma of flowers, fruit trees, and medicinal plants.
With a 4.6/5 rating from 29 reviews, this unique tour offers a captivating perspective on the lesser-known areas of the Floating City.
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Private Venice City Tour and Gondola Ride
A popular choice for visitors to Venice, the Private Venice City Tour and Gondola Ride offers a comprehensive introduction to the Floating City.
The tour includes visits to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doges Palace, with pre-booked admission tickets. Guests can explore Byzantine mosaics and cross the Bridge of Sighs, while a private licensed guide shares legends and stories about Venice.
The tour also features a 30-minute gondola ride through the city’s lagoons. Proper attire is required for the basilica visit, and gratuities are included.
With a perfect 5.0 rating from previous guests, this tour is an efficient and valuable way to maximize time and avoid long lines in Venice.
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Venice: Private City Tour
Visitors to the Floating City can embark on a comprehensive Venice: Private City Tour to uncover the ancient grandeur of the Serenissima Republic.
The 2-2.5 hour tour, priced at Kč 5,497 per person, offers a panoramic exploration of St. Mark’s Square and its iconic monuments. Guests can marvel at the gold mosaics and marble floors of St. Mark’s Basilica, as well as experience the opulence of the Doge’s Palace.
The tour also includes a visit to the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons Palace. With a private licensed guide, flexible cancellation, and optional add-ons like a gondola ride, this tour provides an immersive experience for those seeking to discover Venice’s rich history and cultural heritage.
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Venice: City Tour and Murano Glass Experience
Venice’s City Tour and Murano Glass Experience offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the Floating City’s rich history and world-renowned artistry.
Priced at $507.38 for up to 6 participants, the 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a guided external visit to St. Mark’s Square and other iconic landmarks, and an immersive experience in Murano’s glass production.
Guests will watch skilled glassblowers in action and enjoy a complimentary boat ride back to St. Mark’s Square.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews for its informative and engaging guides, some visitors note concerns about the sales focus at the Murano factory.
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Private Experience Venice: Walking City & Boat Tour
For those seeking a comprehensive introduction to Venice’s iconic landmarks and picturesque waterways, the Private Experience Venice: Walking City & Boat Tour offers an immersive 3-hour adventure.
Priced from $724.08 per group of up to 6 people, this private tour combines a 2-hour walking exploration of St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge with a 1-hour Grand Canal boat cruise.
Led by expert local guides, the tour allows guests to skip the ticket lines and discover hidden gems, such as Marco Polo’s house and the Bovolo spiral staircase.
While the walking tour receives positive reviews, feedback on the boat tour’s comfort and visibility is more mixed.
Nonetheless, this comprehensive experience provides an excellent introduction to Venice’s rich history and stunning architecture.
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Venice: City Highlights Walking Tour With Optional Gondola
What better way to explore the iconic landmarks and bustling neighborhoods of Venice than the Venice: City Highlights Walking Tour with Optional Gondola?
This customizable tour offers flexibility, ranging from 1-hour focused tours to 2-3 hour comprehensive experiences. With expert guides sharing captivating stories, you’ll discover the Rialto Bridge, Cannaregio district, and the famous St. Mark’s Basilica.
For the ultimate Venetian experience, add a private gondola ride and glide through the city’s picturesque canals. Priced from $315 for up to 10 participants, this tour provides outstanding value, with the option to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Explore Venice’s rich history and culture with this highly-rated walking tour.
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Recap
Venice offers a variety of city tours to suit different interests. From walking tours showcasing the city’s must-see sites to off-the-beaten-path experiences, visitors can explore the city’s rich history, architecture, and culture. Whether you’re interested in a private tour or a group experience, there’s a Venice city tour to fit your travel style and preferences.