Venice Highlights Walking Tour Review

Venice’s Highlights Walking Tour offers a captivating way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica, elevating the experience. While the 30-minute shared gondola ride may feel a tad short, it adds a charming touch to the overall experience. Travelers rave about the tour’s engaging commentary and stunning sights, making it a must-do for those seeking to enjoy Venice’s rich history and beauty. As you delve deeper into the review, you’ll uncover helpful insights that can shape your own Venetian adventure.

Key Points

• The Venice Highlights Walking Tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Venice’s iconic landmarks, including a guided visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica with skip-the-line access.

• The tour includes a 30-minute shared gondola ride along the Venetian canals, with informative commentary from the gondolier to enhance the experience.

• The tour adheres to COVID-19 guidelines, with small group sizes and frequent cleaning of touchpoints to ensure the safety of participants.

• Customers have provided positive feedback, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the engaging nature of the tour, though some have mentioned occasional lack of clarity from the guide.

• Participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early, wear appropriate attire for the Basilica visit, and download the mobile audio guide prior to the tour.

Tour Overview

Offering a comprehensive introduction to Venice’s iconic landmarks, the "Venice Highlights Walking Tour with Saint Mark’s Basilica and Gondola Ride" provides visitors with an immersive experience.

Priced from $113.62 per person, the tour earns an impressive 4.5-star rating from Viator and TripAdvisor. The 5-hour itinerary begins at 9:00 AM, offering skip-the-line access to the renowned Saint Mark’s Basilica and a 30-minute shared gondola ride at 3:00 PM.

Guests can explore the city’s highlights using a mobile audio guide and digital map. The tour operates in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines, with small group sizes and frequent cleaning of touchpoints.

However, the experience isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions or mobility limitations.

Itinerary and Activities

The Venice Highlights Walking Tour commences at 9:00 AM, allowing guests to explore the city’s iconic landmarks.

First, the tour includes a walking tour and guided visit of Saint Mark’s Basilica, with skip-the-line access to avoid lengthy queues.

Afterward, guests embark on a 30-minute shared gondola ride at 3:00 PM, accompanied by informative commentary.

Throughout the tour, participants can utilize a mobile audio guide with a digital map featuring over 200 Venice highlights, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient sightseeing experience.

However, certain restrictions apply, such as the requirement for suitable clothing and the unavailability of accessibility for those with mobility challenges or certain medical conditions.

Health and Safety

The tour operates according to Covid-19 National directives, ensuring the health and safety of both guests and staff.

Group sizes are kept small, and frequent cleaning of touchpoints is implemented. Masks are recommended, and guests are advised to bring their own.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Important Notes

Suitable attire is required for the Basilica visit, as shorts aren’t permitted.

Guests should download the audio guide via email before the tour, though assistance is available at the Venice Tours office.

On Sundays, the Basilica visit takes place from the terrace due to Mass.

Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed inside the Basilica.

It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a punctual departure.

An access fee of €5 may apply for some dates, so guests should check specific details.

Customer Feedback

Numerous positive comments praised the knowledgeable guides and the tour’s focus on Venice’s beautiful sights. However, some travelers expressed concerns about the gondola ride length and occasional lack of clarity from the guide.

Positive Feedback	Neutral Feedback	Negative Feedback
Knowledgeable guides	Gondola ride length	Lack of guide clarity
Beautiful sights	–	–
Overall satisfaction	–	–

Highlights of the Tour

The tour begins at 9:00 AM with a walking exploration of Venice’s highlights, led by a knowledgeable guide.

The experience includes:

• Guided tour of the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, with skip-the-line access
• A 30-minute shared gondola ride along the iconic Venetian canals at 3:00 PM
• Commentary from the gondolier during the ride
• Access to a mobile audio guide with a digital map featuring over 200 Venice attractions
• Small group sizes and frequent cleaning to adhere to Covid-19 safety protocols

Throughout the tour, the guide shares insights and historical details, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for visitors.

Tips for Participants

Participants should arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start to the tour. Appropriate attire is required for the Basilica visit – no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed. Guests should download the audio guide ahead of time and visit the Venice Tours office if they need assistance. On Sundays, the Basilica visit takes place from the terrace due to Mass. For a hassle-free experience, travelers should avoid bringing large bags or luggage, as they are not permitted inside the Basilica.

Tip	Recommended	Not Recommended
Arrival Time	15 minutes early	Running late
Basilica Attire	Appropriate (no shorts, sleeveless tops)	Casual wear
Audio Guide	Download ahead of time, office assistance available	Unprepared

Since You Asked

How Strenuous Is the Walking Tour for Less Mobile Travelers?

The walking tour may be challenging for less mobile travelers. It covers a significant distance and includes stairs. Travelers with mobility issues or serious medical conditions are advised to consider if this tour is suitable for their needs.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour is available as a private group experience, which allows for customization to accommodate the needs of the group. Private tours offer more flexibility compared to the standard shared group tour.

Are Professional Photos Taken During the Gondola Ride?

No, professional photos are not taken during the gondola ride. The tour focuses on the walking and guided tour aspects, with the gondola ride providing an authentic Venetian experience without additional photographic services.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Gondola Ride?

The tour description doesn’t mention an option to upgrade to a private gondola ride. It states the gondola ride is a shared experience. Participants are not able to book a private gondola ride through this tour.

What Are the Best Nearby Restaurants for Lunch After the Tour?

After the tour, travellers can find several highly-rated restaurants near the meeting point. Some top options include Osteria Bancogiro, Ristorante Ae Oche, and Antico Martini, all offering authentic Venetian cuisine within a short walking distance.

The Sum Up

The Venice Highlights Walking Tour offers an enriching experience, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks. Participants appreciate the skip-the-line access to Saint Mark’s Basilica, while the shared gondola ride adds a charming touch, though some find it a bit short. The tour is well-received for its engaging commentary and stunning sights, making it a memorable way to explore Venice’s beauty.