from
$868
Venice Discovery Private Tour
Stand on St. Mark's terrace, explore Rialto Bridge, and ride a private boat through the Grand Canal
What's included
Unique Venice views & perspectives
Expert English-speaking guide
Pre-reserved St. Mark's Basilica tickets & tour
St. Mark's Basilica rooftop terrace access
Guided walking tour of Rialto Bridge
Private Grand Canal boat cruise
Private group experience
Guide tips
Food and drink
Itinerary
SKIP THE LINE
Meet your guide at St. Mark’s Square
Meet your guide at St. Mark's Square
Your tour begins between the two massive stone columns of San Marco and San Teodoro on the edge of the lagoon. Here, your guide introduces the history of the square, once the political and social heart of the Venetian Republic, while the salt air sets the scene for your adventure.
Step inside the Church of Gold
Next, use pre-reserved entry tickets to enter St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture filled with shimmering gilded mosaics. Learn how the city’s merchants brought back treasures from the East to decorate this 11th-century cathedral, creating a space of immense wealth and religious power.
See the Pala d’Oro and Bronze Horses
Once inside, follow your guide to the restricted upper levels to admire the ancient Bronze Horses, which are over 2,000 years old. You will also view the Pala d’Oro, a magnificent golden altar retable encrusted with thousands of precious gemstones and intricate enamel plaques.
Climb to the rooftop terrace
Then, you will ascend to the exterior balcony of the basilica for a panoramic view of the 118 islands that make up Venice. From this vantage point, you can photograph the clock tower and the intricate stone carvings of the Doge’s Palace from a unique, elevated perspective.
Cross the historic Rialto Bridge
Then walk through the narrow side streets toward the Rialto district, the oldest part of the city. As you cross the famous stone bridge, your guide will share stories of the merchants and markets that have operated here for seven centuries along the Grand Canal.
Finish the tour with a boat cruise on the Grand Canal
Finally, board a private motorboat reserved exclusively for your group to glide through the city’s famous waterways. You’ll see ornate palazzos and hidden gondola workshops from the water before your tour finishes near St. Mark’s Square, leaving you perfectly placed for a Venetian dinner.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
Select participants and date
Start times are in the product’s local time
Free cancellation up to 7 days in advance!
Mon, 28 Sep 2026
Meeting and drop-off point
Important Details
Discover what to expect, what’s included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Dress Code: Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women to enter St. Mark’s Basilica; entry may not be permitted otherwise. Please avoid wearing sandals, hats, shorts, skirts, or tops that expose your shoulders.
ID Requirement: A valid government-issued ID is required for entrance to St. Mark's Basilica. The name on your ticket (entered at check-out) must match the name on your ID, or you will be refused entry.
Accessibility: As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be accommodated to for most mobility concerns. Please reach out to us to make the proper arrangements. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the boat, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Weather Advisory: Being an island and subject to problems related to high water, the gondola or boat tour cannot be guaranteed due to force majeure. If this occurs, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Bag Policy: Large backpacks or bags aren’t allowed inside the attractions, please leave them at your accommodation.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Pre-reserved entry tickets to St. Mark's Basilica
Access to the St. Mark's Basilica terrace
Viewing of the Pala d’Oro and Bronze Horses
Guided walking tour of Rialto Bridge and neighborhood
Private motorboat cruise through the Grand Canal
Private group experience
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable shoes
Camera
Covering for knees and shoulders
Water bottle
See what people are saying
4.97
96 Ratings
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Secret City Corners
Hedwig R.
January 13, 2026
Caterina knew all the secret spots. She helped us understand the city and the boat part was relaxing and peaceful under a soft blue sky.
Timeless Venice
Saskia R.
January 11, 2026
This tour let me enjoy Venice in a calm way. Walking and boat time felt balanced and peaceful and every moment felt meaningful and easy to enjoy.
Gentle Discovery
Joachim H.
January 08, 2026
Walking through quiet streets and then floating on the canal felt special. I felt close to Venice daily life and enjoyed learning while staying relaxed.
Old Town Magic
Magdalena H.
January 04, 2026
Each moment felt fun and relaxed as Nicole guided us through Venice showing how walking and water together tell a beautiful story.
Evening Water Glow
Levke P.
December 31, 2025
Hidden squares and a sunset boat ride made me grateful as the city felt close and softly glowing.
Philipp H.
December 31, 2025
Peaceful Venetian Time
Enno C.
December 26, 2025
Isabella took care of everyone and answered all our questions with patience and joy. The boat ride was calm and felt like floating through a storybook.
Kerstin C.
December 24, 2025
Floating Beauty
Elfriede P.
December 20, 2025
Seeing Venice by foot and boat helped me notice small details and calm corners. It felt slower and more personal away from busy places.
Relaxed Journey
Kim S.
December 14, 2025
The pace was comfortable and never rushed. I could enjoy the stories and views while walking and the boat ride helped me rest and enjoy more.
Fabian H.
December 10, 2025
Waterways And Walks
Arne M.
December 08, 2025
Warm smiles and friendly guidance from Angela made the walk enjoyable and the canals sparkled as we boarded the small boat.
Astrid F.
December 03, 2025
Calm Waters
Sieglinde S.
December 02, 2025
After walking the city the canal ride felt peaceful. Venice looked magical from the water with soft light and gentle movement all around.
Living Venice Today
Kaja S.
November 26, 2025
Quiet corners and water reflections showed a real side of Venice and the gentle boat ride felt joyful.
Thekla H.
November 26, 2025
Floating City Feel
Jannik S.
November 20, 2025
Noemi welcomed us with a bright smile and gentle steps. We learned about Venice and saw beauty in every corner with sunshine on the waves.
Tobias B.
November 19, 2025
Authentic Moments
Doris G.
November 14, 2025
This tour showed a real side of Venice. Quiet streets bridges and canals made the city feel lived in warm and welcoming.
Kirsten C.
November 12, 2025
Smooth Adventure
Lana R.
November 08, 2025
Everything flowed nicely from start to end. Walking first and then taking the boat helped me understand how Venice works every day.
Ursula S.
November 05, 2025
Gentle Venice Flow
Lennard W.
November 02, 2025
From the first minute we felt welcome and Paola showed us lively corners while the boat carried us softly across the water.
Merle H.
October 29, 2025
Heartfelt City Tour
Marianne W.
October 27, 2025
The mix of walking and water felt perfect and ancient stones bridges and calm canals made my visit truly unforgettable.