This tour was the perfect way to get oriented in Venice. We saw all the major sights as well as some hidden gems. Our guide was really engaging and shared just the right amount of information, not too much, not too little. A truly beautiful experience
Venice City Highlights Guided Sightseeing Tour
Group photos taken during our tours are property of Raphael Tours and Events. Unauthorized usage outside of this website is strictly prohibited.
Tour Description
Explore Venice’s highlights with guided views of St. Mark’s Basilica, Doges’ Palace, bell tower, Rialto Bridge and Market, San Giacomo, San Polo, Basilica Frari, Scuola San Rocco, and charming church exteriors.
Key Information
- Experience Private, Walking
- Guided by Licensed national tour guide
- Duration 2 hours
- Starting times (Customizable) Morning, Afternoon, Evening
- Languages English, Italian, Spanish, French, German
- Pickup available Upon request
Highlights
- Explore the iconic St. Mark’s Square and admire the exterior of St. Mark’s Basilica
- Marvel at the historic Doges’ Palace from outside, a symbol of Venetian power
- Cross the famous Rialto Bridge and experience the vibrant Rialto Market atmosphere
- Wander through the lively streets of the San Polo district, rich with Venetian culture
- View the impressive façade of the Basilica Frari, a Gothic architectural treasure
- Discover the artistic heritage visible on the exterior of Scuola San Rocco
Itinerary
- 1 1
St. Mark’s Basilica (Exterior)
Start at Piazza San Marco, admire the ornate façade and stunning mosaics from outside.
- 2 2
Doges’ Palace (Exterior) & Bell Tower
View the Gothic splendor of the Doges’ Palace and the soaring bell tower nearby.
- 3 3
Rialto Bridge & Rialto Market
Walk across the historic Rialto Bridge and explore the bustling Rialto Market.
- 4 4
San Giacomo di Rialto (Exterior)
Stop by one of Venice’s oldest churches and admire its simple yet charming exterior.
- 5 5
San Polo District
Stroll through this vibrant neighborhood known for its authentic Venetian atmosphere.
- 6 6
Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Exterior)
View the grand Gothic façade of this important Venetian church.
- 7 7
Scuola San Rocco (Exterior)
Pass by this historic building famed for its Renaissance art.
- 8 8
San Pantaleon & Sant’Aponal (Exteriors)
Conclude with the beautiful and lesser-known church exteriors, completing your immersive tour.
Full Description
Experience the timeless charm of Venice on this City Highlights Guided Sightseeing Tour. Begin your exploration with the magnificent exterior of St. Mark’s Basilica, where its intricate mosaics and iconic domes set the tone for Venice’s rich history. Admire the grandeur of the Doges’ Palace from outside, a stunning Gothic masterpiece that once housed Venice’s rulers, and enjoy views of the nearby bell tower, rising majestically over Piazza San Marco.
Stroll across the famous Rialto Bridge, the heart of Venetian commerce, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the adjacent Rialto Market. Visit the historic San Giacomo di Rialto church’s exterior, one of Venice’s oldest landmarks, before wandering through the lively San Polo district, known for its authentic Venetian character.
Marvel at the elegant façade of the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. Pass by the Scuola San Rocco, famed for its artistic heritage, and admire the charming exteriors of the lesser-known yet beautiful churches of San Pantaleon and Sant’Aponal. This tour offers a perfect introduction to Venice’s architectural splendor and vibrant street life.
Tour Gallery
A collection of photos showcasing the tour experience and destinations
Group photos taken during our tours are property of Raphael Tours and Events. Unauthorized usage outside of this website is strictly prohibited.
What is included
Included
- Professional guided tour throughout the itinerary
- Visits to all listed landmarks’ exteriors: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doges’ Palace, bell tower, Rialto Bridge and Market, San Giacomo di Rialto, San Polo, Basilica Frari, Scuola San Rocco, San Pantaleon, and Sant’Aponal
- Detailed historical and cultural commentary
Not included
- Entrance fees to interior sites (all visits are exterior only, unless customized before booking)
- Food and beverages (unless specified before booking)
- Optional gratuities for the guide
Recommendations
Tips and Tricks
- Wear comfortable shoes: Venice’s streets and bridges involve a lot of walking and uneven surfaces.
- Bring a camera: The exteriors of Venice’s landmarks offer fantastic photo opportunities.
- Start early: Mornings are less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience at popular spots like St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge.
- Plan for weather: Venice can be rainy or sunny; check the forecast and bring an umbrella or sun protection as needed.
Not suitable for
- People with limited mobility or those who have difficulty walking, as the tour involves extensive walking and crossing bridges
- Visitors requiring wheelchair access, as many Venetian streets and bridges are uneven and not wheelchair-friendly
- Those looking for an interior tour of landmarks, as this tour focuses on exteriors only
Reviews
Rating: 5 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
- Joshua N. —United States
- Matthew G. —United Kingdom
This tour gave us a great introduction to Venice’s top landmarks. The guide was super knowledgeable and made it really fun!
Book Venice City Highlights Guided Sightseeing Tour
Venice City Highlights Guided Sightseeing Tour
Attractions visited in this tour
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