Duration: 3 hours

Type of Service: Best of Venice with St. Mark's Square & Water Taxi Boat Ride - semi-private tour

See all the top sights of Venice with this exclusive, semi-private tour, limited to only ten people or less per group. With commentary tailored by an expert, English-speaking guide to suit your group, you’ll learn more about Venice in just a few hours than many visitors do on an entire trip. And with such small group sizes, your guide will have more time to answer questions and tailor the pace of the tour to suit you.

Beat the Queues at St Mark's Basilica - First of all, we’ll head straight for the main attraction, to be sure that you have plenty of time to take it all in. St. Mark’s Basilica took 800 years to build with relics and monuments inside bought (or stolen) from all over Europe and Asia. Even St. Mark’s remains eventually ended up here (albeit through dubious means) when Crusaders stole them from Egypt. The queues here can be long but no worries, we have Skip the Line Access! Your guide will take you inside this cavernous space for an extended tour, pointing out mosaics that date all the way back to the 11th century and beautiful artworks. Then it’s up to the second floor for some stolen time inside this busy basilica. The terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica are worth a visit, not to mention the incredible views they offer over bustling Piazza San Marco below.

After our tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Piazza San Marco, we’ll set out on a walking tour past some of Venice's best-known sights, along with some unlikely favorites. We spent a lot of hours traversing the city, trying to get the right balance of major landmarks and picturesque corners and discovered that much of the joy of visiting Venice is in the journey, walking from one spot to another through quiet residential streets and along canals. Our Venice walking tour will take you on such a journey.

You'll see Marco Polo’s house to hear about the Venetian son who went to sea one day and came back with stories of China; Campo SS Giovanni Paolo with its mix of architecture from so many ages; and the famous Bridge of Sighs. As you move from one spot to another, your guide will entertain you with stories of Venice, from informative tales about how the city has stayed afloat so long, to the whispers of scandal that make Venice such a captivating city. They’ll also point out features and buildings that you may never have noticed on your own.

Enjoy the Grand Canal on a Private Vessel - A visit to the Rialto Bridge, an incredible marble structure that cost Venice a small fortune to build but was certainly worth every penny, is a highlight of this journey, and it’s here where our walking part tour ends. Now it's time to take a seat on a private boat to enjoy the beauty of the city. The tour continues to the Grand Canal, the city’s main waterway which snakes its way past no less than 50 palaces, six churches, four bridges and two open-air markets. We’ll take to the water for a cruise that includes all these wonderful sights. Although many visitors opt to travel the Grand Canal by gondola this wide and hectic waterway is much better suited to the water taxis we use, which allow us to move quickly and easily along the canal without losing the intimacy of a smaller vessel.

Your tour will end at the famous Rialto Bridge. And there you have it, in only a few hours you have seen the very best of Venice from three entirely different perspectives: water, land and even air from the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica.

Destination Sites:

• St. Mark's Basilica
• Terrace of St. Mark's
• Bridge of Sighs
• Grand Canal (from the water)
• Jewish Ghetto (from the water)
• Doge’s Palace (exterior)
• Columns of St. Mark and the Venetian Lion
• Campo SM Formosa
• Campo SS Giovanni e Paolo
• Marco Polo’s house (exterior)
• Rialto Bridge

Things to Know:

• Small group tour of 10 people or less
• 1-hour Grand Canal cruise by private boat (groups limited to 10 people)
• Skip the Line Access to St. Mark’s Basilica
• Entrance ticket to the terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica
• Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
• Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes
• Dress Code for St. Mark’s Basilica – men and women shoulders and knees must be covered, no sleeveless tops unless you bring a shawl with you. No shorts or mini dresses that exposed the knees.
• Tour is offered on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
• Tour starts at 2:30pm
• Meeting Point Location:Doge’s Palace – more details are given upon booking

Duration: 2.5 hours

Type of Service: Venice Highlights Walking Tour with Gondola Ride - small group tour

Is your time in Venice limited? Would you prefer to spend much of your visit to Venice eating cicchetti (venetian appetizers), drinking, shopping and relaxing? Most people visit Venice for just a day or two, which makes it difficult to squeeze in all the best things to do and see. Experience the best of Venice in just a few hours, leaving you ample time to enjoy yourself and wander down romantic canal side streets. This 2.5-hour tour includes:

- St. Mark's Square and St. Mark's Basilica

- Rialto Bridge

- An English-speaking professional guide

- A gondola ride

St. Mark's Square in Venice - Begin your tour of Venice in St. Mark's Square. Home to the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, Bell Tower and Doge’s Palace, this is the biggest piazza (public square) in Venice. This is the first stop on your Venice walking tour and it’s also the meeting point of the tour. After meeting up with your fellow Venetian visitors and guide, it's time to head to St. Mark’s Basilica. As this is one of the most visited landmarks in Venice, long lines are expected in summer months. However, this Venice walking tour includes skip the line tickets.

