Discover the History of Venice and Gondola Ride - Tour

Learn the history of Venice, passing famous monuments like St. Mark’s Basilica, and finally enjoy a gondola ride down some of the enchanting canals of the city centre. A first-timer to Venice, or don’t know where to begin your explorations? Over the course of this small-group tour, experience many of the city’s top highlights: see the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square on a guided city walk plus enjoy a relaxing gondola ride. You also explore areas of the city that many tour groups miss, from the sestiere of Cannaregio to the Rialto Fish Market. 

Discover the magic of Venice on foot and by water on a combined walking tour and gondola ride. Explore the city centre with a local guide, marvel at the Basilica from St. Mark's Square, and then take a ride down the canals on the city’s famous mode of transport. 

Meet near the Rialto Bridge and learn why it was initially considered a very bad idea to build it. Take a quick look at the Rialto Fish Market to learn about the long fishing history of the city and its famous cuisine. Get a couple of restaurant recommendations from your local guide! 

Continue to the sestiere (district) of Cannaregio, home to some of the city’s hidden gems. Discover the house where Marco Polo once lived, and go to the unique Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli. See a remarkable statue by Verocchio on the Campo San Giovanni and Paolo, where you will also see a variety of typical Venetian architectural styles. Meander through hidden alleyways, and hear tales of the city’s past. 

Learn what it is like to live on the island today as you walk to St. Mark’s Square and gaze up at the city's famous Basilica. You'll be captivated as your guide explains how Venice built a mercantile empire that once spanned the entire Mediterranean. 

Your guide will then leave you to enjoy an approximate 30-minute gondola ride with a professional gondolier. Limited to only 5 people per gondola, this experience will be both intimate and relaxing. Punt through the quieter canals of Venice as you relax and enjoy the city at its best! 

Points of interest

St. Mark's Square

Rialto, Venice

Marco Polo's House

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Saint Mark's Basilica

Important information - There may be restrictions

• On certain dates, most travellers staying outside Venice who wish to visit for the day must pay a €5 access fee directly to the Municipality of Venice. For further details (including exceptions) and to find out on which days this fee applies and how to register or make payment, please visit: https://cda.ve.it/en/. The fee is not required if you are only visiting the islands of Murano, Torcello and Burano.
• During times of high tides, flooding, or heavy rain, the gondola ride may be substituted for another experience.
• The Rialto Fish Market is closed on Sundays.
• Please note that the entrance to St. Mark's Basilica is included on the 2pm tour only.