Sightseeing and Excursions in Venice

Below are links to a wide variety of tours (more than thirty) covering many aspects of Venice and the Lagoon, and also some to outlying areas (several of these are to wine regions, Valpolicella is just one of several which may be familiar to you). The tours range from one hour to a very full day, and use all means of transport - foot, gondola, water taxi, motor boat, minibus, coach etc. They have been put together by Viator, our affiliate partner who operate throughout Europe. Even if you don't want to book an organised tour, it's worth checking them out to see what the experts think is worth doing!

You can book all these tours and excursions online before you leave home.

I have grouped together and summarised the tour descriptions so that you can quickly get the gist of what each tour is about; for the full details and booking info click on the link. Several of the tours can be done in both private and small group formats. If you just want to read through the full tour summaries directly, you can go here: Viator: Venice

The Tours

Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands Excursion
3 1/2 - 4 hours Starting from USD $26 per person
A visit to the famous islands, known throughout the world for picturesque scenery, handicraft and history. Murano is well known for its glass making, Burano is famous not only for its lace but it is also a pretty fishing village - its streets lined with bright coloured houses. Torcello is a delightful little island, the earliest centre of civilisations in the estuary.

Private Tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands
4 hours Starting from USD $131 per person
Similar to above but travel by private water taxi and learn from the professional tour guide.

Grand Canal Boat Tour of Venice
70 minutes Starting from USD $49 per person
Cruise along the Grand Canal in a luxurious motor boat on a guided tour of the Grand Canal. See the palaces and churches that line its banks and learn how it has developed over the centuries while enjoying a glass of Italian champagne. This tour is ideal for photographers.

Private Tour of the Grand Canal
1 hour Starting from USD $102 per person
A tour of the Grand Canal by private water taxi and professional guide. Admire the main Venetian palaces and the monuments overlooking the Canal plus much more.

Gondola Serenade
50 minutes Starting from USD $52 per person
Book a romantic Gondola Serenade complete with music which will take you along the canals of Venice. The best way to soak up the atmosphere and feel part of this unique city.

Gondola Serenade and Dinner
3 hours Starting from USD $109 per person
The above tour plus. After the cruise, enjoy a four-course dinner and drinks in a typical Venetian restaurant.

Private Gondola Serenade
40 minutes Starting from USD $97 per person
Create a memory with that special someone as you glide through quaint canals guided by a charming gondolier.

City sightseeing by gondola and on foot
2 1/2 hours Starting from USD $57 per person
A walk through the typical narrow streets of Venice crossing the Grand Canal by gondola reaching the Gothic Church of the Frari (paintings by Bellini and Tiziano). After the visit, the tour will continue by gondola down the inner canals and the Grand Canal towards Rialto bridge where the tour ends.
This product is seasonal and only operates from April to October

The Original Venice Walking Tour
2 hours Starting from USD $25 per person
This walking tour combines a visit to St Mark’s Square and its monuments with a walk through the quiet and captivating Castello district.

Venice by Night Ghost Walk
1 1/2 - 2 hours Starting from USD $25 per person
Experience the romance and mystery of Venice by night. The streets dimly lit and deserted are a place where long shadows loom and footsteps echo in the distance. On this walking tour through narrow canals, the ghosts of the past and present day will keep you company.
This tour is seasonal and only operates from March through to November

Venice in One Day
3 1/2 - 8 1/2 hours Starting from USD $65 per person
If you only have one day to explore Venice - this is the package for you. Enjoy the Original Venice Walk combined with the Grand Canal Boat Tour, which will give you a fully comprehensive introduction to the world's most beautiful and unique city. You could take this package over a number of days depending how long you are staying in Venice.
Save over 10% by booking this combination package.

Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour
2 hours Starting from USD $25 per person
This walking tour includes the Jewish Ghetto, the Camels Palace, the scuola di Misericordia, the homes of Titian and Tintoretto, along with fine views of the lagoon, whose important role in the history of Venice will be explained.

Discovering San Polo and the Frari Church
2 hours Starting from USD $25 per person
Enjoy a walk of wonder and discovery through the real Venice, experiencing both its past and present. This is a fascinating tour full of history and intrigue which offers a real insight into the life of Venetians. Learn about how life used to be in Venice and how life is today for the modern day Venetians.

Doges Palace
Walking Tour 2 hours Starting from USD $25 per person
This Doge's Palace tour is the most in-depth tour of Venice's most important building, a must to fully comprehend the unique and complex history of the Venetian Republic. Tour highlights are: Chambers of the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Prisons, works by Tintoretto, Titian, Veronese, Tiepolo and many others.
(Guaranteed no queues to enter the Doges Palace)

Private Tour of St Mark's Square, Basilica and Palazzo Ducale
2 hours Starting from USD $59 per person
This private tour of Venice is exclusive to you. A visit to Venice would be incomplete without a walk around Saint Mark's Square and the Basilica. Soak up the magic of this unique city and explore the narrow streets, walk along the canals and over the famous bridges. The tour also includes Palazzo Ducale.

City sightseeing on foot
2 hours Starting from USD $46 per person
Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will share with you the history and heritage of Venice. Explore the main highlights including St. Mark's Square, the Doge Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.

Private Walking Tour of Venice
4 hours Starting from USD $72 per person
The unique city of Venice is best explored on foot and this wonderful walking tour offers the opportunity to escape the crowds and visit a few of the many churches in this unique city. Rialto Market is also included on this tour.

