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Venice Private tours

Our most recommended Venice Private tours

Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

1. Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

Feel the essence of Venice as you explore hidden and picturesque waterways near the Grand Canal with a gondola ride. Listen to in-app commentary to learn more about the city as you admire the sights. Start your activity by meeting the host, who will explain some curiosities about the history of gondolas and gondoliers. Get free access to an app with commentary of your itinerary on the gondola. As you enjoy the beauties of the Grand Canal, admire the marvelous Palaces such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Palace, the Gritti Palace, the Salute Church, the Punta della Dogana. Discover the worldwide-famous La Fenice Theatre and the Mozart House along the romantic and hidden waterways. At the end of your ride, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Saint Mark’s Basin with San Giorgio Island.

Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access Tour

2. Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access Tour

Delve deep into Venice’s history with a 3-hour guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge's Palace, either as a private tour or shared group experience. Take in two of the city’s most important landmarks while discovering the history of the one-time mercantile capital of the Mediterranean.  Start by exploring St. Mark's Square with your guide before heading into the cathedral. From the first-floor terrace you’ll be able to admire views across the lagoon and see the famous bronze horses up close. Hear how they traveled all the way to Paris and back in Napoleon’s time. St. Mark's Basilica sometimes closes to visitors without warning. If this happens, visit the Church of San Zaccaria or the Correr Museum instead, depending on availability. Take a tour of the beautifully ornate 15th-century church and its flooded crypt or learn about the art and history of Venice. Next, you’ll use the priority entrance to reach Doge's Palace, formerly the residence of the leader of the Republic of Venice. Enjoy visiting the Chamber of the Great Council and courtrooms among other things. Highlights include frescoes by Tintoretto and the Giants’ Staircase.  After this, cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs that links to the New Prisons. Learn how the bridge got its name and the purpose for its construction in the 17th century as you take in the amazing views of the canals. At the end of your tour, feel free to stay and explore the Doge’s Palace with tips from your guide.

Venice: Highlights Tour, St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace

3. Venice: Highlights Tour, St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace

Discover two of Venice's top highlights on a small group guided tour including tickets. Visit the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge’s Palace and soak up the splendor of these Venitian landmarks. Entry to the Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana is also included. Meet your expert guide at St. Mark’s Square and start delving into the origins of Venice. See the most renowned public space in the city and find out its historical, social, and political importance. Learn about the Clock Tower and the Marble Lions. Continue to the Basilica of St. Mark and enter the cathedral with pre-reserved tickets. Savor its amazing sheer size and the fascinating golden mosaics. Learn about its opulent design and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power. Bask in all the exotic elements of Venetian Renaissance Art. Listen to the story of the life-size horses of St Mark’s Basilica, and have all your questions answered. Follow your guide through Doge’s Palace at a relaxed pace. Acquaint yourself with the supreme authority and wealth of the ruling Venetian Doges in the palace’s Gothic architecture. Learn about the 14th-century sculptors that worked on the palace. Enjoy stunning views across the Lagoon as you explore this world-famous landmark. Continue to the Old Prison that was part of the Doge’s Palace, learn why the New Prisons were built, and understand the significance of the Bridge of Sighs, another highlight of Venice. Listen to the extraordinary story of the famous Casanova and his life in Venice. Your admission ticket also includes entry to the Correr Museum on St. Mark's Square. The building was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy. Entry to the National Archeological Museum and Biblioteca Marciana is also included.

