Do It Your Way: Venice Private Walking Tour & Cruise

The itinerary can be adapted to suit your requirements and allows you to interact closely with your guide for an in-depth discovery of the fascinating history of Venice.

Start with a walk through the city, appreciating the beauty of its architecture and the canals that give it a unique charm. Start at the heart of Venice; Piazza San Marco, where you will see the famous Basilica di San Marco or simply enjoy coffee at one of its 18th century cafes.

The Grand Canal meanders through Venice and a cruise gives a totally different perspective on the landmarks of the city: palazzos, courthouses, markets and bridges. The French writer, Philippe de Commines, described the Grand Canal as the “finest street in the world” and a visit to Venice would be somewhat incomplete without a cruise on the Grand Canal.

Your private guide will meet you at your hotels in the St Marks area. The first part of your tour is a walking tour of Venice.

This is a private tour and can therefore be tailored to what you want to see, discuss your requirements with your guide on the day. The following is a suggested itinerary.

Visit Marco Polos House and a Merchants warehouse. In St Marks Square see the Doges Palace and the adjoining prisons and listen as your guide will tell you the fascinating stories behind these buildings.

Then enjoy a guided tour of the interior of St Marks Basilica. This grand building dominates St Marks Square and is one of the most iconic structures in Venice.

Also take a walk through the Labyrinth of backstreets which make up the hidden side of Venice, you will find a labyrinth of narrow passageways and alleys, which many tourists never see.

You will be taken to board your private motor launch for the next part of your tour. Cruise down the Grand Canal, from where you will get a wonderful view of some of the most iconic monuments of Venice such as the Santa Maria della Salute, Ca d’Oro and the Rialto Bridge. Your guide will point out all the buildings of interest on the way and enthral you with their fascinating stories.

Your tour takes place on a small motor launch which means you can also cruise along some of the minor canals to see a hidden side of Venice which most tourists never see.

The tour ends in the centre of Venice.