From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 107 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City worth booking?
From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City is a 14-hour experience in Florence, Italy, from $137 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 107 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (107)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $137 per person
Experience the charm of Venice on this one-day excursion from Florence. Spending a day in Venice is a memory that cannot be forgotten. Located just a short drive from Florence, Venice is known around the world for its enchanting canals and waterways. You will travel from Florence to Venice in a luxury GT coach and will feel like you have been transported to another world.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the charm of Venice on this one-day excursion from Florence. Spending a day in Venice is a memory that cannot be forgotten. Located just a short drive from Florence, Venice is known around the world for its enchanting canals and waterways. You will travel from Florence to Venice in a luxury GT coach and will feel like you have been transported to another world.
What's included
Included
- Glass blowing demonstration
- Journey by fully-fitted luxury GT coach
- City orientation tour with tour leader
- Venice City Tax
- Expert multilingual escort
- Free time for independent sightseeing
- Map of Venice
Not included
- Guided tour of Venice
- Entrance tickets to churches and attractions
What you'll see and do
Florence
Embark on a journey to the most magical and romantic city in Italy… Venice! Meet your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal. Piazzale Montelungo is located 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella train station. Find your seat on the comfortable coach bus, and you will depart shortly! During your journey north towards Venice, your guide will share some interesting information about this historic and culturally-rich “City on Water.” The drive will take about 3.5 hours.
180 minutes here
Venice
When you arrive, the bus driver will bring you to the Venice Port. As a city on water, it is only accessible by boat! Your expert guide will lead you to the ferry, and you will be on your way! Enjoy the sea breeze on your skin and vibrant scenery during your ten minute boat ride to the main island. After getting off the boat, you will be welcomed by Venice’s famously rustic, romantic, and colorful architecture! Follow your guide through the picturesque streets, and over the iconic bridges until you reach San Marco Square - the heart of Venice! Your guide will point out Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs on the way. Be sure to have your camera ready, and you will have time to visit these points in your free time later as well!
300 minutes here
Piazza San Marco
San Marco Square is the beating heart of Venice, and one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It is the largest piazza in Venice, with plenty of open space; in stark contrast to the winding alleyways and small canals which make up most of the city. Dominating the square, you will find Basilica San Marco - characterized by its unique Byzantine architecture and golden accents. You can also find the belltower and the royal Doge’s Palace, along with plenty of elegant cafes. Your guide will share some fascinating information about the buildings in this square. From here, you can follow your guide to the glassblowing demonstration, or simply begin your day of exploring the mystical streets of Venice, with its romantic squares and magical bridges.
30 minutes here
Basilica di San Marco
Basilica San Marco is a great symbol of Venetian glory, power, and culture. It has a truly unique design in Italy, with inspiration from Byzantine, Roman, and Venetian architecture. The building is a Gothic masterpiece, boasting intricate designs and five massive domes; however, these are hidden by the unmissable golden facade. These gold flakes were perfectly placed in various directions to glimmer under the sunlight, no matter the angle in which you are standing. The inside of San Marco Basilica is truly breathtaking. You will be welcomed by a ceiling filled with golden mosaics, covering over 8,000 square meters. The greatest treasure in the Basilica is known as, “Pala d’Oro,” or golden pala. This precious piece of art is located behind the grand altar, and has been decorated completely with gold leaf and almost 2,000 rare and precious stones. Booking skip-the-line tickets ahead of time is highly recommended for entering Basilica San Marco; entry is not included in this tour.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Venice
In addition to its incredible architecture and romantic canals, Venice is world-famous for its blown glass. Follow your guide to a famous glass-blowing shop in the historical center. Glass blowing has been a tradition in Venice for over 1,500 years, and the masters of glass blowing are truly some of the most skilled craftsmen in the world. As you watch the glass blower make intricate designs effortlessly, you can imagine the same techniques being used before the Renaissance era and beyond. After the demonstration, your guide will lead you to the showroom, where you can purchase some specialty souvenirs at a discounted price (optional). Watching the glass blowing demonstration is truly mesmerizing… Discover the timeless Venetian tradition! After the demonstration, you will have free time to independently explore the city.
30 minutes here
Palazzo Ducale
Another jewel of Venice is Doge’s Palace. This historic and elegant palace is another symbol of the culture and prosperity found in Venice. Located (partially) in San Marco Square, this extravagant palace welcomes visitors daily with its lace-like marble facade, a Gothic masterpiece. For centuries, this palace was the important home to the royal Doge family, the Venetian government, and the justice system. Inside the palace, the halls and rooms are decorated with unmatchable elegance, precious art, and other treasures. Tickets are not included in this tour, but if you would like to visit, we recommend pre-booking skip-the-line passes.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Ponte di Rialto
Of the bridges that cross Venice’s Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge is the most famous. This bridge was constructed over 500 years ago, and it has a rich history, held deep in the hearts of local Venetians. When ancient trade ships arrived, the community gathered on the bridge to trade goods for precious items such as spices, silks, and porcelain. This is how the market first emerged - the Rialto Market is still located near the bridge, although now more famous for fish than spices. This is one of the most visited spots in Venice, with great panoramic views and photo opportunities.