Venice: Jewish Ghetto 2-Hour Walking Tour

4. Venice: Jewish Ghetto 2-Hour Walking Tour

See a side of Venice that is missed by most visitors on this walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto around the Cannaregio district.  Join a small-group tour on a leisurely stroll to see such landmarks as the Deportation Memorial, which has stories to deepen your understanding of Venice’s Jewish history. Start your Jewish Ghetto tour at the Cannaregio district, now a fascinating residential area in the northern part of the city. Learn about the historic Jewish influence the minute you enter this area as you see yellow signs in Hebrew and Italian directing you to the Synagogue.  This charming area is teeming with artisan workshops, galleries, shops, and delis and is best explored at a leisurely pace. Cross the bridge into Campo del Ghetto Nuovo (New Ghetto Square) which belies its name as it was founded as a fortified island in 1516. Hear how the Venetian Jews were confined to the island and how it became densely populated.  The resourceful residents found the solution to the overcrowded conditions; building tenement blocks up to six stories high. Walk past the Deportation Memorial, the Levantine Synagogue, and the Jewish Museum of Venice on this captivating Jewish Ghetto Venice Tour.  One of the most significant highlights of your Jewish Ghetto Venice tour is a series of bas-reliefs in the Campo del Ghetto Nuovo – a sight most visitors to Venice never get to see. Discover how Napoleon's decision to tear down the gates of the Jewish Ghetto gave Jews the right to live anywhere in Venice. Visit a hub of Jewish culture, with bakeries, restaurants, and handicraft stores, and your local guide will bring the hidden niche of cultural life with tales of past residents.

Venice Airport: Private Water Taxi Transfer to/from Venice

5. Venice Airport: Private Water Taxi Transfer to/from Venice

Simply sit back and enjoy the scenery as you cruise across the water to your hotel or to the airport in a comfortable motorboat. This safe and reliable private transfer service will save you valuable time. The one-way service by private water taxi is available for 1-6 guests with 8 pieces of luggage.  The water taxi takes you directly to your hotel if it has its own water entrance. For hotels with no private water entrance, you’ll be dropped off at the closest pier.  With the meet and greet service (standard service), a representative will meet you at the arrival hall and help you find your way to the water taxi. The porterage service is included. Or choose the full service (premium service), the representative will meet you at the arrival hall and will come with you to your hotel helping you with the check-in procedures. Both services are available for the arrivals and the departures from and to the Marco Polo Airport.

Venice: Private Rialto Bridge Gondola Ride

6. Venice: Private Rialto Bridge Gondola Ride

Begin the 30-minute tour from the departure point at Bacino Orseolo, right in front of the famous Hard Rock Cafè and just behind Saint Mark’s Square. Follow smaller but unbelievably beautiful secondary canals such as Rio dei Barcaioli, where Mozart once lived, and Rio dell’Ovo to reach the Grand Canal. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Rialto Bridge from the water, and see imposing palazzi such as Ca’ Farsetti, the seat of the municipal government. Admire Palazzo Grimani, the largest building overlooking the Grand Canal and which now hosts the Court of Appeals. Continue down Rio San Luca where it passes Palazzo Manin, the residence of the last doge of Venice, Ludovico Manin, and today the Bank of Italy’s Regional headquarters building, before returning to end again at Bacino Orseolo. Start the 60-minute tour with departure from Bacino Orseolo, right in front of the famous Hard Rock Cafè and just behind St. Mark’s Square. Travel down smaller but beautiful canals, on an itinerary that includes Mozart's House and Grand Canal with the stunning Rialto Bridge. Pass under the famous Rialto Bridge and see the Rialto Market, where locals and visitors enjoy walking around and buy fruits, veggies and fresh seafood. Marvel at the many imposing Palaces, such as Ca’ Farsetti which hosts the Venice Mayor, and Palazzo Grimani, the largest building overlooking the Grand Canal. Cruise down to Rio San Luca with Palazzo Manin, former residence of the last Doge of Venice Ludovico Manin, currently home to the Bank of Italy. Move through enchanting small canals of the city center and end at the same departure point.

Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour with Terrace Access

7. Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour with Terrace Access

Journey through the centuries with a tour of the iconic St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. Marvel at the intricate mosaics and architecture that make this church one of the most stunning religious sites in the world. Follow your guide as they walk through the history of this sacred place, from its origins as a simple chapel to its current grandeur. Learn about the basilica's role in the political and religious life of Venice and discover the stories behind its many treasures. Explore the first floor's intricate details and exquisite beauty, which boasts a unique blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Choose to include the famous outdoor terraces, climb the steps and experience St. Mark's Basilica from a new perspective. Step outside and take in the stunning views of Venice from the basilica's elevated vantage point. See the famous horses and explore the details and hidden corners of the outdoor terraces. Admire the intricate stonework and sculptures up close as you take in the sights and sounds of the city below. Bask in the sunshine and fresh air as your tour ends.

