Explore Venice – Morning Walking Tour and Gondola

Exploring Venice by foot and gondola is a must-do experience for any visitor. This comprehensive morning tour provides an excellent introduction to the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden waterways. Participants will embark on a guided walking tour, learning about the history and culture from an expert guide, before gliding along the iconic canals in a traditional Venetian gondola. With personalized audio systems and a central meeting point, this tour offers a seamless and enlightening way to discover the beauty and charm that has captivated travelers for centuries. But the real question is, what secrets will you uncover during your Venetian adventure?

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-hour walking tour of iconic Venice landmarks, including St. Mark’s Square and Castello area, with personal audio systems for guide commentary.
• 30-minute gondola ride through hidden canals and past historic palaces, offering a unique perspective of Venice’s beauty.
• Tour accommodates up to 15 participants and starts from a centrally located meeting point, ensuring a smooth start.
• Walking tour covers mostly flat ground with occasional steps, and the gondola has a small step to board.
• Tour includes the guided walking tour and gondola ride, but excludes transportation, food, drinks, and entrance fees for some attractions.

Tour Overview

This morning walking tour and gondola ride offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the enchanting city of Venice.

The tour begins with a guided exploration of iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Square, the Castello district, and the former residence of Marco Polo, before transitioning into a serene 30-minute gondola journey through Venice’s hidden waterways and past stunning palaces.

Lasting a total of 2 hours and conducted in English, the tour accommodates groups of up to 15 participants for the walking portion and up to 5 for the gondola ride.

With the inclusion of personal audio systems and headphones, guests can easily hear the guide’s informative commentary throughout the experience.

Meeting Point Details

The meeting point for the tour is located on Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, in the San Marco district. Participants should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time and look for the yellow Meeting Point sign on the wooden kiosk.

Meeting Point Details
Location	Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, San Marco
Time	20 minutes before departure
Look for	Yellow Meeting Point sign on wooden kiosk
Arrival	Recommended 20 minutes early

This convenient, centrally located meeting point ensures a smooth start to the walking tour and gondola ride through Venice’s iconic canals and historic sites.

Walking Tour Itinerary

After convening at the centrally located meeting point, the walking tour takes participants on an exploration of Venice’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

Visitors will start in St. Mark’s Square, the heart of the city, before venturing into the charming Castello area.

Along the way, they’ll see Marco Polo’s former residence and the historic Malibran Theater.

The tour provides a well-rounded overview of the city, allowing participants to experience both the famous sights and lesser-known corners of this unique destination.

With an informative guide leading the way, the walking portion of the tour offers a comfortable and engaging way to discover the beauty and history of Venice.

Gondola Ride Experience

Participants will enjoy a tranquil 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s hidden canals and past historic palaces, providing a truly unique perspective of the city.

The gondola tour is a shared experience, with up to 5 passengers per boat. Gliding silently along the waterways, you’ll get an up-close look at the beautiful architecture lining the canals.

The gondolier will expertly navigate the narrow passages, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the serene atmosphere.

This gondola ride complements the walking tour, offering a different way to explore Venice’s renowned sights and discover its hidden gems.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Along With the gondola ride, the tour includes a guided walking tour and personal audio system with headphones, allowing participants to fully enjoy the experience. However, transportation, food, drinks, and the entrance fee for Campo Santa Maria Formosa are not covered.

Inclusions	Exclusions
30-minute shared gondola ride	Transportation
Guided walking tour	Food and drinks
Personal audio system and headphones	Entrance fee: Campo Santa Maria Formosa
	Not suitable for wheelchair users

This combination of activities provides a well-rounded and immersive exploration of Venice’s rich history and iconic landmarks.

Accessibility Information

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as the walking portion and gondola ride may present accessibility challenges.

However, the tour can accommodate guests with limited mobility in the following ways:

1. The walking tour covers mostly flat ground, with occasional steps that can be navigated with assistance.
2. The gondola has a small step to board, but the seating area is level and can accommodate guests who need extra support.

Advance notice is required for any accessibility needs, so the tour operator can make appropriate arrangements.

Guests with concerns are encouraged to discuss them with the tour staff prior to booking, ensuring the experience meets their individual needs.

Getting to the Meeting Point

To reach the meeting point, guests should make their way to Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, in the San Marco district.

The yellow Meeting Point sign on the wooden kiosk will clearly indicate the designated gathering spot, located 20 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure.

Navigating the winding streets of Venice can be challenging, so guests are encouraged to arrive early and take their time finding the location.

Once at the meeting point, guests can check in with the tour guide and prepare for the exciting walking tour and gondola ride through the city’s iconic canals.

With clear directions and ample time, guests can ensure a seamless start to their Venetian adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible to Book a Private Gondola Ride?

Yes, it’s possible to book a private gondola ride in Venice. Gondola tours typically offer both shared and private options, allowing visitors to customize their experience and enjoy a more intimate ride along the city’s historic canals.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional sites. Customers can speak with the tour operator to request visits to specific landmarks or areas of interest, subject to availability and time constraints.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for children and seniors. Children under 6 receive a 50% discount, while those over 6 and seniors receive a 25% discount on the regular tour price. Additional details are available upon booking.

Are There Any Restrooms Available During the Tour?

There are no dedicated restrooms available during the tour. However, participants can use public restrooms located near the meeting point or along the walking route. The tour company suggests allowing time for restroom breaks before or after the tour.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Gondola?

Bringing your own food and drinks on the gondola is generally not allowed. The gondola tour is a shared experience, and the gondoliers typically do not permit outside food or beverages to be consumed during the ride.

Recap

The Explore Venice – Morning Walking Tour and Gondola offers a fantastic way to experience the heart of the city. Participants will enjoy a guided walking tour of iconic landmarks, followed by a serene gondola ride through Venice’s hidden waterways.

With personal audio systems and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive introduction to the city’s rich history and stunning beauty.