15 minutes here
Ponte dei Sospiri
The Bridge of Sighs is a must-see while exploring the canals of Venice. This famous bridge stands out, as it connects two palaces, making it unwalkable for the average visitor. Historically, this bridge connected the Old Prison in Doge’s Palace, with the New Prison. It earned its names as locals could hear the prisoners “sighing” when walking across the bridge in solidarity. This is one of the most scenic spots in Venice, be sure to have your camera ready!
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Canal Grande
After plenty of time to wander through the maze of picturesque streets, local markets, and magnificent canals, meet back with your guide for the (optional at an extra price) gondola ride. In a small group, you will board a small, and perfectly carved boat. Your certified gondolier will lead you through the picture-perfect canals and point out various famous sights. Enjoy the panoramic views of Venice from the lagoon... The best way to discover Venice is by water!
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Florence
Grab any last minute souvenirs, and then meet your guide! You will head back on the ferry to reach your bus, waiting for your departure. The bus ride to Florence will take about 3.5 hours. Simply sit comfortably, and dream of the next time you can visit the lovely city of Venice!
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Florence
TOURS & NEWS KIOSK AT PIAZZALE MONTELUNGO BUS TERMINAL Located at 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Look for our staff wearing a FUCHSIA CIAOFLORENCE JACKET and holding a CIAOFLORENCE CLIPBOARD!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
TOURS & NEWS KIOSK AT PIAZZALE MONTELUNGO BUS TERMINAL Located at 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Look for our staff wearing a FUCHSIA CIAOFLORENCE JACKET and holding a CIAOFLORENCE CLIPBOARD!
Options you can book
Tour in Spanish
Tour in English
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Sat
- Group size
- Up to 25 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ciao Florence Tours Srl
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- English and Spanish are always guaranteed. In order to confirm the excursion in Italian, German, Portuguese or French a minimum of 4 pax is required
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 107 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
5 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
107 verified traveler reviews for From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Service Again!
This is one more of many tours with this company Viator and the last one from Florence to Venice was great just as expected very professional and well managed. The drive back and forth was on time, the tour guide friendly and knowledgeable and overall excellent. Thank you again. H. Salazar
via Viator
Venice in a day
It’s quite a drive from Florence , Sebastian was a great Guide and filled us in on the history of Venice. It’s very interesting and definitely worth the trip if your this close .
via Viator
Full Day in Venice
My mom and I went on the Full Day Tour from Florence to Venice. The bus ride over was smooth and comfortable. Our guide, Costantino, was very familiar with the area and shared a lot of interesting information about the Floating City. He also led us to a fantastic restaurant specializing in local cuisine. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Alex is amazing tour guide
Alex was a well organized tour guide he made sure the group was together while we passed by busy crowds and explained everything very well and exciting, i will recommend this tour with friends i felt like we where able to see and do alot in a day
via Viator
A wonderful day in Venice
Alex was an amazing guide! He led us through, buses, trains and water taxis… always making sure we got where we needed to be on time and all together. He was engaging, and informative on the history of Venice. We learned a lot and had a great time! Would definitely recommend Alex and a wonderful day in Venice
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 37
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ciao Florence Tours Srl, who run 68 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.8 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Ciao Florence Tours Srl runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Florence.
How much does From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City cost?
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Prices start at $137 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Florence usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City take?
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Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Florence is not rushed.
Is From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 107 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Florence, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City?
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Around 37 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Florence can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Florence and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Florence within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Florence?
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On Outty we rank every Florence experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Best tour in Florence: Renaissance & Medici -by a storyteller, Small group Tuscan Wineries, Olive Oil & Gourmet Lunch or Dinner, Florence Pizza or Pasta Class with Gelato Making at a Tuscan Farm. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Florence?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Florence?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City?
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Included: Glass blowing demonstration; Journey by fully-fitted luxury GT coach; City orientation tour with tour leader; Venice City Tax; and Expert multilingual escort. Not included: Guided tour of Venice; and Entrance tickets to churches and attractions. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City?
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TOURS & NEWS KIOSK AT PIAZZALE MONTELUNGO BUS TERMINAL Located at 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City offered in?
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It is offered in English, Italian and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Florence. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City?
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Across 107 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Tour in Spanish, Tour in English. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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