Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience - The Charm of Venetian Campi

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience

Discover Venice’s lesser-known sights and iconic canals on this 2.5-hour walking tour with a relaxing gondola ride, perfect for exploring off the beaten path.

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience offers a captivating way to see Venice beyond the usual tourist spots. Priced at $69.23 per person, this 2 hours 30 minutes guided tour combines discovering exclusive locations like Scala Contarini del Bovolo and the most romantic Venetian bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, with a relaxing 30-minute gondola ride. The tour departs from Venice Tours Srl, close to St. Mark’s Square, and features a mobile ticket for convenience. Bookings are typically made 73 days in advance, indicating a popularity among travelers seeking a well-organized, intimate experience.

This tour is ideal for those interested in exploring lesser-known Venice, enjoying panoramic views, and experiencing a traditional gondola ride without the hassle of planning. The small group size—up to 15 travelers—ensures personalized attention, while the included audio commentary on the gondola adds an informative touch. Keep in mind that food and drinks are not included, and hotel pickup or drop-off is not part of the package.

Key Points

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience - Key Points

  • Affordable luxury: At $69.23, this tour provides a balanced price for both a guided walk and a gondola ride.
  • Exclusive sites: Visits to Scala Contarini del Bovolo, famous theatres, and beautiful churches highlight Venice’s hidden corners.
  • Scenic gondola ride: Enjoy 30 minutes on a gondola with audio commentary covering Venice’s sights from the water.
  • Ideal group size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a personal experience.
  • Spots for photography: Capture panoramic views of St. Mark’s Basin, S. Giorgio Island, and the Bridge of Sighs.
  • Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Exploring Venice’s Hidden Corners

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience - Exploring Venice’s Hidden Corners

This tour takes you through lesser-known streets and campi away from the crowded tourist areas. The walk begins at Calle S. Gallo, just a short stroll from St. Mark’s Square. It is designed to uncover Venice’s secret alleys and historic spots, such as the curious history of calle and beautiful Venetian campi. The guide provides commentary that enhances understanding of Venice’s unique architecture and history, making each stop more meaningful.

Visiting the Iconic Scala Contarini del Bovolo

One of the highlights is Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a striking spiral staircase tower that offers a spectacular view of Venice. It is one of the most beautiful views in the city and promises excellent photo opportunities. The tour’s focus on insider locations like this makes it appealing for visitors eager to see Venice from an angle many travelers miss.

The Charm of Venetian Campi

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience - The Charm of Venetian Campi

The tour includes stops at typical Venetian campi and campielli, showcasing the city’s quaint squares and hidden corners. These areas are often overlooked by larger tours but are essential for understanding Venice’s atmosphere. Visitors get a chance to appreciate the tranquil beauty and local charm of these intimate spaces.

The Most Famous Theatre and Churches

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience - The Most Famous Theatre and Churches

Guests will visit Venice’s most renowned theatre, offering insight into the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Plus, the tour takes you to one of Venice’s most beautiful churches, highlighting architectural elegance and historical significance. These stops provide a deeper appreciation of Venice’s artistic heritage.

Stunning Views of S. Mark’s Basin and S. Giorgio Island

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience - Stunning Views of S. Mark’s Basin and S. Giorgio Island

As the tour concludes near S. Mark’s Basin, travelers enjoy breathtaking views of S. Giorgio Island and the Bell Tower of Palazzo Ducale. These vistas are perfect for capturing memorable photographs of Venice’s iconic skyline and waterways. The guide’s commentary enriches the experience by sharing stories behind these landmarks.

Unique Perspective: The Bridge of Sighs

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience - Unique Perspective: The Bridge of Sighs

The tour offers a special view of the Bridge of Sighs, often regarded as Venice’s most romantic and mysterious bridge. Its unique location and history make it a memorable highlight, especially for those interested in Venice’s romantic lore and architecture.

Logistics and Practical Tips

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience - Logistics and Practical Tips

The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation and just 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. The group size remains small, with a maximum of 5 people per gondola, ensuring comfort and a more personal experience. The gondola ride includes audio commentary, adding context to the sights observed from the water.

The Journey and Weather Considerations

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience - The Journey and Weather Considerations

While the itinerary highlights major stops, weather conditions or wind may cause changes or cancellations. The tour does not operate during exceptional high tides, but in such cases, it can be postponed or refunded. No food or drinks are included, so travelers might want to bring water or snacks if desired.

The Guides and Their Role

Guides are qualified and experienced, providing multilingual assistance to ensure all guests understand the commentary and instructions. The bilingual tour option enhances accessibility, making it accommodating for a diverse group of travelers.

Value and Overall Experience

For $69.23, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of walking and water with insider locations, stunning views, and personalized service. The small group size and expert guides make it a compelling choice for those seeking a more authentic Venice experience.

Summary for Enthusiasts of Venice’s Hidden Sights

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a more intimate look at Venice’s hidden alleys, campi, and architectural treasures. The combination of walking and gondola offers a unique perspective on the city’s waterways and historic sites. The positive reviews highlight good value, beautiful views, and knowledgeable guides, especially noting the friendly guide Sara.

The Sum Up: A Delightful Blend of Discovery and Relaxation

This Venice walking tour with a gondola ride delivers a well-rounded exploration of the city’s less-trodden paths paired with a relaxing water experience. The up-close views of iconic landmarks and hidden corners make it a memorable adventure for those who wish to see Venice from a different vantage point. The small group size and expert commentary ensure a personalized and informative journey.

While the tour does not include food or hotel transfers, it remains an excellent value for its price. Suitable for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike, this experience captures Venice’s charm in a manageable, enjoyable format.

Ready to Book?

Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride Experience



5.0

100% 5-star

“I highly recommend this short walking tour and gondola ride. For a family of four, it was much, much cheaper than finding a gondola ride at a rando…”

— A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Mar 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, it involves mostly walking and a short gondola ride, with no strenuous activity.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Italian?
Yes, the tour may be bilingual, and English commentary is typically available.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, along with a camera for capturing the panoramic views. Food and drinks are not provided.

Is the gondola ride private?
No, the gondola is shared with up to five people, and seating is assigned by the gondolier based on weight.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour may be canceled or postponed in cases of weather issues such as high tides or wind, with a full refund available if canceled.

Where exactly does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is near St. Mark’s Square at Venice Tours Srl, and the tour concludes at the same location.

Can I cancel this tour if needed?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start date.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 73 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

This detailed look at the Venice Walking Tour with Gondola Ride reveals a carefully curated experience that balances hidden gems with iconic sights, making it a valuable choice for those eager to explore Venice in a more personal, scenic way.