Venice Shore Excursion

This three hour Venice shore trip is best for those who have limited time or who can only do limited walking. You enjoy a Grand Canal cruise, a gondola ride and an orientation walking tour in St. Marks Square so you can create your own postcards of Venice.

Your licensed guide meets you at the Venice cruise terminal and then leads you to your private water taxi waiting nearby. Once on board you will cruise the full length of Venice's most famous street, the Grand Canal. Venice is best enjoyed from the water, so sit back and savour this truly unique city as you glide past beautiful palaces, peek into tiny canals and watch famous bridges pass overhead.

The Grand Canal is the most important canal in Venice and it divides the city into two parts. The canal is flanked along its entire length by magnificent buildings from the 12th to 17th centuries. Along this fascinating canal, your guide will tell you legends related to some of the most famous and beautiful sites of the city such as the Rialto Bridge and the many luxurious houses, built by the richest families, to show their power like a showcase.

Your Grand Canal cruise ends at the famous St. Mark's square where you board a famous gondola. Your gondolier will single-handedly power your craft as you glide through small canals and under a myriad of foot bridges.The gondola is an icon of Venice and has changed little since the Renaissance. You'll feel like you are living in a painting by Titan as your gondolier skillfully negotiates the twists and turns of the intersecting canals. This unique way to see Venice is certain to live on as one of your most vivid lifetime memories.

After your gondola ride your guide will provide you with an orientation walking tour of St. Mark's Square where the Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the famous bell tower are located. This is a great opportunity to get many photos of Venice's icons.

Mobility Notes- Venice is a city of canals and bridges. There are no automobiles in the city and therefore boats and walking are the only means of transport. The streets are made of cobblestones and bridges have as many as 200 steps. No wheelchair access is available.

Private Water Taxi Notes- Water taxis have an interior cabin with bench seats and windows. Most taxis also have a forward or stern seating area with a few outside seats.

Gondola Ride- Gondola rides are operated by local gondoliers. Each gondola can seat 5 people. The route taken will be on the Grand Canal and / or smaller nearby canals so you'll have the chance to see Venice up close. Gondoliers do not sing or provide commentary.