Once inside, it's clear why the basilica is nicknamed “the Church of Gold”. With 4,240 square meters (45,638 square feet) of gilded mosaics constructed over eight centuries, the interior of St. Mark's Basilica is unlike anything you've ever seen. In part, the basilica is so richly outfitted because of the conquest of Constantinople. In 1204, after the Middle-East city fell, treasure was shipped back and installed in St. Mark's Basilica. Included in the haul were the four bronze horses and The Pala d’Oro (high altar retable of St. Mark's).

St. Mark's is a sacred place, so both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be refused entry to a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Venice is hot. A great alternative is to bring a shawl, scarf, or sweater with you, that way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary. 

Rialto Bridge and Neighborhood - Just a few minutes away from St. Mark’s Square is the Rialto Bridge, as much a symbol of Venice as St. Mark's Basilica. Initially built from old boats, the unstable bridge was rebuilt in 1500. On one side of the bridge is the Rialto Market in the Rialto neighborhood, a place that’s been satisfying appetites for seven centuries. The oldest of the four bridges that span the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge features a 24-foot tall arch. Providing access to the district, the Rialto Bridge enables Venetians to carry on their business in the area.

A Gondola Ride in Venice - After your Venice walking tour ends, it’s time to partake in an essential Venice activity. Step right up to your gondola boat and say hello to your gondolier! Now, it's time to enjoy the beauty of Venice from the water on a thirty-minute gondola ride. The privilege of working as a gondolier is not taken lightly. In fact, Venice only awards a limited number of licenses per year. In addition to being expert rowers, gondoliers are storytellers and Venice historians.

 Your gondola ride ends a few minutes’ walk from St. Mark’s Square, where your tour began. From here, catch a water taxi back to your hotel or the train station. Or, if you aren't ready to call it a day, ask your guide where the best places to eat and drink in Venice are. We will happily point you in the direction of some delicious Venetian cuisine.

Things to Know:

• Small group tour of 18 people or less
• Tour operates 7 days a week based on availability
• Tour is offered at 9:30am and 4:00pm
• Meeting Point Location:Between the two big columns in St. Mark’s Square located on the side that faces the canal. A representative will be there holding a sign –more details are provided upon booking.
• A moderate amount of walking is involved – recommend tennis shoes
• Tour Cost: $85.00 per person/adults to include registration fees, skip the line admission, and guided tour
• Tour Cost: $68.00 for children ages 7 – 17 years old
• Tour Cost: $49.00 for children 6 and under

Duration: 1 hour

Type of Service: Grand Canal Boat Tour - small group tour

Small Group Venice boat tours of the Grand Canal & minor canals of Venice provide the ideal sightseeing tours of the city of Venice for first-time visitors. One of our most popular sightseeing tours in Venice because it offers our clients the opportunity to view the city from a completely different perspective. Escape the hordes of tourist to discover a relaxing and rewarding experience as you glide down the main street of Venice. You'll feel like a VIP on our small group boat tours of the Grand Canal

On all our Venice boat tours you'll travel in a luxurious motor-launch, limited to a maximum of 8/9 participants so that we should be able to guarantee that everyone sits outside to enjoy an intimate experience of the waterways of Venice while listening to the detailed commentary of your expert Venice tour guide.

In the first part of these small group Venice boat tours cruise down the Grand Canal at a relaxed pace with numerous photo opportunities as your friendly and knowledgeable guide ntroduce you to the splendid Palaces, Churches, Bridges and other Monumental buildings that line the main waterway of Venice. Learn the history and evolution of the main street of Venice, and be entertained by anecdotes about the famous and infamous people that once lived along this celebrated waterway. 

In the second part of these marvellous sightseeing tours of Venice sit back and enjoy a delightful journey through the minor canals of Venice. In the hidden Venice, as you travel through four of the city districts of Venice you'll get a full overview of the city and enjoy picture postcard views of the most romantic parts of the city. These small group Venice boat tours start & finish at St. Marks square.

