The regular vaporettos (water buses) that ply the Grand Canal are a great way to get a different perspective of the bridge.
The Rialto Bridge is a world-renowned symbol of Venice. Connecting the historic districts of San Marco and San Polo, the bridge is one of the city’s most iconic and visited landmarks, and for three hundred years it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot. It is now visited by millions of tourists each year, but despite the crowds it remains utterly unmissable.
Setting it in Stone
There has been a bridge of one sort or another on this site since the 12th century. However, after various burnings and collapses of these flimsy timber structures, it was finally decided that a more permanent stone bridge should be built. Various designers were considered, including Michelangelo himself, but the job was eventually given to Antonio da Ponte, who completed the work in 1591. At the time, the design was so audacious that many contemporary architects predicted that it would collapse before long.
A Cultural Icon
Over four hundred years later, the bridge is still standing, and the beautiful stone arch continues to dazzle its visitors. Two covered ramps from either bank meet to form a beautiful arched portico in the middle. From here you get a lovely view looking south-west down the Grand Canal towards the Ca' Foscari University. The ramps are lined on both sides by shops which sell the usual souvenirs and knick-knacks, and buskers can usually be heard strumming or singing on either side of the canal.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or you want to make the most of your time in Venice, this full-day tour is the perfect opportunity to see the most popular highlights as well as off-beaten-path landmarks. Discover the architectural and artistic highlights of Venice in a day including St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and more!
On your private tour, you will:
This tour is all about making sure you experience the best of Venice in a single day –nearly an impossible task. You will see the world-famous St Mark’s Square— probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space.
This square is enclosed by the astonishing St Mark’s Basilica and the magnificent Doge’s Palace. Not only will you visit St Mark’s Basilica but also explore the Doge’s Palace, which rises majestically above the waters of the Grand Canal on St Mark’s Square. It remains one of the best examples of Venetian gothic architecture.
Your guide will be sure to show you the highlights, including the Rialto Bridge, famed as the oldest bridge to cross the Grand Canal, its arcade full of small souvenir shops is the best place to buy beautiful Venetian masks and feathers.
You will also visit the breathtaking building of the Frari Church, and the Accademia bridge, and expertly navigate the charming alleyways of the neighbourhoods of San Polo, Dorsoduro, San Marco and Castello.
At the end of your tour, your guide will be sure to give you expert recommendations on how to spend an evening in Venice –from a gondola ride to the best spots for dinner.
If this is your first time visiting Venice, this is half-day tour is the perfect experience to discover two of the city’s must-see sites: St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, and to explore the best of the city of canals in a short amount of time.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Your tour begins with a wow – at the heart of the world-famous St Mark’s Square. Probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space, this square is enclosed by the stunning St Mark’s Basilica and the absolutely magnificent Doge’s Palace, both of which you will visit with your private guide.
The Doge Palace was built in 812 and is celebrated as one of the best examples of Venetian Gothic architecture in the city. Right next to the Doge’s Palace in St Mark’s Basilica, deemed an icon of Italian art and culture; it is indeed one of the city’s top highlights.
Then, your guide will take you off the beaten path for a leisurely stroll as you head towards Venice’s most iconic bridge - the Rialto. Famous for being the oldest bridge to cross the Grand Canal, its arcade full of small souvenir shops.
After walking across this fantastic bridge, your tour will end with magnificent views of the Grand Canal where your guide will give you great recommendations for the best food spots during your stay.
Please note: this tour can be amended in advance to be friendly for children. Please notify us in advance of the tour if you wish for the stories to be told in a kid-friendly way!
Discover the best of "La Serenissima" and immerse yourself in a Venice that is not just gondolas, but a city of canals with many grand palaces such as Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), unique museums and impressive churches like St. Mark's Basilica.
On your private tour, you will:
Trace the city’s fascinating beginnings, learn about its failed defence against the plague and unearth its dark secrets. Your journey will take you through Venice’s grandest central district. The architecture is sublime, the excitement rejuvenating and the atmosphere unique.
You will begin your tour walking towards Venice’s pre-eminent bridge- Rialto Bridge. Famous for being the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal, its arcade full of small souvenir shops is the best place to buy beautiful Venetian masks and feathers.
