Exploring the captivating charm of Venice doesn’t get much better than this comprehensive tour. With a guided walking experience and a shared gondola ride, visitors can enjoy the city’s lesser-known wonders. From the iconic St. Mark’s Square to the hidden gems of the Castello district, the tour showcases Venice’s alluring blend of history and culture. Complemented by a delightful gondola journey, this experience offers a truly authentic taste of la dolce vita. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises to leave you with unforgettable memories of the city’s enchanting ambiance.
Key Points
- A 2-hour guided walking tour explores lesser-known areas of Venice, including St. Mark’s Square and Castello district.
- Visitors can observe the iconic external staircase of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a historic architectural landmark.
- A 30-minute shared gondola ride allows an intimate look at Venice’s charming atmosphere and classic Venetian experience.
- The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Spanish, with personal audio systems and headphones to ensure everyone can hear the guide.
- Guests can reserve the tour and pay later, with a maximum capacity of 15 for the walking tour and a meeting point at San Marco Giardinetto near Alilaguna.
Tour Details

This guided tour of Venice lasts for 2 hours and is led by a live English-speaking guide.
Explore the lesser-known areas of the city, including St. Mark’s Square and the Castello district. You’ll admire hidden squares, buildings, and the famous Teatro La Fenice.
Visit the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and take in its iconic external staircase.
The experience also includes a 30-minute shared gondola ride through the city’s charming canals.
The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Spanish, and you’ll use personal audio systems and headphones during the walking portion.
Just be sure to arrive 20 minutes early and have your voucher ready to receive your tickets.
You can also read our reviews of more walking tours in Venice
Highlights

Visitors can explore the lesser-known side of Venice, admiring hidden squares and buildings throughout the tour.
They’ll also see the iconic Teatro La Fenice and visit the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo to observe its external staircase.
The highlight of the tour is the 30-minute shared gondola ride through the serene canals. Gliding along the waterways, guests will get an intimate look at the city’s unique architecture and charming atmosphere.
The walking tour provides an immersive experience, with a live guide leading the way and personal audio systems ensuring everyone can hear the commentary.
Whether it’s discovering tucked-away gems or enjoying a classic Venetian gondola ride, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the city’s captivating sights.
Inclusions

The tour includes a shared gondola ride, a walking tour with personal audio systems and headphones, and the experience is offered in English, Italian, and Spanish.
Enjoy a 30-minute shared gondola ride through the canals of Venice, with the gondolier in charge of seat assignment.
Participate in a guided walking tour, equipped with personal audio systems and headphones, to explore the lesser-known areas of the city.
Experience the tour in their preferred language, whether it’s English, Italian, or Spanish.
These inclusions ensure a well-rounded and immersive experience for visitors to discover the charming side of Venice.
Exclusions

While the tour includes several activities, it doesn’t cover transportation to the meeting point, any food or drinks, or entrance to Campo Santa Maria Formosa.
Guests are responsible for making their own way to the starting location at San Marco Giardinetto, near the Alilaguna ticket office. Any meals or refreshments during the tour must be purchased separately.
Plus, the tour doesn’t provide access to Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of Venice’s lesser-known squares. Visitors who wish to explore this area will need to do so on their own after the guided portion of the tour.
More Great Tours NearbyBooking and Meeting Point

To book this tour, guests can reserve now and pay later.
The meeting point is at San Marco Giardinetto, right by the Alilaguna ticket office, where participants should arrive 20 minutes prior to the start of the activity.
The tour isn’t private, but shared with a maximum capacity of:
- 5 for the gondola ride
- 15 for the walking tour
Guests will receive their tickets upon presenting their voucher at the ticket office.
It’s important to note that there are no refunds if a guest misses the tour, so punctuality is key to ensure a seamless and memorable experience in charming Venice.
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Important Information

This tour isn’t a private experience, but a shared one with other participants. The gondola ride has a maximum capacity of 5 people, while the walking tour can accommodate up to 15 guests. Gondola seat assignments are made by the gondolier.
Children under 1 year old don’t pay for the tour. Guests should be aware that the itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions.
To receive their tickets, participants must present their voucher at the ticket office; no refunds are available if a guest misses the tour.
It’s important to arrive 20 minutes before the start of the tour and be prepared for a shared, lively experience in the beautiful city of Venice.
Duration and Capacity

The tour lasts 2 hours and includes a guided walking tour that can accommodate up to 15 participants, as well as a 30-minute shared gondola ride with a maximum capacity of 5 people. This allows for an intimate and personalized experience as you explore the lesser-known side of Venice.
The walking tour takes you through hidden squares and buildings, showcasing the city’s charming architecture and offering a glimpse into the local culture.
The shared gondola ride provides a unique opportunity to glide through the iconic Venetian canals, taking in the sights and sounds of this remarkable city.
With the tour offered in English, Italian, and Spanish, travelers from around the world can enjoy this captivating experience.
Gondola Seat Assignment

The gondolier assigns seats in the shared gondola based on the group size and configuration. Since the maximum capacity for the gondola is 5 passengers, the gondolier will distribute the seats accordingly.
Individuals or smaller groups may be combined with others to fill the gondola. The gondolier determines the optimal seating arrangement to ensure a comfortable and stable ride. Passengers don’t get to choose their specific seat, as the gondolier is responsible for balancing the weight and positioning everyone safely.
This seating assignment process helps the gondola tour run smoothly and efficiently for all participants. Travelers should be prepared to share the gondola with others as part of this shared experience in Venice.
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for the Walking Tour?
The walking tour has a maximum capacity of 15 participants. The tour is not private but shared, so the group size is limited to ensure an intimate and personalized experience for all attendees.
Is There a Dress Code for the Activity?
There is no specific dress code for this activity. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves both walking and a gondola ride.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
There are no restrictions on photography during the tour. Participants are free to take photos throughout the walking tour and gondola ride, allowing them to capture the charming sights of Venice.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Requests?
The tour cannot be customized for special requests. It’s a shared group activity with a fixed itinerary. However, the tour operator can accommodate individual needs like accessibility requirements if notified in advance.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
Yes, the tour offers student and senior discounts. Simply present a valid student or senior ID when checking in to receive the discounted rate. The discounts are not listed online, so be sure to inquire at the meeting point.
Charming Venice – Walking and Gondola
Recap
This comprehensive tour offers an immersive exploration of Venice’s lesser-known areas and iconic landmarks.
Combining a guided walking experience and a shared gondola ride, it provides an intimate look at the city’s charming canals and enchanting atmosphere.
With options in multiple languages, the tour caters to a diverse audience, ensuring everyone can fully engage with the guide’s commentary and the city’s rich history and culture.
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