Tour Overview.
Begin at the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most celebrated landmarks and for centuries the gateway to the city’s commercial heart. Explore the historic Rialto Market, where Venetians have traded for generations, and discover the traditional Pescheria, the famous fish market overlooking the Grand Canal. Learn about the merchants, fishermen and market traditions that have shaped everyday Venetian life for centuries.
Continue into the lively streets around Rialto and step inside one of Venice’s historic bacari, the traditional wine bars that have been part of Venetian social life for generations. Enjoy a selection of authentic cicchetti, accompanied by Prosecco, while discovering the traditions, flavors and convivial atmosphere of Venetian food culture. This authentic tasting experience is included in your private tour.
After exploring Rialto, continue through the historic heart of Venice, passing through the area traditionally associated with Marco Polo and his family, while discovering the story of Venice’s legendary merchant and explorer. Continue to the beautiful Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, a Renaissance jewel decorated with precious colored marble, before reaching the monumental Scuola Grande di San Marco and the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, one of Venice’s most important Gothic churches and the burial place of many Venetian doges.
In Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, discover the imposing equestrian monument to Bartolomeo Colleoni, one of the most famous military commanders in the service of the Venetian Republic. Continue through the hidden streets of Venice to the extraordinary Libreria Acqua Alta, one of the city’s most unusual and charming bookshops, where books are famously stored in boats, bathtubs and even a gondola to protect them from Venice’s high water.
Then step aboard a private gondola for a relaxing 30-minute ride through Venice’s quieter canals. From water level, discover the city from a completely different perspective, gliding beneath historic bridges and alongside centuries-old palaces and hidden façades. Your gondola ride offers a memorable pause in the walking tour and one of the most authentic ways to experience Venice.
Continue toward magnificent St. Mark’s Square, the ceremonial heart of the Venetian Republic and one of the world’s most celebrated public spaces. Discover the Clock Tower and the soaring Campanile, admire the extraordinary exterior of St. Mark’s Basilica, and learn about the history and architecture of the Doge’s Palace, once the center of Venetian political power. Finally, walk toward the waterfront to see the famous Bridge of Sighs and discover the fascinating story behind one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the historic Rialto Bridge and Rialto Market
- Discover the traditional Pescheria, Venice’s historic fish market
- Enjoy authentic cicchetti and Prosecco in a historic Venetian bacaro
- Discover the area associated with Marco Polo and his family
- Admire Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the Scuola Grande di San Marco and the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo from outside
- See the monument to Bartolomeo Colleoni
- Visit the famous Libreria Acqua Alta
- Enjoy an included 30-minute private gondola ride
- Explore St. Mark’s Square, the Clock Tower and Campanile
- Admire St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace from outside
- See the legendary Bridge of Sighs
- Discover Venice with a licensed local guide and professional historian
What’s Included
3-hour private guided tour of Venice
Licensed local guide and professional historian
Guided visit through the historic Rialto district and Rialto Market
Cicchetti and Prosecco tasting at a traditional Venetian bacaro
30-minute private gondola ride
Walking tour through Venice’s hidden streets and historic squares
Visit to Libreria Acqua Alta
Exterior visits and historical explanations of the major landmarks along the itinerary
Personalized private-tour experience
Not Included
Additional food and drinks beyond the included cicchetti and Prosecco tasting
Transportation or transfers
Personal expenses
Tour Details
Duration: 3 hours
Tour Type: Private tour
Starting Point: Rialto Bridge area
Ending Point: St. Mark’s Square
Language: English
Walking Level: Moderate
Gondola: 30-minute private gondola ride included
Food Experience: Cicchetti and Prosecco tasting included
Important Information
The private gondola ride lasts approximately 30 minutes and is included in the tour price.
The cicchetti and Prosecco tasting at a traditional Venetian bacaro is included in the tour price.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the itinerary includes bridges, steps and uneven Venetian streets.
Ready to Experience Venice Differently?
Discover the flavors, stories and hidden beauty of Venice on a private journey combining Rialto, authentic Venetian cicchetti, a private gondola ride and the city’s most fascinating landmarks.