Private Venice City Tour and Gondola Ride

Discover the enchanting allure of Venice on a private city tour that takes you through the city’s iconic landmarks. From the breathtaking Byzantine mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica to the Renaissance art of the Doge’s Palace, you’ll bypass the long queues and learn about the captivating stories shared by knowledgeable local guides. But the adventure doesn’t end there – embark on a serene 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s hidden canals, where you’ll experience the tranquil charm and unique perspectives of the city’s waterways. Get ready to be swept away by the beauty and rich history of this remarkable destination.

This experience made our list of the 19 Best City Tours In Venice.

Quick Points

• A private Venice city tour that includes guided visits to St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and hidden canals with a 30-minute gondola ride.
• Bypass long queues to explore the opulent chambers and Renaissance art of the Doge’s Palace, accompanied by captivating stories from a licensed guide.
• Discover the city’s rich history and architectural wonders through in-depth commentary on the intricate mosaics and symbolic significance of St. Mark’s Basilica.
• Enjoy a tranquil and intimate gondola ride through Venice’s serene waterways, offering a unique perspective of the city’s hidden gems and picturesque bridges.
• Tour meeting and ending point at St. Mark’s Square for easy access to iconic landmarks, with pre-booked admission tickets and gratuities included in the price.

Exploring St. Mark’s Basilica

Although the exterior of St. Mark’s Basilica exudes grandeur, the interior captivates visitors with its stunning Byzantine-style mosaics.

Covering an area of over 8,000 square meters, the basilica’s walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate gold mosaics that depict biblical scenes and Venetian history.

Visitors are awed by the sheer scale and intricate detail of these mosaics, which offer a glimpse into the city’s rich past.

The private guide provides in-depth commentary, shedding light on the basilica’s architectural features and the symbolic significance of its ornate decorations.

For those seeking an immersive cultural experience, exploring St. Mark’s Basilica is an essential part of the private Venice city tour.

Discovering the Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace stands as a testament to Venice’s rich political and cultural heritage.

As part of the private tour, visitors will have the opportunity to bypass the long queues and explore this iconic landmark. Inside, they’ll discover opulent chambers adorned with Renaissance art and intricate architectural details.

The guide will share captivating stories about the Doge, the supreme ruler of the Venetian Republic, and the palace’s role in governing the city-state. Guests will marvel at the lavish Doge’s Apartments and the impressive courtyard before crossing the Bridge of Sighs, which once led prisoners to their cells.

This exclusive experience offers an in-depth look into Venice’s illustrious past.

Navigating Hidden Canals

One of the highlights of the private Venice city tour is the opportunity to discover the city’s hidden canals. Aboard a private gondola, visitors can glide through these narrow waterways inaccessible to pedestrians, providing a unique perspective of the city.

The tour guides share legends and stories as the gondola navigates the serene canals, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.

Key features of the hidden canal exploration include:

• Passing under picturesque bridges and alongside historic buildings
• Observing the daily life of Venetians along the canals
• Experiencing the tranquility and beauty of these intimate waterways

This intimate gondola ride through Venice’s hidden canals is an enchanting and unforgettable part of the private city tour experience.

Gondola Ride Experience

A highlight of the private Venice city tour is the 30-minute gondola ride through the city’s serene canals.

Tucked away from the bustling streets, the tranquil waterways offer a unique perspective of Venice’s iconic architecture and hidden gems. Passengers glide effortlessly, allowing them to soak in the sights and sounds of this floating city.

The gentle rocking of the gondola and the soft hum of the oar against the water create a mesmerizing ambiance. This intimate experience provides a chance to escape the crowds and take in the timeless charm of Venice.

Whether it’s for romance, relaxation, or simply soaking in the city’s essence, the gondola ride is an unforgettable part of the private tour.

Tour Meeting Information

According to the information provided, the meeting point for the private Venice city tour is at P.za San Marco, 3, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy.

Guests are instructed to meet their guide between the two columns in St. Mark’s Square. The tour ends at the same meeting point.

This convenient location allows for easy access to the iconic landmarks that are explored during the tour, including:

• St. Mark’s Basilica
• Bridge of Sighs
• Hidden canals inaccessible to pedestrians

The tour’s meeting and ending point in St. Mark’s Square ensures a seamless and efficient experience for participants.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The private Venice city tour is priced starting from $261.10, with the exact cost varying based on group size. This tour offers excellent value for money, with pre-booked admission tickets, a licensed guide, and a 30-minute gondola ride included. Customers can also opt to add on entrance tickets to St. Mark’s Basilica upon request.

Cancellation Policy
Free Cancellation	Up to 24 hours before
Partial Refund	48-24 hours before
No Refund	Less than 24 hours

Reviewers have praised the tour’s efficiency, knowledgeable guides, and family-friendly experiences, resulting in a 5.0 rating from 3 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Positive Guest Feedback

Numerous reviewers have praised the private Venice city tour for its efficiency, knowledgeable guides, and family-friendly experiences.

Guests consistently highlight the tour’s highlights, including:

• The expert local guides who share captivating legends and stories about the city’s iconic sites, such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doges Palace.
• The ability to bypass long queues and seamlessly access these popular attractions.
• The family-friendly nature of the tour, which caters to visitors of all ages and provides a memorable introduction to the wonders of Venice.

With a 5.0 rating from previous participants, this private tour offers an exceptional and personalized way to explore the heart of this historic Italian city.

Tour Inclusions and Restrictions

As part of the private Venice city tour, the package includes a licensed guide who leads the exploration of the city’s iconic sites.

Entrance tickets to the Doges Palace are pre-booked, allowing guests to bypass long lines. A 30-minute gondola ride through the city’s lagoons is also included, providing a unique perspective of the canals inaccessible to pedestrians.

However, visitors should note that proper attire is required for entry to St. Mark’s Basilica, and no bags are allowed inside.

The tour ends at the same meeting point in St. Mark’s Square, and gratuities are included in the price, which varies based on group size.

Since You Asked

Are Photographs Allowed Inside the Basilica and Doge’s Palace?

Photography is generally not allowed inside St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Visitors must follow the guidelines and rules set by the attractions to preserve the artwork and provide a respectful experience for all.

Is the Tour Guide’s Commentary Pre-Recorded or Live?

The tour guide’s commentary is live, not pre-recorded. They’ll share legends and stories of Venice in person, providing a dynamic and engaging experience for participants throughout the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour doesn’t allow outside food or beverages, as it’s a private guided experience focusing on the key sights and attractions in Venice.

What Is the Policy for Children on the Tour?

The tour generally welcomes children, but parents should note that there may be security restrictions and proper attire requirements for visiting the Basilica. The tour provider can provide more details on any child-specific policies or recommendations.

Are There Any Physical Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

There are no specific physical fitness requirements for the tour. The experience involves walking and exploring various sites, but the tour is designed to accommodate visitors of all fitness levels. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

The Final Verdict

This private Venice city tour and gondola ride offers an immersive experience that showcases the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Guests can bypass the crowds and explore the rich history and captivating art, guided by knowledgeable locals. The serene gondola ride through the tranquil canals provides a unique perspective of Venice’s charm. With convenient meeting information, transparent pricing, and positive guest feedback, this tour is an ideal way to explore the enchanting allure of the floating city.