Exploring the enchanting city of Venice has never been easier. This small group tour combines the best of walking and boat travel to provide a comprehensive experience of the city’s top sights. With skip-the-line access to the iconic Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, you’ll avoid the crowds and learn about the city’s rich history and culture. As you cruise along the Grand Canal, you’ll gain a unique perspective of this watery wonderland, all while learning from knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises to unveil the hidden gems that make Venice truly captivating.
Key Points
- This small group Venice tour combines walking and boat travel, providing skip-the-line access to Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.
- The tour includes tickets, headsets, and a knowledgeable guide, and lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
- Visitors explore Doge’s Palace, Scala dei Giganti di Palazzo Ducale, Piazza San Marco, and take a 1-hour cruise along the Grand Canal.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation, and has a minimum group size requirement.
- With 709 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the tour is highly rated for its knowledgeable and personable guides who bring the history and culture of Venice to life.
Overview and Inclusions
This small group Venice tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city, combining walking and boat travel with skip-the-line access to top attractions like the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.
With 709 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the tour provides an in-depth look at Venice’s highlights. Guests will explore the Doge’s Palace, Scala dei Giganti, Piazza San Marco, and the Grand Canal aboard a motorboat.
Tickets, headsets, and a knowledgeable guide are included, ensuring a seamless experience. The tour is available in two lengths, catering to different schedules.
While not wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation. Travelers should note the dress code and potential cancellation due to minimum numbers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice.
Detailed Itinerary
The tour begins with an exploration of the grand Doge’s Palace, where guests spend approximately 2 hours admiring its impressive architecture and learning about the city’s rich history.
Visitors then proceed to the Scala dei Giganti di Palazzo Ducale, the iconic staircase that leads to the upper floors of the palace, spending around 10 minutes there.
Next, the group heads to the famous Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice, for a 15-minute visit.
From there, they move on to St Mark’s Basilica, where they spend 30 minutes marveling at the stunning Byzantine-style interior.
The tour then continues to Campo Santa Maria Formosa, a charming square, before culminating in a 1-hour cruise along the impressive Grand Canal.
Additional Information
Confirmation of the tour booking is provided within 48 hours if the reservation is made less than 2 days prior to the tour date.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation.
Visitors must adhere to a dress code when entering places of worship, and large bags aren’t permitted.
Minimum group size requirements apply, and the tour may be canceled if the minimum isn’t met.
Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica is compulsory during the peak season from April to October.
If you need to contact the tour operator, an emergency phone number is provided for your convenience.
Meeting and Pickup
Travelers meet at Giardini Reali, Piazza San Marco, where the tour begins, and the same location serves as the end point upon completion.
This convenient meeting spot allows participants to easily find the group and start exploring Venice’s top sights.
The tour guide will be waiting to greet the group and provide any necessary information before setting off on the small group adventure.
With the meeting and end point being the same, travelers can easily make their way back to their starting location once the tour concludes, making for a seamless and well-organized experience.
The meeting point’s proximity to public transportation also ensures accessibility for all participants.
Reviews
Overall, guests have enjoyed the knowledgeable and personable guides who provide informative tours on this Small Group Venice Tour. Based on 709 reviews, the tour has a 4.5/5 overall rating, with guests praising the experience:
The knowledgeable guides offer insightful commentary, bringing the history and culture of Venice to life.
The personable nature of the guides creates an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere, making the tour feel more like a conversation with a local.
The informative nature of the tours, covering key sights like the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, leaves guests with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the city.
- Tour of The Real Hidden Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica After-Hours Tour With Optional Doges Palace
- Murano Glass Experience With a Visit to a Burano Lace Island
- Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour With a Local Guide
- Eat, Drink and Repeat: Wine Tasting Tour in Venice
- I Musici Veneziani Concert: Vivaldi Four Seasons
Explore Best of Venice
Through this small group Venice tour, visitors can explore the best of the historic city, including skip-the-line access to the iconic Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.
The tour takes guests on a journey through the heart of Venice, allowing them to discover the stunning Scala dei Giganti di Palazzo Ducale, the lively Piazza San Marco, and the charming Campo Santa Maria Formosa.
The highlight of the tour is the cruise along the Grand Canal, where travelers can admire the city’s iconic architecture and waterways from the comfort of a motorboat.
With knowledgeable guides and convenient inclusions, this tour provides an immersive and hassle-free way to experience the best of Venice.
