Venice on Foot and Water: Walking Tour with Gondola Ride

Explore Venice on Foot and Water: A 2-Hour Guided Tour with Gondola Ride

This Venice on Foot and Water tour offers a compact yet immersive experience, combining a 1.5-hour guided walk through the city’s hidden corners with a 30-minute gondola cruise. Priced reasonably, it is designed for visitors who want a balanced taste of Venice’s iconic landmarks and quieter, less-traveled streets. The tour departs from Calle larga de l’Ascension, just behind the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, making it easy to find.

The provider, StarFlorence, holds a solid 4.6 rating, indicating consistent satisfaction among past participants. The tour’s strength lies in its combination of land and water activities, providing a comprehensive snapshot of Venice’s beauty and character in just two hours. While the gondola ride is short, it offers a peaceful view of Venice’s canals, making this a practical choice for those with limited time or first-time visitors seeking highlights.

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Key Points

• Duration: 2 hours, including walking and gondola ride
• Language options: Spanish, French, English
• Price: Pay later—reserve now, pay nothing today
• Meeting point: In front of the wooden souvenir kiosk behind Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco
• Includes: Guided walking tour (1.5 hours) plus a scenic 30-minute gondola ride
• Rating: 4.6 from numerous satisfied participants

Starting at the Heart of Venice: Meeting Point Details

The tour begins at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1257, with travelers meeting in front of a wooden souvenir kiosk, situated behind the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco. The exact coordinates are 45.4336, 12.3371, ensuring easy navigation for first-time visitors. The meeting spot is right next to the post office entrance, a helpful landmark.

This location provides a natural starting point for exploring Venice’s most famous square and the surrounding streets. The ease of access makes it ideal for visitors arriving by foot or public transport, and the proximity to other key attractions ensures a smooth start to the experience.

The Guided Land Walk: Discovering Venice’s Hidden Corners

The 1.5-hour walking tour takes place outside, with no entry into major sites, meaning all commentary focuses on external appearances and stories. The guide, who speaks English, Spanish, or French, leads guests through Venice’s bustling streets, lively campos, and quiet alleyways.

You’ll see well-known landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, and Teatro La Fenice, but also explore lesser-known hidden squares and neighborhood corners. The guide shares stories about Venice’s architecture, legends, and cultural traditions, providing insights that go beyond the typical tourist photos.

Expect to walk past vibrant local areas and learn about daily life in Venice, which adds depth to the sightseeing experience. The moderate pace makes it accessible, but comfortable shoes are recommended since there is some walking involved.

Scenic 30-Minute Gondola Ride Through Venetian Canals

Following the walk, the tour continues with a 30-minute gondola ride. This serene cruise delivers a different perspective by gliding through quieter waterways and then onto Venice’s famous Grand Canal.

During the gondola journey, you’ll pass centuries-old buildings and majestic palazzos. Notable sights include Rio dei Barcaroli, once home to Mozart, and Rio dell’Ovo. On the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, Ca’ Farsetti, and Palazzo Grimani are among the landmarks visible from the water.

The ride ends back at the starting point, providing a peaceful moment to appreciate Venice from a different angle. This part of the tour is particularly praised for offering beautiful views without the crowds, thanks to its quieter waterways.

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Navigating the Tour Itinerary and Stops

The tour’s itinerary begins at Calle larga de l’Ascension, where the guided walk takes in Venice’s iconic sights and lesser-known streets. The Rialto Bridge and Teatro La Fenice are highlights during the walk, giving participants a chance to hear stories about Venice’s historical architecture.

The gondola ride then covers Rio dei Barcaroli and Rio dell’Ovo, enriching the experience with tranquil water views. Traveling through Rio San Luca and under the Ponte del Teatro and Ponte di San Paternian, the gondola offers glimpses of Palazzo Manin, once home to the last Doge of Venice.

This itinerary balances famous landmarks with hidden waterways, giving a well-rounded perspective of the city’s layered charm. The entire experience wraps up where it started, ensuring a convenient and seamless flow.

Practical Logistics and Group Size

The meeting point is straightforward to find, right in Piazza San Marco, with the tour lasting 2 hours in total. The group size is designed for an intimate experience, led by a live guide fluent in English, Spanish, or French.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as the walk involves some moderate walking, and bring passport or ID for identification. The tour does not accommodate pets, large luggage, or strollers, and is not suitable for wheelchair users, highlighting the need for mobility.

The tour does not include entrance fees to main sites, focusing instead on external highlights and stories. Weather conditions can influence the gondola ride’s duration or route, and smoking is prohibited on the boat. The gondola cannot handle bulky luggage larger than 16 liters.

The Overall Experience and Suitability

This Venice walking and gondola tour offers a compact yet comprehensive way to experience the city’s beauty in just two hours. It’s well-suited for first-time visitors who want to see iconic sights like Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal without a lengthy commitment. The combination of guided walking and scenic waterway provides balance and variety.

The moderate pace, small group size, and multiple language options make it accessible for a broad range of travelers. However, those with limited mobility or needing wheelchair access should consider alternatives, as this tour is not designed for such needs.

The short gondola ride adds a memorable touch, especially for those eager to see Venice from the water, but it does not replace longer water tours for visitors seeking a more in-depth experience.

Venice on Foot and Water: A Practical Choice for Limited Time

For travelers seeking a well-rounded overview of Venice, this tour stands out with its balance of land exploration and water scenery. The moderate price, flexible booking options, and high provider rating make it a dependable option. The guided walk uncovers hidden corners and stories, while the gondola ride offers a peaceful glimpse of the city’s canal charm.

Despite its brevity, the tour captures the essential spirit of Venice—its stunning architecture, unique waterways, and vibrant streets. It’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a taste of Venice’s magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the gondola ride?
The gondola ride lasts 30 minutes, offering scenic views of quiet waterways and the Grand Canal.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1257, in front of the wooden souvenir kiosk behind Piazza San Marco.

Is the tour suitable for children or strollers?
No, the tour is not suitable for large luggage, baby strollers, or wheelchairs. Participants must be able to walk independently.

Do I need to pay entrance fees?
No, the tour only covers external site commentary; it does not include entrance fees to main sites.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is offered in Spanish, French, and English with a live guide.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a dress code?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID and comfortable footwear. No large bags or pets are allowed.

What happens in bad weather?
In adverse weather, the gondola ride may have altered duration or itinerary; the walk outside continues as planned.

Can I reserve and pay later?
Yes, booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later without any upfront payment.

This Venice on Foot and Water tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to see Venice’s highlights in a short time, combining historic sights and scenic canals for a memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby