Your full day exploration of Venice starts in the city’s heart with a tour of St. Mark’s Square, the political and cultural center of the city. Here you’ll learn about Venice’s ascension to power, its link with the Eastern empires, and the power of the Doges. You’ll continue this discussion as you examine the central Basilica, a powerful symbol of the city’s former opulence and power. 

You will move inside Doge’s Palace, a spectacular architectural masterpiece, and the perfect backdrop to discuss Venice’s political history. Continuing your comprehensive tour of Venice, you will visit the Rialto Market as your expert guide shows you a different side of Venice through its unique gastronomy. Stopping for lunch in the market or at a local restaurant (at your own expense), you will have the opportunity to talk with your guide about anything from what you have seen earlier to modern life.

After lunch, you will see the city through what is arguably its main attraction: the waterways. You’ll enjoy two hours floating down the charming canals on a private boat, a unique vantage point from which to discuss the city’s architecture, design, and ecology.

You’ll come away from your full day tour with a deep understanding of all aspects of the city: unique geography, fascinating history, world-class art, breathtaking architecture, and modern local life.

Interested in exploring more of this enchanting city? Check out our Venice Aperitivo Tour, or delve into artistic masterpieces with Venice with Sara, Art Historian. Or get off the beaten path with our Murano Island Tour or our Venice Jewish Ghetto Tour.

Eager to learn more before you travel? Check out Context's upcoming online seminars and courses about Italy — from history, to food, to art.

For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

You’ll meet your expert guide at Bar Al Todaro. Your tour ends at shore after cruising down the Grand Canal. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.

Is this walk suitable for families?
Yes, this tour works well with multi-generational groups.  It is a very full day, so please consider your family's interests.  We offer shorter tours with kids in mind if you would like to opt for something geared specifically to a younger audience.  Please see our Venice Tour for Kids. 

Venice is a city that is built on a series of canals, crossed by bridges.  If your group includes a member who uses a wheelchair, please reach out by email and we can discuss mobility options.

 

We will pre-purchase your tickets for the Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the private boat. You will be expected to cover the cost of your lunch and any additional refreshments.

  

Please contact us and we can help to arrange this if you are in a group of a minimum of 10 people.

Do you reserve headsets for this tour? 

Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.

What are skip-the-line tickets?

For this tour, your tickets are pre-purchased which allows you to directly enter the security line at the palace without waiting to purchase tickets. You may still have to wait in a security line or in a line to have your pre-purchased ticket scanned.