
Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart worth booking?
Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart is a 2-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $78 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 53 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (3)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $78 per person
Explore Venice in two hours by walking from Saint Mark's Square to Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Campo SS. Giovanni and Paolo, pass beside Marco Polo's House and the Malibran Theatre. Take a ride in a shared gondola for 30 minutes through the Grand Canal and through the minor canals. Enjoy this combined tour of the most characteristic and important places for the history of Venice together with a local guide
What you get
About this experience
Explore Venice in two hours by walking from Saint Mark's Square to Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Campo SS. Giovanni and Paolo, pass beside Marco Polo's House and the Malibran Theatre. Take a ride in a shared gondola for 30 minutes through the Grand Canal and through the minor canals. Enjoy this combined tour of the most characteristic and important places for the history of Venice together with a local guide
What's included
Included
- Personal audio system and headset for tour commentary
- Professional local guide
- Guided walking tour covering the areas of Saint Mark's Square and Castello
- Live tour commentary provided in English, French, Spanish or German
- Pick up from centrally located meeting point
- 30 min shared gondola ride (not guided)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Interior visits to Venice attractions
- Hotel pick up and drop off
What you'll see and do
Piazza San Marco
Starting in Saint Mark’s square, this atmospheric walking tour will then whisk you away from the crowded streets into the treasure filled pockets of the Castello area. A qualified guide will walk you through the hidden squares, winding canals and historical buildings providing you with a perfect introduction to the origins, symbols, traditions, architecture, and life in current day Venice. The tour starts with a historical introduction of St. Marks’s Square, and its architectural delights, allowing you to discover the history of the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, the illustrious Doge’s Palace, once the seat of the power of the Republic of Venice, and the extraordinary, renaissance clock tower.
15 minutes here
Chiesa di Santa Maria Formosa
Leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its labyrinth of narrow alleys - “calli”, many bridges, winding canals and wide picturesque squares - “campi”. You can expect to discover campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the largest squares in Venice with its church, named after its visitation of the Holy Virgin.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Basilica Dei Santi Giovanni E Paolo
Campo Santi Giovanni and Paolo where you will be able to admire the famous church, the resting place of several Doges; and the equestrian monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an Italian mercenary Captain.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Casa di Marco Polo
The former residence of Marco Polo, probably the most famous Venetian merchant is also part of the itinerary.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Teatro Malibran
The you will proceed the tour seeing the Malibran theatre (only external). The theatre of San Giovanni Grisostomo was built in only four months at the end of 1677. It was renovated many times and the renovation of 1919, gave us the theatre, as we know it today.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
After the walking tour, you will be accompanied to campo San Moisè, the landing stage of the famous venetian transportation, the Gondola. Relax aboard this historic vessel, enjoying the thrills of both the Grand Canal and minor canals. Admire Venice from this amazing point of view, witness its magnificent architecture, and whilst gliding under its bridges, discover secret entrances to the elegant palaces and hidden corners. The gondola ride is not a guided tour. This 2 hours combined tour concludes in Campo San Moisè, a short walk from Saint Mark’s Square.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
15 min before in Calle larga de l’Ascension - 30124 (behind the Correr museum on the opposite side of the Saint Marks Basilica). Look for the TURIVE assistant next to the post office San Marco.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour end with 30 min gondola ride from the gondola station in campo San Moisè (San Marco)
Options you can book
French
German
Spanish
English
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Venice Events srl
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, bring comfortable shoes
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Shared gondola ride, max 5 people per gondola
- The gondola ride is not guided
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
Interesting walk through Venice’s streets across canals and seeing several Venice landmarks and historical sights. The gondola ride was a bucket list item, very interesting to see how travel was in Venice in the past. It was a great way to start our stay in Venice.
via Viator
Walking tour during the week
Nice tour to the city of Venice. We made the tour on during the week and it was excellent. Antonella was a nice tour guide and explained everything we want to know. The gondola tour took approx 20 to 30 minutes. So if you are the first time in Venice take the tour to get an idea what you would like to see.
Response from the operator: Dear Stephan, thank you for your positive review and we hope to have you back in our wonderful city again Best regards from Venice
via Viator
Don’t do it
Awful tour. Limited to small area. OK if you like wells!! Gondola ride a big disappointment. Gondolier spent the whole time talking to another driver. Better to walk around like the locals. On a plus Venice is amazing.
Response from the operator: We are sorry to hear that you did not enjoy the tour all gondola rides are limited to an area of the Gondola station and they all go through the small canals in a circle they are not authorised to go into other areas. Unfortunately although we have asked the Gondoliers not to speak to each other whilst doing the ride they continue to do so. Apologies for this
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Venice Events srl, who run 18 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.8.
See everything Venice Events srl runsWhy this scores 53
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart cost?
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Prices start at $78 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Venice usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Venice is not rushed.
Is Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Venice, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart?
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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 Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart?
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Around 1 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 Venice 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 Venice and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart 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 Venice 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 Venice?
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On Outty we rank every Venice experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Venice Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with wine by Cooking Italy, Eating Venice Small Group Food & Drinks Tour, Tour of The Real Hidden Venice. 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 Venice?
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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 Venice?
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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 Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart?
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Included: Personal audio system and headset for tour commentary; Professional local guide; Guided walking tour covering the areas of Saint Mark's Square and Castello; Live tour commentary provided in English, French, Spanish or German; and Pick up from centrally located meeting point. Not included: Gratuities; Food and drinks; Interior visits to Venice attractions; and Hotel pick up and drop off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart?
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15 min before in Calle larga de l’Ascension - 30124 (behind the Correr museum on the opposite side of the Saint Marks Basilica). Look for the TURIVE assistant next to the post office San Marco. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, French 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 Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart?
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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 Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Venice. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride: Explore the City’s Heart?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including French, German, Spanish, English. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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