Venice: City Highlights Tour With St Marks and Gondola Ride

Venice’s "City Highlights Tour" offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s enchanting beauty. Exploring the vibrant Cannaregio district and bustling Rialto Market, guests embark on a 3-hour guided adventure that culminates in a serene 30-minute gondola ride through scenic canals. Along the way, they’ll gain insights into Venice’s rich history and witness the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica. This tour promises a perfect blend of iconic sights and hidden gems, leaving visitors eager to further uncover the city’s timeless allure.

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

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided tour showcases iconic Venice sights, including a 30-minute gondola ride and admission to St. Mark’s Basilica, priced from $73.79 per person.
• The tour begins at the central fountain of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto and explores the Cannaregio district, Rialto Market, and culminates at Piazza San Marco.
• Knowledgeable guides provide historical context and insights into Venice’s local life, with headsets ensuring clear commentary during the walking and boat portions.
• The tour is not fully accessible for mobility-impaired individuals due to significant walking and the limited capacity of the gondola ride.
• In case of adverse weather, the gondola ride may be substituted with alternative water-based activities, and the Rialto Fish Market visit may be replaced with other culinary experiences.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Venice City Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive 3-hour experience that allows visitors to explore the iconic sights and hidden gems of this captivating Italian city.

Priced from $73.79 per person, the tour includes a guided walking exploration of major landmarks like the Rialto Market, Cannaregio district, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Marco Polo’s house.

The highlight is a 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s scenic canals.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour is both flexible and convenient.

It’s also likely to sell out, so booking early is recommended to secure your spot.

Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins at the central fountain of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, near the iconic Rialto Bridge.

From there, visitors embark on a guided walking tour through the Cannaregio district and the bustling Rialto Market, where they can explore the city’s culinary traditions.

The highlight of the experience is a 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s hidden canals, offering scenic views of the city’s architectural wonders, including Marco Polo’s house and the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica.

The tour culminates at Piazza San Marco, where guests can admire the basilica and learn about Venice’s mercantile empire and local life from the knowledgeable tour guide.

Tour Highlights

While exploring the hidden canals of Venice on a gondola ride, visitors row through scenic waterways and catch glimpses of the city’s architectural marvels.

The tour also allows guests to explore the Rialto Market, where they can enjoy the vibrant culinary traditions of Venice.

At the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, they’ll admire the stunning Byzantine-style architecture and learn about the city’s rich history as a mercantile empire.

Plus, the tour provides an opportunity to discover historical sites and hidden gems, offering a unique insight into the local way of life in this enchanting city.

What’s Included

This tour includes a live, English-speaking guide who’ll lead the group through the highlights of Venice.

Guests will have the opportunity to take a 30-minute gondola ride with a professional gondolier, experiencing the city’s hidden canals up close.

The tour also includes a ticket to St. Mark’s Basilica, one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks.

Headsets will be provided to ensure everyone can clearly hear the guide’s commentary.

Tips are included, so there are no hidden fees.

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Important Information

As per the details provided, the meeting point for the tour is at the central fountain of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, near the iconic Rialto Bridge.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves a substantial amount of walking.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with large bags or baby strollers, as the tour isn’t wheelchair or stroller accessible.

In case of high tides, flooding, or heavy rain, the gondola ride may be substituted.

Plus, the Rialto Fish Market is closed on Sundays.

Meeting Point and Requirements

The meeting point for the Venice City Highlights Tour is the central fountain of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, conveniently located near the iconic Rialto Bridge.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves extensive walking through the charming streets and hidden canals of Venice.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those bringing large bags or baby strollers, as it isn’t fully accessible.

Guests are advised to arrive at the meeting point on time, as the tour departs promptly and late arrivals may not be accommodated.

The tour guide will provide headsets to ensure participants can hear the informative commentary throughout the experience.

Accessibility and Suitability

The Venice City Highlights Tour isn’t fully accessible, as it isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those bringing large bags or baby strollers.

Some key points about the tour’s accessibility and suitability:

1. The tour involves a significant amount of walking and exploration of hidden canals, which may be challenging for those with limited mobility.

2. The gondola ride, a highlight of the tour, has a maximum capacity of 5 people per gondola, making it unsuitable for larger groups or families.

3. St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the main sites visited, isn’t wheelchair accessible.

4. Large bags and baby strollers aren’t permitted, as they can be cumbersome in the crowded and narrow streets of Venice.

Potential Substitutions

While the Venice City Highlights Tour may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges or large belongings, there are potential substitutions and alternatives to consider. During high tides, flooding, or heavy rain, the gondola ride may be substituted with alternative activities. Plus, the Rialto Fish Market is closed on Sundays, so visitors may explore other culinary experiences instead.

Substitution	Reason	Alternative
Gondola Ride	High tides, flooding, heavy rain	Alternative water-based activities
Rialto Fish Market	Closed on Sundays	Explore other local culinary traditions
Mobility Challenged Guests	Tour not wheelchair or stroller accessible	Investigate private or modified tours

These potential substitutions ensure that visitors can still enjoy the highlights of Venice, even if certain aspects of the tour are unavailable or unsuitable for their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Large Group?

The tour can accommodate groups, but group size is limited to 5 people per gondola. Larger parties may need to book multiple gondola rides. It’s best to contact the tour provider for specific group booking details and availability.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, there are student and senior discounts available for this tour. Visitors aged 18-26 with valid student ID can save 10%, while those 65 and older can enjoy a 5% discount off the regular tour price.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

The tour’s itinerary is pre-set, but travelers can’t customize it. However, they can opt for private or small-group tours that offer more flexibility to visit specific sites as per their interests and preferences.

What Languages Are the Tour Guides Available In?

The tour guides are available in English. Visitors can enjoy a live guided tour with an English-speaking guide, providing an immersive experience as they explore the highlights of Venice on this comprehensive sightseeing excursion.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned?

The tour price covers all the listed inclusions, and there are no additional fees or costs mentioned. The only potential extra expense could be for purchases at the Rialto Market during the free time.

Recap

This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience of Venice’s captivating sights and rich history. Visitors can admire the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, glide through the serene canals on a gondola, and explore the vibrant Rialto Market. With an expert guide providing insights along the way, this tour promises an enchanting and memorable journey through the enchanting "City of Canals."

You can check if your dates are available here: