Private Walking Tour of Venices Old Town With Gondola Ride

Exploring the charming streets of Venice’s Old Town is a must-do for any visitor. This private walking tour offers an immersive experience, guiding you through the city’s rich history and culture. Led by a licensed 5-star guide, you’ll discover iconic landmarks like the Church of San Zaccaria and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. But the real highlight? A shared gondola ride on the Grand Canal, where you’ll glide along the iconic waterways and soak up the city’s enchanting atmosphere. Whether you choose a 2.5, 3, or 3.5-hour tour, you’re sure to leave with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and wonder of Venice.

Key Points

• Comprehensive private walking tour of Venice’s Old Town, including a shared gondola ride along the iconic Grand Canal.
• Tour options ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, allowing visitors to experience additional landmarks.
• Guided by a 5-star licensed guide fluent in multiple languages, providing insightful commentary on Venice’s history and culture.
• Wheelchair and stroller accessible, with provisions for infants, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.
• Well-organized experience with clear instructions, starting and ending at a convenient location near major attractions.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This private walking tour of Venice’s Old Town offers visitors a chance to explore the historic city’s key attractions, including a shared gondola ride on the iconic Grand Canal.

The tour duration can be chosen from 2.5, 3, or 3.5 hours, with the longer options visiting additional landmarks like the Church of San Zaccaria and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

A 5-star licensed guide fluent in the customer’s language provides insightful commentary on Venice’s rich history and culture throughout the walking route.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infants can be accommodated on laps.

Visitors can expect a well-organized experience from start to finish.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for this private walking tour is located at Hotel Savoia & Jolanda, Riva degli Schiavoni, 4187, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy. However, visitors should not enter the hotel, as the staff is not informed about the tour. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Meeting Point	End Point
Hotel Savoia & Jolanda, Riva degli Schiavoni, 4187, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy	Hotel Savoia & Jolanda, Riva degli Schiavoni, 4187, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Do not enter the hotel	Activity ends back at the meeting point
Staff is not informed about the tour	–
–	–

Accessibility and Participation

The walking tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller accessible, with the activity located near public transportation.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Most travelers can participate, with a maximum of 25 people allowed per licensed guide.

This ensures an intimate experience where participants can easily hear and engage with the informative commentary provided.

The tour’s accessibility and inclusive nature make it suitable for a wide range of visitors, allowing them to discover the enchanting sights and rich history of Venice’s Old Town at a comfortable pace.

Gondola Ride Details

A key part of the walking tour is the 30-minute shared gondola ride on the Grand Canal.

The gondola can accommodate up to 6 people, with seating arranged randomly by the gondolier. Live commentary in English and Italian is provided, and an audio guide is available in 7 languages through a mobile app.

Visitors should refrain from eating or drinking in the gondola, and serenades require prior agreement and an additional fee.

Guests are advised to bring an umbrella for rain or sun protection during the gondola ride.

Additional Information and Fees

Confirmation of the tour booking is received upon completion, and guests should check their email prior to the experience for any important information.

There are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:

1. Guided tours inside churches may be limited during mass and special events.
2. A €5 access fee applies on certain dates for travelers staying outside of Venice, though some exemptions may be available.
3. Free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the experience.
4. Flexible payment options are available for this tour.

Exploring Venice’s Old Town

Embarking on this private walking tour of Venice’s Old Town promises an immersive exploration of the city’s rich history and captivating architecture.

With the guidance of a 5-star licensed guide, guests will discover the city’s key attractions, including the Church of San Zaccaria and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

The extended walking route provides a rundown of Venice’s charming alleyways, bridges, and waterways, bringing the city’s vibrant culture and fascinating past to life.

Whether opting for the 2.5-hour, 3-hour, or 3.5-hour tour, visitors can expect an engaging and informative journey through the heart of this iconic Italian destination.

Discovering Key Attractions

The private walking tour of Venice’s Old Town takes visitors on an enriching journey through the city’s most captivating landmarks.

Depending on the duration selected, the tour may include visits to the:

1. Church of San Zaccaria, a stunning example of Venetian Renaissance architecture.
2. Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, renowned for its remarkable spiral staircase.
3. Grand Canal, where a 30-minute shared gondola ride offers a unique perspective of the city’s iconic waterways.
4. Additional key attractions that showcase Venice’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Throughout the tour, a 5-star licensed guide provides insightful commentary, sharing fascinating facts about Venice’s past and present.

Experiencing Venetian Culture

Throughout the tour, visitors enjoy the captivating essence of Venetian culture. The guided walking experience provides insightful commentary on the city’s rich history and traditions.

Guests learn about the significance of iconic landmarks, such as the Church of San Zaccaria and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, which offer glimpses into the architectural and religious heritage of Venice.

The highlight of the tour is the shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal, allowing visitors to witness the unique waterborne lifestyle of the locals. This intimate experience showcases the city’s enduring connection to its waterways and the skilled artistry of the legendary gondoliers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Gondola Ride?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the gondola ride. However, they should avoid eating or drinking in the gondolas, and any serenades would require prior agreement and an additional fee.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for the tour. However, comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Visitors should avoid wearing very casual or revealing attire out of respect for the historic location.

Will the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Dining?

The tour guide will likely provide recommendations for dining based on their local knowledge. However, the tour focuses on exploring Venice’s attractions, and specific dining suggestions are not mentioned as part of the included services.

Can I Use My Own Audio Guide During the Walking Portion?

You can use your own audio guide during the walking portion, but the official gondola ride commentary is only provided in English and Italian, with an audio guide available in 7 languages via a mobile app.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there are duration options for the tour, including 2.5 hours, 3 hours, or 3.5 hours. The longer tours cover additional key attractions like the Church of San Zaccaria and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

Recap

This private walking tour of Venice’s Old Town, complemented by a shared gondola ride, offers an immersive experience of the city’s rich history and culture. Guided by a 5-star licensed tour guide, visitors can explore key landmarks, gain insightful commentary, and witness the charm of Venice from both land and water, making for an unforgettable adventure.