From Venice: Cortina and Dolomites Mountains Day Tour

8. From Venice: Cortina and Dolomites Mountains Day Tour

Escape the crowds of Venice and take a day trip to the Dolomites, with stops at Cortina, Misurina Lake, and Auronzo Lake. See fabulous scenery and get plenty of opportunities to take epic photographs. Pass through tunnels with astonishing views of canyons and valleys, which appear as if from nowhere. The scenery in this region is quite simply some of the most breathtaking in Europe. Upon arrival in Cortina, nicknamed the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” you will have approximately 90 minutes free time to stroll around the town, and take in the picturesque views of the mountains. Weather permitting, you will also be able to take the cable car up to Faloria, which overlooks the town of Cortina from its lofty 7,000-foot high mountain perch. Continue your trip towards Lake Misurina, taking the toll road up to outstanding peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. At 7,740 feet (2,360 meters), it will reward you with yet more unforgettable views of the Dolomites. Take time to stroll around and breathe in that fresh mountain air. Alternatively, break for an optional lunch, and admire the mountain peaks and spectacular backdrop of Sorapis, and Marmarole. After lunch, drive to picturesque Lake Auronzo, passing through enchanting mountain villages as you head back towards Venice, and your final drop-off point.

Venice: Doge’s Palace Guided Tour

9. Venice: Doge’s Palace Guided Tour

Visit Doge's Palace with an expert guide and tour its extraordinary rooms. Together with your expert guide, you will be escorted inside the palace where you can admire artistic masterpieces created by the most famous painters and sculptors of that time. Tiepolo and Tiziano make up only a few of the many artists that decorated this palace. Be stunned in front of the golden staircases, the entrance of the rooms of the Doges, and the halls of power from where you can see the “Last Judgment” by Tintoretto, one of the greatest and largest paintings in the world. Visit the Old Royal Palace in St. Marks Square. Here you will discover the Venice lifestyle in the past; the rooms of Sissi (Empress of Austria) and the archaeological museum.

Venice Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour

10. Venice Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour

Set off on a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, the Doge's Palace, and St Mark's Basilica with skip-the-line entry. Meet your guide at St. Mark’s Square and head for Doge's Palace, the extraordinary palace that served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. Enter the splendid rooms, with hundreds of painted masterpieces. Explore where the Duke and his Council controlled the fate of a 1,000-year republic and admire the details of the medieval gold staircase. See the famous Bridge of Sighs. Enter the notorious Venetian prison that held Giacomo Casanova. Visit St Mark’s Basilica and enjoy a guided tour of this Byzantine masterpiece, with its beautiful gold mosaics and marble floor inlays. See the treasure and the terrace of the Basilica of St.Mark's

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Frequently asked questions about Venice

What top attractions are a must-see in Venice?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Venice?

The best day trips and excursions from Venice are:

Murano

Other Sightseeing Options in Venice

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What people are saying about Venice

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 659 reviews

So glad that we booked this trip. We'd have missed so many things if we'd have just gone in by ourselves (and would have had to queue for ages!) Our guide was really knowledgable, engaging and funny. The headsets were great and we could hear him at all times.

This was great value for money and included a short walking tour from the meeting point to the Gondola where we were able to learn very interesting information about the Gondolas and Gondeliers. Well worth it!

It was amazing! We had a great time. A big shout-out to Ricardo, because he was a great guide. He was funny, kind and explained a lot of Venise. I recommend! Thank you Ricardo

My partner and I had a great experience. The meet up point was easy to find and the guides were very informative and friendly

Very nice. Recommend doing it at least once in a lifetime