Things to know:

• During the tour you will see the waterways of Venice, the Grand Canal, splendid Palaces, Churches, Bridges, Rialto Bridge. Luxorious motor-launch, English speaking guide.
• Local Expert English speaking Guide
• Luxurious Motor-Launch /Maximum 8/9 people per boat
• During high water, the tour will take place, but it might happen we have to partly adapt the tour to the weather conditionsTour operates with min 4 participants
• Tour is offed Tuesday, Friday and Saturday in the off season
• Tour is offered April - November (7 days a week based on availability)
• Tour time is 3:15pm - 4:15pm
• Check in with guide 15 minutes before tour begins
• Meeting point location - St. Mark's Square (more details are given upon booking)

dDuration: 2.5 hours

Type of Service: Florence Evening Walking and Wine Tour – private tour

A popular social tradition in Italy, aperitivo comprises of snacks and drinks to be enjoyed in a bar before dinner.  Your tour will begin from your accommodations as you stroll towards the Duomo where you will receive a short introduction about this historic building and the piazza that surrounds it before enjoying a glass of wine or prosecco with crostini's and tuscan meats and cheeses at a favorite Florentine wine bar and restaurant.

Your next stop on this walking tour you will cross over the Ponte Vecchio Bridge for a great photo before strolling through Piazza Santo Spirito, one of the more picturesque areas of Florence, a lively scene both day and night on your way to a popular wine bar for a glass of prosecco.

Your final destination on this wine tour is to enjoy a beverage of your choice and appetizer on a rooftop bar with amazing views of the Arno River and surrounding landmarks.  

This is a wonderful introduction to the beautiful city of Florence. I highly recommend this tour for anyone and everyone.

 Things to Know:

• Enjoy and experience a traditional Italian ‘aperitivo’ – at three different locations
• Tour includes a glass of wine, prosecco or beverage of your choice at each location and shared Tuscan appetizers
• Set out to explore the city at dusk - perfect introduction to Florence for first-time visitors
• A unique, interactive evening walking tour to taste the best Italian wines and appetizers
• 2.5-hour wine tour with a licensed private English-speaking local tour guide (tour times between are between 5:30pm or 6:00pm)
• Tour departs from your accommodations in the Center City – more details are given upon booking
• Tour is offered Monday – Saturday / Mid-March to Mid-December
• Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes
• Tour must have a minimum of two people and maximum of six people for this private tour
• For groups over 6 people or early afternoon tours, please contact us directly
• Tour does not operate the last week in August and the first week of September

Duration: 2 hours

Type of Service:  Florence Sunset Walking Tour - Private Tour

See Florence at sunset on a 2-hour evening walking tour led by an expert guide, learn about the rich history about some of Florence most beloved sites and some of the smaller hidden gems in the historical center; such as the bustling Piazza della Signoria,  the area around the Duomo, and  the exterior of the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces from Botticelli, Michelangelo and more. As the sun goes down, stroll to the Arno River and admire a scenic view of the Ponte Vecchio.  The fun part of being in Italy is to eat gelato every day and after the tour, you will stop at a popular gelato shop for a scoop or two.

Things to know:

• Your private tour with an English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel to begin the tour.
• Admire the city at sunset
• Stroll by famous landmarks and see their illumination
• Enjoy personalized attention from your private guide
• You will be guided through the center city and arrive at the Arno River
• Tour offered on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from March - December
• Tour begins at 6:00pm /  2 hour tour
• Meeting location -  center city of Florence; more details are given upon booking 
• Complimentary gelato at the end of the tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

Type of Service: Best of Venice walking tour including St. Mark's Basilica

If you have limited vacation time (and who doesn’t?), this is the perfect way to see the best sights in Venice in just a few short hours. Your expert English-speaking guide will take you to famous landmarks including St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge, Marco Polo’s house, Camp SS Giovanni e Paolo and Campo Santa Maria Formosa piazzas, Bridge of Sighs and more, including quiet off-the-beaten-path places many tourists may miss.

We begin your tour at one of Venice’s most photographed locations, the Rialto Bridge. Then we’ll wind through the Floating City’s serpentine streets and over the tiny bridges that dot its seascape on our way to Marco Polo’s house. Learn about this intrepid Venetian son whose sense of adventure and exploration took him beyond the horizon to the Far East, where few had ever been before. Along the way, you’ll stroll through the lively piazzas of Campo SS Giovanni e Paolo and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, and marvel at how the beautiful Byzantine architecture and Renaissance buildings meld seamlessly with today’s modern and somewhat eclectic edifices.

