Discover the enchanting city of Venice through a comprehensive morning walking tour and gondola ride. This experience offers an in-depth exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks, from the grandeur of Piazza San Marco to the charming neighborhoods of the Castello district. With commentary available in multiple languages, the tour caters to international visitors, ensuring an informative and memorable journey. The highlight of the tour is a shared gondola ride, allowing participants to fully enjoy the unique Venetian atmosphere. But the tour’s true value lies in the insights it provides into Venice’s rich history and architecture, leaving one eager to uncover more of this captivating city.
Key Points

- Guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square and the Castello district, providing insights into the history and architecture of the sites.
- Starts at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256 in Piazza San Marco, a central location with easy access to begin the tour.
- Offers commentary in English, Italian, and Spanish via audio systems for a seamless experience.
- Includes a 30-minute shared gondola ride, culminating the tour.
- Covers historical sites and residences, such as the Santa Maria Formosa church, during the walking portion of the tour.
Itinerary Overview

The tour begins at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256 in Piazza San Marco, where you will explore St. Mark’s Square before venturing into the Castello neighborhood to discover its historical sites and residences.
After visiting Santa Maria Formosa, the group will return to the starting point.
Throughout the 2-hour walking tour, an audio system and headphones provide commentary in English, Italian, and Spanish.
The tour culminates with a 30-minute shared gondola ride, allowing participants to experience Venice’s iconic waterways.
With a maximum capacity of 15 for the walking tour and 5 for the gondola, this shared group experience offers an immersive introduction to the city’s highlights.
You can also read our reviews of more walking tours in Venice
Starting Location

The tour kicks off at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, in Piazza San Marco, the iconic central square of Venice. This starting point places participants right at the heart of the city, allowing them to dive straight into the exploration of St. Mark’s Square.
The tour offers several convenient features:
- Participants can easily find the meeting point in the bustling Piazza San Marco.
- The guide will provide audio equipment, ensuring everyone can hear the commentary clearly.
- The tour is conducted in English, Italian, and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience.
Participants can look forward to a shared gondola ride after the walking tour, completing the Venetian experience.
Tour Stops

After setting off from the starting point at Piazza San Marco, the tour winds through the charming Castello district, where participants get to explore St. Mark’s Square, the iconic heart of Venice.
From here, the group will head to the picturesque Santa Maria Formosa, one of the city’s most beautiful churches. Along the way, the guide will provide insights into the history and architecture of these historic sites.
The tour then returns to the starting point at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, concluding the morning’s exploration of Venice’s highlights.
With the guided walking tour and the included gondola ride, travelers can fully enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Inclusions

This tour includes a 30-minute shared gondola ride, allowing participants to experience the iconic Venice waterways.
The package covers a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square and the Castello district, providing in-depth insights into the city’s history and architecture.
Customers will also receive audio systems and headphones to ensure they can clearly hear the guide’s commentary throughout the tour.
The tour’s inclusions are:
- 30-minute shared gondola ride
- Guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square and Castello areas
- Audio system and headphones for commentary
- Tours offered in English, Italian, and Spanish
Exclusions

Despite the tour’s comprehensive offerings, certain expenses remain the responsibility of participants. Specifically, the tour doesn’t cover:
- Transportation to and from the starting location
- Any food or drinks consumed during the experience
- Entry fees for the Campo Santa Maria Formosa
Guests will need to make their own arrangements for getting to the meeting point at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256 in Piazza San Marco.
Plus, any snacks, meals, or refreshments desired throughout the tour must be purchased separately.
Lastly, the tour doesn’t include admission to the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, so visitors will need to cover that cost on their own.
These exclusions allow the tour to focus on providing an immersive experience exploring the highlights of St. Mark’s Square and Castello.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice
- Discover Venice – Morning Walking Tour and Gondola
- Explore Venice – Morning Walking Tour and Gondola
- Morning – Venetian Splendor: Gondola & Walking Tour
- Early Morning Photo Tour and Breakfast in a Luxury Location
- Discover Venice – Morning Walking Tour and Gondola
- Morning – Gondola & Foot: Discover Venices Beauty
Important Information

Customers must arrive 20 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure to avoid losing their spot.
The tour is shared, not private, with a maximum capacity of 5 people for the gondola and 15 people for the walking portion.
The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions.
If the gondola tour is canceled because of inclement weather, you will receive a 30 euro per person refund.
The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Spanish.
Customers must provide their own transportation to the starting location.
Food and drinks aren’t included, and there’s an admission fee for the Campo Santa Maria Formosa.
Late arrivals may not be accommodated, so punctuality is key.
Gondola Ride

The 30-minute gondola ride caps off the tour, offering visitors a quintessential Venetian experience as they glide along the city’s iconic canals.
Guests will board a shared gondola, providing an opportunity to sit back, relax, and soak in the sights from a unique perspective. The gentle rocking of the boat and the gentle lapping of the water create a calming ambiance.
Gliding under centuries-old bridges and past historic buildings, travelers will feel immersed in Venice’s timeless charm. Whether admiring the ornate architecture or simply enjoying the tranquility of the canals, the gondola ride is a highlight not to be missed.
This traditional mode of transportation provides a fitting end to a morning of exploring the city.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour does not have a minimum age requirement. Children of all ages are welcome to attend, though parents should ensure their children can participate safely and comfortably throughout the 2-hour duration of the walking tour and gondola ride.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?
The tour can’t be customized to include additional stops. It follows a set itinerary that covers the key highlights of St. Mark’s Square and Castello. However, guests can explore other areas of Venice on their own before or after the tour.
Are Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
While the tour cannot be customized, discounts for students and seniors are available. Customers can save 10% on the tour price by providing valid student or senior identification at the time of booking.
Is Photography Allowed During the Gondola Ride?
Yes, photography is allowed during the gondola ride. Guests can take photos and videos to capture the unique experience of gliding through Venice’s canals aboard a traditional gondola. However, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid obstructing the gondolier’s view.
What Happens if the Weather Causes the Walking Tour to Be Canceled?
If weather forces the walking tour to be canceled, customers will receive a refund of 30 euros per person. The gondola ride portion of the tour will still operate, weather permitting.
Recap

The Discover Venice – Morning Walking Tour and Gondola provides a comprehensive introduction to the city’s iconic landmarks and charming neighborhoods.
Participants will explore the Castello district, learn about Venice’s rich history, and enjoy a shared gondola ride, seeing the unique Venetian atmosphere.
With commentary available in multiple languages, this tour caters to international visitors, ensuring a memorable and informative experience.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Walking Tours in Venice
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- 6-hour tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello by private boat
- Private Boat Tour with Skipper Sailing the Lagoon of Venice Italy
- Public Tour: The Most Complete Tour of Venice
- Venice: Best of Venice Private Walking Tour
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- 6-hour tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello by private boat
- Private Boat Tour with Skipper Sailing the Lagoon of Venice Italy
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- Private Day Trip to Murano Burano and Torcello islands from Venice with a local
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Venice we have reviewed
- Venice Airport (VCE) to Trieste or Cruise Port Private Transfer
- Private tour for families with children in Venice
- 6-hour tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello by private boat
- Private Boat Tour with Skipper Sailing the Lagoon of Venice Italy
- Venice Lido by bike with guide
- Private Day Trip to Murano Burano and Torcello islands from Venice with a local
- Public Tour: The Most Complete Tour of Venice
- Venice: Best of Venice Private Walking Tour
- Private Luxury Transfer from Venice to Milan with stop in Verona(or vice versa)
- Doge’s Palace small group or private tour with a local guide
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