Skip-the-line at Doge’s Palace
One of the highlights of the Small Group Venice Tour is the skip-the-line access to the iconic Doge’s Palace, allowing visitors to bypass the crowds and enjoy the rich history and grandeur of this stunning architectural masterpiece.
As part of the tour, guests spend approximately two hours exploring the palace, marveling at its intricate Gothic facade, opulent interiors, and the Scala dei Giganti, the impressive staircase that leads to the upper floors.
The tour also includes:
-
An in-depth look at the political and social significance of the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Venetian ruler and the seat of the Venetian government.
-
Exclusive access to areas not typically open to the general public, providing a unique and immersive experience.
-
Insights from a knowledgeable guide who brings the palace’s captivating history to life.
Cruise Grand Canal by Motorboat
Travelers embark on a captivating cruise along the iconic Grand Canal, aboard a motorboat that whisks them through the heart of Venice’s historic waterways.
The one-hour boat tour provides an unparalleled perspective of the city’s stunning architecture, including the magnificent palaces and churches that line the canal’s banks.
Guests marvel at the graceful bridges and bustling gondolas as they glide past, seeing the vibrant atmosphere that has made the Grand Canal one of the world’s most renowned waterways.
This leisurely cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of Venice from the comfort of a motorboat, leaving travelers with indelible memories of their time in this enchanting city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Luggage Storage Facility Available at the Meeting Point?
The information provided does not indicate whether there is a luggage storage facility available at the meeting point. It’s best to contact the tour operator directly to inquire about any luggage storage options prior to the tour.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sights?
The tour can be customized to include additional sights, but this may incur an extra charge. Customers should check with the tour provider about the availability and pricing of any customized options to ensure it meets their needs.
Are Any Food or Drinks Included in the Tour Package?
No food or drinks are included in the tour package. The focus is on providing a comprehensive sightseeing experience with skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, as well as a boat tour of the Grand Canal.
Is the Tour Guide Able to Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?
The tour guide can likely provide recommendations for local restaurants to the group. As the knowledgeable local expert, they’ll be able to suggest authentic eateries that offer a taste of Venetian cuisine.
Can the Tour Be Rescheduled or Canceled if the Weather Is Poor?
The tour can be rescheduled or canceled if the weather is poor. Guests should check with the operator for their policies on weather-related changes. Flexibility may be offered, but travelers should plan accordingly in case of inclement conditions.
Recap
This small group Venice tour provides an excellent way to experience the city’s top sights. Visitors can explore the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and cruise along the Grand Canal, all with the guidance of knowledgeable local experts.
With skip-the-line access and a motorboat cruise, this tour offers a comprehensive and efficient way to discover the enchanting city of Venice.
More Tickets in Venice
- Venice: “Titizé – A Venetian Dream” Show Ticket
- St. Mark’s Basilica Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
- Venice: Vivaldi Baroque Concert Ticket and Free Music Museum
- Doges Palace & St. Marks Basilica Tickets with Audioguide
- Saint Mark’s Basilica: guided tour ticket + full audio guide
- Venice: Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista Ticket & Tour
More Tours in Venice
- Venice: Cicchetti Street Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
- Doge’s Palace & St. Marks Basilica Guided Tour in Venice
- Venice: Rialto Market Food Tour with 3 Tastings
- Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour and Terrace Option
- Venice: Murano & Burano Guided Glass Tour by Private Boat
More Tour Reviews in Venice
- Museum of Leonardo da Vinci’s working machines
- Venice: Cicchetti Street Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s & Gondola Ride + Optional Add-Ons
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
- Sunset in Venice: Private Boat Aperitif
- Doge’s Palace & St. Marks Basilica Guided Tour in Venice
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Venice we have reviewed
- Museum of Leonardo da Vinci’s working machines
- Venice: Cicchetti Street Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s & Gondola Ride + Optional Add-Ons
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
- Sunset in Venice: Private Boat Aperitif
- Doge’s Palace & St. Marks Basilica Guided Tour in Venice
- Venice: “Titizé – A Venetian Dream” Show Ticket
- Venice: Rialto Market Food Tour with 3 Tastings
- Venice: Private Evening Stroll with VIP Entry to St. Mark’s
- Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour and Terrace Option
- Venice: Murano & Burano Guided Glass Tour by Private Boat
- Venice: Opera Concert at Casanova Prisons in St. Mark Square