Venice Architectural and Gondola Tour Experience

Explore St. Mark's Square with its architectural marvels like St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the renaissance clock tower. Delve into Castello's elegant residential area, meandering through charming bridges, narrow alleys, and picturesque squares.
Uncover campo Santa Maria Formosa and campo San Giovanni & Paolo, home to the Basilica and a resting place for Venetian doges. Visit Marco Polo's former residence and the Malibran theatre. Our knowledgeable guide shares historical facts, architectural highlights, and captivating anecdotes about Venice's past and modern lifestyle.

The walking tour ends at St. Mark's Square, passing through Mercerie, the shopping street connecting Rialto and San Marco.

Then, embrace quintessential Venice by boarding a Gondola at campo San Moisè. Glide along the Grand Canal and minor canals, marvel at captivating architecture, and find hidden entrances to elegant palaces and secluded corners.

Meeting Point

Giardini Reali

P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

The meeting point is in SAN MARCO GIARDINETTI c/o ALILAGUNA TICKET COUNTER IN FRONT ILLY CAFFE 5 minutes before the departure of the tour.
Once you arrive at the meeting point, you must enter the Aliguna Ticket Office, show the voucher, and receive the tickets

What's included:

• Benefit from a personal audio system and headset for informative tour commentary
• Embark on a guided walking tour of Saint Mark's Square and Castello regions.
• Enjoy a 30-minute shared Gondola ride, expertly steered by a Gondolier.
• Tours offered in English

Not included:

• Transport
• Food
• Drink

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Piazza San Marco

Venice, 31024

Explore the lesser-known streets to discover hidden squares between St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge.
Commence your journey from campo San Moisè, adjacent to St. Mark's Square, to delve into the city's history. Follow your guide through a maze of alleyways, squares, or "campi," and learn about the city's past, captivating stories, and the local Venetian dialect.
Pause in front of the awe-inspiring La Fenice opera house to uncover its glorious yet tumultuous history.
Admire the Bovolo Staircase, a splendid Renaissance masterpiece, and one of Venice's most exquisite architectural gems. This intriguing and intricate spiral staircase forms part of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, dating back to 1499, located near Campo Manin.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Campo Santa Maria Formosa

Venice, 30100

Santa Maria Formosa is a beautiful square located in the heart of Venice, Italy. It is renowned for its historical significance and charming atmosphere. At the center of the square stands the magnificent Santa Maria Formosa Church, an architectural masterpiece dating back to the 15th century. The church's façade showcases a stunning blend of Byzantine and Renaissance styles, making it a captivating sight for visitors.
Surrounded by elegant buildings and narrow streets, Santa Maria Formosa exudes Venetian charm and provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It is a perfect spot to wander around, soak in the local ambiance, and appreciate the unique beauty of Venice. The square's name, "Formosa," translates to "beautiful" in Italian, and it truly lives up to its name, leaving an indelible impression on all who visit.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Ponte di Rialto

Ruga degli Orefici, Venice, 30125

The Rialto Bridge in Venice is an iconic landmark that spans the Grand Canal, connecting the districts of San Marco and San Polo. With its elegant arches and charming shops lining its sides, the bridge exudes Venetian beauty and history. Dating back to the 16th century, it is one of the oldest and most famous bridges in Venice, attracting tourists from around the world. From the Rialto Bridge, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the canal and the bustling activity of gondolas and boats passing by. It remains a symbol of Venice's rich heritage and a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the enchanting city.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Grand Canal

Grand Canal, 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Flowing through the heart of Venice, the Grand Canal is a sight to behold. Spanning over 2 miles in length and shaped like a backward "S," this iconic waterway weaves its way through the city, connecting captivating neighborhoods and showcasing the architectural wonders of Venice.
Embark on a journey along the Grand Canal and witness the grandeur of the palaces, churches, and buildings that line its banks. Marvel at their intricate designs, adorned with colorful facades and elegant details, reflecting centuries of Venetian history and cultural richness.

As you glide along the shimmering waters, soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Venetian life. Admire the graceful gondolas and vaporettos as they navigate the canal, transporting both locals and visitors to their destinations.

30 minutes

Teatro La Fenice

Campo San Fantin 1965, Venice, 30124

In the late 18th century, Venice boasted seven ancient theaters, two dedicated to drama and the rest to music. The most luxurious among them was the Teatro San Benedetto, located near Campo San Luca. Established by the Grimani family in 1755, it was later handed over to the Noble Society of boxholders. However, due to a judicial agreement in 1787, the society was expelled and compelled to surrender the theater to the Venier nobles, who owned the land on which the building stood. The society promptly set out to construct a new and grander theater, which would be called Gran Teatro La Fenice, like the mythical and immortal bird mentioned by Herodotus in his Histories. Just as the phoenix is capable of rising from its own ashes, this new theater would symbolize the society's rebirth from its misfortunes.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Ponte de le Ostreghe

Calle de Le Ostreghe San Marco 2438, Venice, 30124

There are numerous toponymic persistences that recall a widespread presence in the past, somewhat throughout the city, of horticultural activities or in any case of undeveloped areas covered with vegetation, among which we can mention the campi, campazzi and courtyards of the grass , or the calluses of the figher.
The first certain attestation of the Rio dell'Alboro dates back to 1696, while that of the Rio de le Ostreghe joins it in the following century. It is probable that a seller of these delicious seafood was stationed nearby, the cultivation of which in the lagoon had a significant boost especially in the first half of the 19th century, leaving evidence also in the ostregheri canal of the same name, today Canale dei Lavraneri, in Sacca Fisola .

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included