Private Tour of the Rialto Fruit and Fish Market, San Polo Square and Frari Church
2 hours Starting from USD $65 per person
This tour includes a visit to San Paolo square and Frari Church and a visit to the Rialto fruit and fish market.

Wine Tasting Evening in Venice
2 hours Starting from USD $62 per person
Venice is located in the region of Veneto, which produces more different types of wine than any other in Italy. Learn about the wonderful wines from this region with a professional sommelier.

Further afield:

Palladio Villa Tour
9 1/2 hours Starting from USD $135 per person
Experience the works of the world's most influential architect, Andrea Palladio. This tour features the Villa Malcontenta, Villa Barbaro, Villa Emo, as well as visiting the hill-town of Asolo. An absolute must for all architects and lovers of Renaissance Art and Architecture.

Dolomites Tour
9 1/2 hours Starting from USD $135 per person
For views and scenery that are truly awe-inspiring, visit the Dolomite Mountains. Just out of Venice emerge into a land of towering peaks and spires, peaceful valleys with lively villages and white-washed farmhouses dotting the terraces above. See a typical Italian village, Lake Santa Caterina, Mt Sorapiss and much more.

A Taste of Friuli Private Cooking Tour
10 hours Starting from USD $206 per person
An "interactive" lunch in the private home of your cooking instructor and visit the town of Cividale. In the afternoon, take a guided visit of Cividale del Friuli, with its famous Devil's Bridge and mysterious Celtic Hypogeum.

Archaeology and Wines of Friuli Private Tour
10 hours Starting from USD $149 per person
Art, history, archaeology, food and wine in one day! If you are interested in ancient Rome and enjoy wines that have over 20 centuries of documented history, take this full-day private tour to Aquileia, the most important archaeological site in northern Italy and capital of one of Friuli's premier DOC wine districts.

A Vineyard Called Friuli Private Tour
10 hours Starting from USD $154 per person
Enjoy a private and relaxed full-day journey into the most scenic wine lands of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Explore the Collio and Colli Orientali, wine districts renowned for the production of a large variety of top-class wines.

Il Burchiello
9 1/2 hours Starting from USD $110 per person
Follow the classic itinerary of the 17th and 18th century boat called 'Il Burchiello'. Travel along the lagoon and the river Brenta to admire and visit the splendid villas built in the 17th and 18th centuries by the nobility of Venice and Padua. Accompamied by a professional guide. A must for history buffs!
This product is seasonal and only operates from March to October

Hill Towns of Veneto
9 1/2 hours Starting from USD $102 per person
Enjoy the tranquil hills of Veneto and journey back in time to visit Asolo and Bassano del Grappa, renowned for its Palladian bridge. Also see medieval Marostica, famous for its living game of chess.

Verona and Valpolicella Wine Region Private Tour
10 hours Starting from USD $113 per person
Explore Verona and the join scenic back-roads through the Valpolicella region. The hills are covered with vineyards, olive, cherry and almond trees set against the back-drop of the Dolomites and it has one of the highest concentration of vineyards in Italy.

Valpolicella Wine Private Tour
10 hours Starting from USD $135 per person
A must for all lovers of wine. Focusing on the Valpolicella wine region, enjoy scenic drives and optional walking opportunities to fully appreciate the natural setting of this beautiful area. Admire the rolling hills covered with vineyards, olive, almond and cherry trees, enjoy delicious local cuisine and sample indigenous wines.

Portogruaro Market and Wine Tasting
9 hours Starting from USD $155 per person
Full day minibus tour in the Veneto countryside, across the plains to the Renaissance town of Portogruaro set on the banks of the river Lemene. Visit its lively Thursday morning market for excellent bargain buys, chance to see the archeological museum with its Roman finds, and enjoy a relaxing optional lunch then on to a family run 'cantina' for wine-tasting.

Gastronomy tour to Collio Friuli
9 hours Starting from USD $175 per person
Explore the famous Veneto and Friuli regions where you will find the area so beloved of gastronomes: ‘il Collio’. Spend the day wine tasting and sampling local products such as delicious cheeses and salami. Home-made specialities of Tortello, Friulano, Maialata are on the lunch menu, all accompanied by local wine and Grappa.

Private Tour of the Veneto Region
4 - 8 hours Starting from USD $136 per person
If you would like a private excursion around the Veneto region, then choose from one of the fascinating itineraries offered on this tour. Flexible with many options.

Wine Road of the Doges
5 hours Starting from USD $84 per person
This half day tour for small groups heads off to the Lison Pramaggiore DOC wine area, just a short distance from Venice. Wine-tasting and home-made appetizers included and chance to enjoy the greenery of the local vineyards.

Friuli Collio Wine Private Tour
10 hours Starting from USD $135 per person
Explore the beautiful Collio region, with its rolling hills thickly planted with vineyards, cherry trees and olive groves, all set against the back-drop of the imposing Friulian Alps. Visit prestigious wineries renowned for both the high quality of their wines and the historical value of their estates.

More Links to Walking Tours:

Here's a great link if you'd like to do a walking tour on your own; it suggests various routes and a restaurant or cafe to go with each one!

These are private guides (no affiliation to us):

Venice Art Walks  Private half-day art walks for travelers who wish to see the best of Venetian art and architecture

Venicescapes Unique guided walking tours highlighting different aspects of the city for travelers and students interested in Venetian history and culture (neat website).

Walks Inside Venice  Sightseeing tours of Venice led by professional guides