Enjoy the captivating charm of Venice’s iconic waterways and storied alleyways on this morning tour. Glide along the city’s canals in a traditional gondola, then embark on a walking exploration of St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the picturesque Santa Maria Formosa area. With expert local guides and personal audio systems, you’ll uncover the beauty and heritage that has enchanted visitors for centuries. This comprehensive experience promises to reveal the true essence of Venetian splendor – but what secrets might it hold?
Key Points
- This two-hour experience combines a 30-minute shared gondola ride and a guided walking tour to explore Venice’s iconic canals, landmarks, and historic areas.
- The tour starts at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256 in San Marco and includes stops at St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Santa Maria Formosa area.
- Participants will have access to personal audio systems and headphones for an immersive storytelling experience led by expert guides.
- The tour has a maximum capacity of 5 people on the gondola and 15 for the walking portion, ensuring a more intimate experience.
- The gondola tour may be canceled due to weather conditions, with a refund of €30 per person in such cases.
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Tour Overview
Exploring the enchanting canals and hidden alleyways of Venice, the Venetian Splendor: Gondola & Walking Tour offers a captivating two-hour experience that showcases the city’s charm and history.
Led by expert guides, the tour begins at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, in the heart of San Marco.
Guests will embark on a 30-minute shared gondola ride, gliding along the iconic waterways and catching glimpses of the city’s iconic landmarks.
The walking portion of the tour takes visitors through St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the picturesque Santa Maria Formosa area.
Equipped with personal audio systems and headphones, participants can enjoy the storytelling while exploring Venice’s hidden gems.
This tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover the beauty and rich heritage of this enchanting city.
Itinerary
The tour begins at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, in the San Marco district, inviting participants to embark on a 30-minute shared gondola ride along the city’s iconic waterways.
After the gondola experience, the guided walking tour takes guests through the highlights of Venice, including:
- St. Mark’s Square, the city’s famous central plaza
- Doge’s Palace, the former residence of Venice’s rulers
- Santa Maria Formosa, a picturesque campo (square) known for its historic architecture
The tour concludes back at the starting point, Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, allowing visitors to continue exploring the enchanting streets and canals of Venice on their own.
Inclusions
The tour includes a 30-minute shared gondola ride along Venice’s iconic waterways and a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square and the Castello area, with personal audio systems and headphones provided to participants.
This allows guests to enjoy the rich history and enchanting atmosphere of the city while easily hearing the expert guide’s commentary.
The gondola ride offers a unique perspective, gliding through the canals and catching glimpses of Venice’s stunning architecture. The walking tour then takes visitors to explore the hidden gems and charming streets of the Castello district.
With these inclusions, guests can discover the full Venetian splendor during this 2-hour tour.
Exclusions
Despite the inclusions, the Venetian Splendor: Gondola & Walking Tour doesn’t cover transportation, food, and drinks, nor entrance fees to Campo Santa Maria Formosa. Guests are responsible for making their own way to the starting location and covering any additional costs during the tour.
The tour also excludes:
- Transportation to and from the tour
- Food and beverages throughout the experience
- Entrance fee to Campo Santa Maria Formosa
- Any other expenses not explicitly mentioned in the ‘Inclusions’ section
Participants should come prepared with their own method of transportation, snacks, and money for any optional expenses they wish to incur during the tour.
Important Information
Tour participants should note that this is a shared tour, not a private one, with a maximum capacity of 5 people on the gondola and 15 during the walking portion. Children under 1 year old can join the tour for free but will not have a seat on the gondola. The tour itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, so guests should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure they don’t miss the tour. If the gondola tour is canceled due to weather, a refund of €30 per person will be provided.
| Important Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tour Type | Shared | |
| Gondola Capacity | 5 people | |
| Walking Tour Capacity | 15 people | |
| Child Policy | Under 1 free, no gondola seat | |
| Arrival Time | 20 minutes before departure | |
| Gondola Refund | €30 per person if canceled due to weather |
Gondola Tour Refund
If the gondola tour is canceled due to weather, you will receive a refund of €30 per person.
This refund policy is in place to ensure that guests aren’t left out of pocket if the iconic gondola ride can’t be provided.
The key things to know about the gondola tour refund are:
- Refund is €30 per person
- Refund is only applicable if the tour is canceled due to weather
- Refund is provided to all participants, regardless of age
- Refund will be processed within 7 business days of the canceled tour
This refund policy is designed to offer a fair and transparent solution in the event of tour cancellation, allowing guests to receive a partial reimbursement for their experience.
Start and End Locations
The tour starts and ends at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, San Marco. This location serves as the central meeting point for the Venetian Splendor: Gondola & Walking Tour, where participants gather before embarking on their exploration of Venice.
| Start Location | Stops | End Location |
|---|---|---|
| Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, San Marco | St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Santa Maria Formosa | Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1256, San Marco |
From this convenient starting point, the tour takes guests through the charming streets of Venice, showcasing its architectural gems and hidden delights. At the conclusion of the tour, participants return to the same meeting spot, having experienced the essence of Venetian splendor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option for a Private Gondola Ride?
No, this tour does not offer a private gondola ride. The gondola ride is shared with up to 5 other passengers. Private gondola rides are available through separate tour operators in Venice, but are not included in this specific group tour package.
Can I Extend the Duration of the Walking Tour?
Extending the walking tour duration isn’t an option for this specific tour. The itinerary is fixed at 2 hours, which includes the 30-minute gondola ride and guided walking portion. However, there may be other tour options that offer a longer walking component.
Are There Discounts Available for Large Groups?
Discounts are available for larger groups on this tour. Groups of 8 or more can receive a 10% discount on the tour price. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the group discount.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Stops?
Unfortunately, the tour’s itinerary is fixed and can’t be customized to include additional stops. However, you may be able to book a private tour that allows for more flexibility in the itinerary.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
The tour allows free photography during the guided walk and gondola ride, but visitors should be mindful not to disrupt the experience for others. Some restrictions may apply in certain areas like St. Mark’s Square.
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Recap
This captivating tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore Venice’s iconic canals and alleyways.
Guided by local experts, the tour includes a gondola ride and a walking tour showcasing the city’s renowned landmarks.
With personal audio systems and headphones, participants can fully enjoy the rich storytelling and uncover the beauty and heritage of Venetian Splendor.