On the way to our final and most awe-inspiring stop, St. Mark’s Basilica, you have a chance to see the romantic Bridge of Sighs. Then saunter through St. Mark’s Square, which Napoleon named the “finest drawing room in all of Europe.” Next, enjoy Skip-the-Line Access to the city’s most bustling spot for tourists. You’ll breeze past the long lines and straight into the Basilica.

Your tour guide will not only educate but also entertain you with the rich history of St. Mark’s Basilica. Learn about the city’s diverse culture with intriguing facts only a local would know. An impressive architectural marvel, see how Eastern architecture blends beautifully with Western design to create an unbelievable onion-domed structure so individually Venetian. With less time waiting in line, you’ll enjoy more time standing in awe of ornate frescoes before ascending to the famous St. Mark’s terraces. Not often included on guided tours, this site offers a spectacular aerial view of the prized piazza – and makes the perfect photo opp.

On this private tour, your small group will receive individualized attention. Audio headsets are provided, if you like, so you can always hear your guide. Ask all the questions you like and learn as much about Venice and the world-renowned sites as you please. 

Things to know:

• Private tour with expert English-speaking tour guide
• Your tour will begin at one of Venice’s most photographed locations, the Rialto Bridge.
• See Venice’s most-famous landmarks and monuments in just a few hours with the flexibility and attention only a private tour can offer
• See St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge, Marco Polo’s house, Bridge of Sighs & more on this de facto tour of Venice for the first-time visitor
• Your tour guide will not only educate but also entertain you with the rich history of St. Mark’s Basilica.
• Skip the line access to St. Mark's Basilica and entrance ticket to the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica
• Ask your guide all the questions you like and learn as much about Venice and the world-renowned sites as you please.
• Audio headsets available
• Tour offered on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
• Tour starts at 9:00 am
• Check in with guide by 8:45 am
• Meeting point location - more details are given upon booking

Duration: 2.5 hours walking tour and (includes 30-minute gondola ride) - tour begins at 11:30 am

Type of Service: Walking Tour of Venice with Gondola Ride 

Follow your expert, English-speaking guide through the quieter streets and piazzas of Venice. As you walk, your guide will captivate you with histories of Ca’ Dario, the cursed (and possibly haunted) house whose owners have continuously met untimely and often suspicious deaths. You’ll learn why music schools around the world are called ‘conservatories’ at Fondamenta degli Incurabili, the hospital where monks took orphans from the streets and trained them as nurses and world-famous musicians.

Along with local legends, you’ll hear tales of familiar characters. You’ll see Harry’s Bar across the canal, where Ernest Hemingway once kicked back after a long day of writing. You’ll see the home of Peggy Guggenheim, the heiress who lost her father to the Titanic but gained the means to build one of the world’s most interesting art collections. (Back in her day Peggy used to scandalize the locals by sunbathing naked on her roof and parading around town with a pack of tiny dogs on leashes.) Remember the play, Othello? You’ll see the house where Desdemona supposedly lived before her tale was transcribed by an Italian author and stolen by a man called William Shakespeare.

Your tour ends on the sweetest note with a gondola ride along the quieter back canals of Venice. Relax as a gondolier, in his ubiquitous striped shirt, rows along waterways built for these very vessels. With a maximum of five people per shared gondola, your tour will be intimate and, with no commentary on this section of the tour, quiet and romantic too.

Things to Know:

• Discover the famous landmarks and hidden gems of Venice, first by land, and then by the sea!
• Step away from the crowds and get off the beaten track with this original tour that explores Venice’s less seen, more romantic face on the other side of the Grand Canal
• Accompanied by an English- speaking local guide, enjoy a leisurely walking tour around the city’s charming bridges, streets and hidden squares.
• Admire unique architecture and Renaissance masterpieces while your guide shares fascinating tales from the history of this former maritime superpower. 
• Small group tour for best experience - group size 24 or less
• Headsets so you can always hear your guide on the walking tour
• Relax on our pre-booked and pre-arranged 30-minute gondola ride with a local gondoliere and just 5 other people.
• Toured Offered only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Tour begins at 11:30 am
• Meeting point - Accademia di Belli Arti (more details are given upon booking)
• Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes