25 AMAZING Tours in Venice [December 2024!]

With floating bridges, flowing canals, and world renown architecture, Venice is truly one of the most unique places in the world.

As soon as you step foot in the city, you’ll feel as if everything has been frozen in time. Venetian carnival masks hang from the shop corners, and grandiose marble structures line the cobblestone alleys.

To get a feel of everything Venice has to offer, you should think about booking a city tour. Whether it’s a guided overview of the palaces and museums, a sampling of wine and snacks, or only a walking tour of the city, a tour is the best way to immerse yourself in Venetian culture.

Here are some of our top picks for amazing tours in Venice!

#1 – Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square Tour

• Guided tour and priority entrance tickets

• Opt for the evening tour to skip the crowds

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 2 hours

Explore years of Venetian history with a guided tour of two of the city’s most iconic landmarks. First, you’ll wander through the sprawling piazza of St. Mark’s Square, which is commonly considered the heart of Venice. Your guide will take you back in time with stories and anecdotes about the history and culture of the city.

After, you will visit Doge’s Palace (with priority entrance of course!), to learn more Venice’s political influence.

Insider Guide! These are the absolute BEST times of the year to visit Venice!

#2 – Gondola Ride and Romantic Dinner in Venice

• Private gondola ride

• 3-course dinner and dessert at a romantic restaurant

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

With marble palaces, candlelit dinners, and beautiful canals, Venice is the perfect backdrop for a romantic vacation. And if you’re trying to impress your sweetheart, then a moonlit gondola ride is the perfect place to start.

But the night doesn’t end there! After you navigate the narrow canals on your private gondola, make your way to Antico Martini, one of the city’s most romantic restaurants.

#3 – Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries

• Explore secret rooms of Doge’s Palace

• Skip the line tickets

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 1.5 hours

On this tour, you’ll see a side of Venice that other tourists will never get the chance to visit! Your guide will take you through Doge’s Palace, the former residence and seat of the Venetian government. But unlike a normal tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see hidden rooms and artifacts that aren’t open to the public!

Besides visiting the palace, you’ll also explore the attic prison and Bridge of Sighs. Best of all, your guide will share secrets, stories, and musings for a richer understanding of the City of Canals.

#4 – Boat Hop-on Hop-off Tour

• Mobile app commentary tour included

• Catch as many boats as you want

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: up to 24 hours

The best way to see Venice is by getting lost, on foot or on a boat! When you book a boat hop-on-hop-off tour, you get to see the city at your own pace. For 24 hours, you can take different boats to a handful of stops around Venice, including the Grand Canal, Castello neighborhood, and the three islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

#5 – Venetian Savors, Ghosts, and Legends Tour

• Three glasses of wine and three appetizers

• Spooky stories about Venetian ghosts and spirits

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 4 hours

Combining gastronomic delights with eerie, dark stories, the Venetian Savors, Ghosts, and Legends Tour is one of the city’s most unique tours. First, you’ll visit local bars where you’ll savor different Venetian appetizers and drink your fill of Italian wines.

Then, you’ll be guided through the Castello and Cannaregio districts listening to ghost stories and ancient legends that have been passed down for centuries. The suspense is enough to make your heart race!

 

#6 – Hidden Venice Walking Tour

• Get away from the crowds

• View classic and gothic architecture

• Cost: $

• Duration of tour: 1.5 hours

Venice is a popular city that attracts millions of visitors each year. But will the hidden Venice walking tour, you can see a side of the city often overlooked by tourists.

Your guide will take you to off-the-beaten-path attractions, such as Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo as well as La Fenice Opera House. This tour is truly the best way to experience daily life as a Venetian!

#7 – Saint Mark’s Basilica After Hours Guided Tour

• See areas not usually open to the public

• View relics of Saint Mark

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 1.5 hours

Even when the sun goes down, there are still plenty of unique experiences you can’t miss in Venice. Nightfall is the perfect time to see Saint Mark’s Basilica. When the doors close to the public and the tourists have all left for the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to see the golden mosaics and Pala d’Oro. You will also get to visit the crypt, which is usually not open during normal business hours.

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#8 – Venetian Mysteries Guided Walking Tour

• Three neighborhood tour

• Spooky stories and ancient legends

• Cost: $

• Duration of tour: 1.5 hours

An evening walk through Venice with a knowledgeable guide is the best way to see a different side of the city. You’ll be taken through the back streets and alleys that run along the canals where you’ll hear stories of Venetian mysteries and strange tales.

As you visit the Rialto, Cannaregio, and Castello neighborhoods, you’ll have the chance to soak in the magic of Venice at night.

#9 – Venice and Islands Full Day Tour

• Skip the line passes

• Boat ride to Murano and Burano Islands

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 10 hours

If you want to see the best of what Venice has to offer in a single day, then this tour is for you. With skip the line passes, you’ll be able to whizz through the crowds as you explore St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.

Then, you’ll hop a boat across the lagoon to Murano and Burano Islands, where you’ll get to see live glass blowing and lace making demonstrations. This action-packed itinerary is perfect for those who want to see all the Venice highlights.

#10 – Fabrics and Perfumes Tour

• Visit Palazzo Mocenigo

• View elaborate textiles and Venetian fashion

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2 hours

Venice is known for more than it’s piazzas and canals! It’s also home to elaborate costumes and decadent perfumes. At Palazzo Mocenigo, you’ll see fabrics, textiles,  and outfits that cloaked the wealthiest Venetian aristocrats over the last few centuries.

Besides fabrics, you’ll also learn about the history and influence of Italian perfume. Your guide will share insights and stories about how these fashion trends have evolved.

#11 – Castello District Tour

• View ancient Venetian ships

• Explore the back alleys of the Castello

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 3 hours

With some of the finest architecture in the city, the Castello district is a must-see on your trip to Venice. This guided tour takes you to the best landmarks of the Castello, including the Arsenal area, the Ship Pavilion, and even the Venice Naval Historical Museum.

Your guide will also take you to some of the hidden gems of the Castello that is not often seen by other groups!

#12 – Murano and Burano Half Day Tour

• Motorboat ride to Murano and Burano

• Glassblowing and lace making demonstrations

• Cost: $

• Duration of tour: 4 hours

Journey to the islands of Murano and Burano, which are known for their charming villages and laid back atmosphere. Your boat ride leaves the city center and heads to the colorful, glassblowing city of Murano.

Afterward, you’ll head to Burano, the quaint, picturesque fisherman village of Venice. Spend the afternoon learning about Burano lace, or simply exploring the island at your own pace.

#13 – Sunset Tour

• Sunset island boat ride

• A glass of prosecco included

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2 hours

Venice is stunning at every hour of the day, but Venice during sunset is truly a breathtaking sight to behold. So why not see this magical city by cruising across the canals admiring the sunset on your boat?

As the sun starts to set, you’ll sail around half a dozen Venetian Islands, such as San Lazzaro degli Armeni, San Servolo, and even San Clemente. All while sipping a glass of sparkling prosecco, of course!

#14 – Murano and Burano Lunch Tour

• 4-course fish lunch

• Boat and island tour

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 4.5 hours

Italy is known for some of the best food in the world, and Venice is no exception! Your tour starts with a boat ride to both Murano and Burano Islands, where you’ll have the chance to visit glass and lace factories.

Then, you’ll be treated to a four-course meal at a local restaurant in Burano. Indulge on mouth-watering mixed fried fish, sea bass filet, and even classic pasta with seafood.

#15 – Cicchetti Dishes and Wine Bar with a Local

• Wine, cicchetti dishes, and dessert

• Traghetto canal ride

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2.5 hours

Eat like a true Italian local with a 2.5-hour tasting tour of Venice. As you wander through the Cannaregio and Rialto neighborhoods, you’ll sample some of the most delectable dishes from unique, family run restaurants.

After you fill up on wine and Italian tapas (otherwise known as cicchetti), you’ll be whisked across the canals on a Traghetto boat ride. It’s the perfect ending to your culinary adventure.

#16 – Family Walking Tour

• Guided by a local mother

• Three different child-friendly itineraries

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: 2 hours

If you’re traveling with children, then this family-friendly walking tour is the perfect way to keep your little ones entertained! With three different itineraries, your guide will take you and your family on an adventure through the streets and canals of Venice.

Whether they’re learning about the history of St. Mark’s Square, or listening to child-friendly ghost stories, kids of all ages will have a memorable time on this Venice tour.

#17 – Traditional Venice Aperitivo Tour

• Drinks and snacks included

• Local bars and pubs

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 1.5 hours

No trip to Italy would be complete without a typical boozy happy hour, or as the locals call it, apertivo! Your guide will show you three different bars, most of which are only visited by locals.

There, you can drink a glass of wine, a bottle of beer, or a refreshing spritz while sampling a variety of happy hour appetizers. There’s no better way to soak up Venice bar culture!

#18 – Venice Private Boat Tour

• 3-course meal

• Boat and walking tour

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: 4 hours

Channel your inner James Bond by hiring a private boat as you cruise through the islands of Venice! Ride through the Grand Canal admiring the buildings and architecture from the comfort of your water taxi.

Your tour also includes a decadent 3-course meal at a traditional Venetian restaurant. This is followed by a short walking tour of some of the biggest highlights in Venice, such as Strada Nova, Fondaco dei Turchi, and the Rialto Bridge.

#19 – Venice Bike Tour

• Explore the Venice Lido

• Small group size of 10

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 4 hours

Most people explore Venice by boat or foot, but not many can say they’ve seen the city on two wheels! This guided bike tour takes you to Venice Lido, where you’ll see jaw-dropping views of the lagoons and neighboring islands.

Your guide will lead you through the hidden sights of Venice, all while explaining the history of the city. This 9-mile ride is comfortable enough for cyclists of all ages and skill level.

#20 – Photography Tour

• Led by a professional photographer

• See Venice from a new angle

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2 hours

Shutterbugs absolutely cannot miss this opportunity to photograph one of the most beautiful cities in the world! This 2-hour photography tour takes you to popular (and hidden) locations throughout Venice.

Led by a professional photographer, you’ll also learn different techniques and compositions to bring your photos to life. Snap iconic monuments, floating gondolas, and picturesque buildings for a unique souvenir to take back home.

#21 – Glassblowing Tour

• Real Murano glass blowing

• Free souvenir

• Cost: $

• Duration of tour: 30 minutes

Venice is known for many types of arts and crafts, but it’s especially for it’s colorful Murano glass! And during your visit to Venice, you can’t pass up the chance to see a real glassblower in action.

Best of all, the glass factory is right on St. Marks Square, so there’s no need to travel all the way to Murano. You’ll even get a small glass souvenir to remind you of your visit to the glass factory.

#22 – Family Traditions Private Tour

• Traditional traghetto tour

• Puppet and carnival mask making

• Cost: $$$

• Duration of tour: 2 hours

Your family will love seeing the playful, whimsical side of Venice on this two-hour family traditions tour. First, your guide will take you to a puppet atelier, where you watch how marionette puppets are made.

Then, take a ferry down the canals to admire the colors and magic of Venice before stopping at a carnival mask shop. Your guide has plenty of games up their sleeves to keep even the littlest of kids entertained all day!

#23 – Jewish Quarter Food and Wine Tour

• Three different Venetian bars

• Sample cicchettis

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 2.5 hours

Venice’s Jewish Quarter is a gastronomic district filled with the city’s best bars and restaurants. And what better way to sample what the neighborhood has to offer than with a guided food tour!

Your guide will only take you to the best local joints, where you’ll sip wine and enjoy a selection of Italian appetizers or cicchettis. Eating your way through Venice is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

 

#24 – Private Airport to Hotel Tour

• Private airport transfer

• Directly to your hotel

• Cost: $$$$

• Duration of tour: 30 minutes

Who says commuting to and from the airport can’t be fun? As soon as you step foot off your flight, your assistance will take you and your bags on a private water taxi directly to your hotel. There’s no need to haul your belongings across cobblestones or bridges on your own!

But best of all, you’ll have the chance to see the Venetian canals from the comforts of your own boat. This 30-minute ride gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the sights before even checking in to your hotel!

#25 – Palazzo Zenobio Tour

• Center of Armenian culture in Venice

• Visit the elaborate palace rooms

• Cost: $$

• Duration of tour: 2 hours

Live the life of Venetian royalty on this 2-hour Palazzo Zenobio tour. Explore the lavish rooms of this opulent Amernian palace, including the Hall of Mirrors, the palace gardens, and the Armenian print house.

Your Armenian-Venitian guide will share stories about the history of Armenians in the city, as well as explain the importance of Armenian bookbinding, painting, and engraving in the print house.

 

FAQs

How do I book a Venice tour?

Venice is busy every season of the year, which means your best bet for securing a spot on a tour is booking in advance. We love using getyourguide.com for tours. With hundreds of Venice tours to choose from, you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest.

How much do tours in Venice cost?

The price range of tours in Venice can vary between cheap and expensive. Short walking tours tend to be more affordable, while private tours and boat tours can be as high as 100 – 300 Euros per person.

How long do tours in Venice last?

The duration of the tour will depend on the type of activity you are participating in. Most sightseeing, food, or walking tours last between 2-4 hours. However, tours that explore the islands or canals can take a half or full day.

What should I pack?

Generally speaking, you’ll want to wear comfy clothes and shoes on your Venice tours. You’ll likely be walking up and down bridges, across cobblestone alleys, and through narrow streets. It’s also good to pack water and light snacks, as these can be expensive to purchase in touristy areas.

Conclusion

Venice is a culturally and architecturally diverse city, with something extraordinary around every corner. Although you could easily spend the day walking around Venice on your own, you can dive even deeper by going on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From romantic moonlit gondola rides to historic and spooky evening walks, Venice is filled with amazing activities that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

And besides, there are very few places that ooze culture, romance, and history like Venice does. So when you’re in town, make the most of your trip by booking a tour! You just might find that they’re as exceptional as the dazzling Floating City itself.

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