Your private guide will give you the history of the markets, as they have been operating for over seven centuries. Stroll around the bustling Rialto Markets, a picturesque shop primarily selling fish and vegetables. Take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the market.
Venture through the most magical streets and canals of San Marco, and pass the iconic St Mark’s Square. Probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space, this square is enclosed by the astonishing St Mark’s Basilica and the magnificent Doge’s Palace.
You will see the Doge’s Palace, built-in 812, which is one of the best examples of Venetian gothic architecture. Right next to the Doge’s Palace is St. Mark's Basilica with its gold mosaics and many domes will also be sure to capture your attention.
Your tour will finish with tickets and a tour of St Mark’s Basilica. Your guide will take you on a tour of the historic Basilica, deemed to be an icon of Italian art and culture.
Please note that St. Mark's Basilica is an active church and can be subject to unforeseen closures due to religious reasons. In cases of closure, you will be given alternative touring options.
Venice is one of the world's most enchanting cities, offering a wide array of experiences that highlight its unique blend of history, art, culture, and natural beauty. With a fascinating topography unlike anywhere else in the world, the city’s main ‘street’ is actually the Grand Canal. This main waterway snakes through the heart of Venice, offering a spectacular introduction to the city's iconic architecture and stunning views. Cruise the Canal on our private water taxi tour and enjoy the magic of Venice from the water. A wonderful way to combine 3 of the most quintessential Venetian moments - a canal cruise, an exclusive look inside a Murano glassblowing factory and a typical Italian aperitivo - to make for a truly memorable evening in the Floating City.
On your private sunset boat tour, you will:
As the sun sets over Venice, the city takes on an ethereal beauty. The famous palazzos are bathed in golden light, and the water reflects the colours of the sky, creating a magical atmosphere. Your gorgeous evening in Venice will begin at your hotel, where you will meet your expert guide and hop aboard your private water taxi which will serve as your vessel for your exhilarating journey.
After an introduction to the Floating City, it will be time for your first activity, a tour of the Grand Canal. Thanks to the insights of your private guide, you will learn how the Grand Canal has been the central hub of Venetian life for centuries, how dating back to Roman times, it became a crucial route for transporting goods and people and how in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was lined with magnificent palaces, built by wealthy Venetian families who flaunted their wealth and power through architecture. All the while, you will pass by these stunning palaces and other emblematic Venice landmarks and sail under its charming bridges where your guide can point out the most intricate features and tell riveting tales of their home city.
You will then head deeper into the Venice lagoon, enjoying wonderful twilight views of the city’s skyline from a unique vantage point on the water. You will float past the islands dotted around the lagoon at their most tranquil and peaceful, before arriving at your next destination: mesmerizing Murano. This series of small islands is a must-see for any visitor to Venice, showcasing hundreds of years of artisanal tradition. The islands' most famous export is of course Murano Glass and you can find a myriad of handcrafted glass objects on display there, from exquisite vases and chandeliers to gorgeous glass beads and jewelry.
Once you disembark in Murano, your guide will lead you through the quaint colourful streets to the private workshop of a famous local Master Glassblower, where you will get a privileged look at the painstaking process of crafting the amazing glass objects. In addition to a special glassblowing demonstration, you will have the opportunity to sit down and talk with the maestro himself where you can learn the secrets of his craft, ask about the innovative techniques passed down through the generations and understand why these treasures of Murano remain a symbol of luxury and artistry to this day.
Not only that, you will also be able to experience a unique take on the traditional Venetian aperitivo. This ritual of a pre-dinner drink, derived from the Latin aperitivus, is meant to open up the appetite and is thought to date back to Roman times, though it evolved into a national pastime in the 20th century. Now an essential element of Italian culture, aperitivo happens across the country and beyond, though Venice is known for doing it particularly well. In the comfort of the workshop of your glassblowing guru, you will enjoy a glass of Prosecco or a Bellini Cocktail and toast to your night of Venetian delights.
Following your intimate aperitif, your water taxi will be waiting to return you to central Venice and give you one last chance to take in the picturesque vistas of the lagoon by night. As the city lights draw ever closer, your guide can provide recommendations for a decadent dinner or moonlit stroll around the city and you can choose to return to your hotel or be dropped off at the iconic St. Mark’s Square to keep exploring having formed a deep personal connection to the streets and waterways of Venice.
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