Welcome to Venice Group Tour St. Mark's Basilica & Gondola Ride
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
A first-timer to Venice, or don’t know where to begin your explorations? Over the course of this tour, experience many of the city’s top highlights: see the Rialto Bridge on a city walk and the shimmering gold mosaics inside St. Mark’s Basilica. Plus enjoy a relaxing gondola ride and explore areas of the city that many tour groups miss, from the sestiere of Cannaregio to the Rialto Fish Market.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
The Rialto Fish Market is closed on Sundays.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
Large bags, trolleys and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
During times of high tides, flooding, or heavy rain, the gondola ride may be substituted for another experience.
The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Mercati di Rialto
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!
Cannaregio
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.
What‘s Included
Gondola Ride
Local English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
Headset
Expertly guided walking tour
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Guide (during gondola ride)
Options
Private - Welcome to Venice
Learn the history of Venice, visit famous monuments, see St. Mark’s Basilica, and a gondola ride down the enchanting canals.
Small Group Tour in English
Small Group Tour
Reviews
435 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Great Introduction to Venice with a Memorable Gondola Ride
Paul A,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Overall, this tour was a good way to start our time in Venice, especially if it’s your first visit. Alessandro was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and funny, which made the walking tour both informative and enjoyable. He did a great job explaining the city’s history while keeping things light and engaging. The gondola ride at the end was definitely the highlight and a perfect way to wrap up the experience. Access to St. Mark’s Basilica was included in the tour fee, but we never actually went inside, and it wasn’t clear whether we were supposed to do that on our own or if it was skipped altogether—so if you book this tour, be sure to ask about that ahead of time. Aside from that, it’s a solid tour that helps you get oriented and comfortable in Venice.
Unhappy
P4481OVkathyw,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Unfortunately, we didn't even get to do the tour because we were unable to find the meet location. We knew we were right there at San Marcos Square, but nobody was there with a sign or anything. Anybody who tried to help had us going back and forth until we were exhausted and it was too late to go. So, I can't say anything good or bad about the tour except maybe the gondolier should've been somewhere in sight with a sign. Any gondolier we approached said it wasn't their tour. :(
Great way to explore Venice
Gillian S,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00With only a short time to spend in Venice this tour was a great way to make sure we made the most of our time. Well organised and very interesting, our tour guide was very knowledgeable, loved the gondola ride at the end too.
Very informative and Filp...
Mechelle M,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative and Filp (Philip) was great and very knowledgeable. The gondola was nice. The prefect amount of thine.
This tour exceeded our...
Robert F,,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour exceeded our expectations! Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, polite, and professional. We would gladly tour with her again.
Excellent
kristag523,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience guide was very knowledgeable group was small and the whisper earpieces made it easy to hear but not have to stay close to the guide and gave you the freedom to look around
Great Overview of Venice with a Memorable Gondola Ride
Erayna G,,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00This walking tour was a wonderful way to get an overview of Venice’s key historical spots. Our guide did a great job describing the different points of interest and providing background information on each site we visited. The gondola ride was the highlight of the tour for me — it’s such a classic Venetian experience and a beautiful way to see the city from the water. If you’re looking for a tour that gives you a solid introduction to Venice and a chance to experience a gondola ride without planning it separately, this is a great choice.
Welcome to Venice Group Tour
emilyoX2150AD,,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Antonella was our guide. She was very funny and entertaining and I definitely recommend doing this tour! The gondola ride and the end was nice I just wish it was longer!
Roberta was an excellent...
James W,,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Roberta was an excellent tour guide! She is a great storyteller and is passionate about Venice. She gave great insights and made the three hours most enjoyable!
Welcome Venice
Michelle B,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fast pace but lots of information shared about this beautiful city. Alex was a wonderful guide. Loved the gondola ride through the canals. Excellent tour!!
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