Venice Private Walking Tour – Highlights & Hidden Gems

5.0 (6 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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6 reviews

5.0

Exploring Venice together with a licensed local guide during a private walking tour. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Venice Private Walking Tour – Highlights & Hidden Gems, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover Venice on a private walking tour with a licensed local guide, combining iconic highlights with hidden streets and authentic neighborhoods away from the crowds. Starting near the historic Rialto area, explore lively markets, picturesque canals and quiet squares while learning how Venice became one of the world’s greatest maritime powers.

Walk through lesser-known districts beyond the busiest tourist routes, pass the area traditionally associated with Marco Polo’s house and visit Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, one of Venice’s most impressive historic squares. Along the way, enjoy external views of important landmarks while discovering stories about Venice’s history, traditions and everyday life.

Unlike large group tours, this private experience allows you to explore Venice at a relaxed pace with personalized commentary and time for questions. An optional break at a local café offers a chance to experience Venice more slowly before ending in magnificent St Mark’s Square.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Italian
Operated by: Not Only Venice Tourist Guide

What is included

Included

Included: Licensed local tour guide
Included: Private walking tour
Included: Personalized itinerary
Included: Local insights and recommendations

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Entrance fees to museums or attractions
Not included: Hotel pick-up outside Venice historic center
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto

10 min

Meet your licensed local guide near one of Venice’s oldest churches and discover how the city was born as a powerful trading center. This introduction provides historical context and orientation before exploring the authentic heart of Venice
Mercati di Rialto

15 min

Explore the lively Rialto Market area, where Venetians have traded fresh fish and produce for centuries. Learn about daily life, local traditions and Venice’s long-standing connection with international commerce.
Ponte di Rialto

10 min

Stop at the iconic Rialto Bridge to admire stunning views over the Grand Canal while discovering the history of Venice’s most famous commercial crossing.
Casa di Marco Polo

10 min

Pass by the area traditionally associated with Marco Polo’s house and hear the story of Venice’s most famous traveler and merchant explorer. This stop offers insight into Venice’s role as a global crossroads connecting East and West during the medieval period.
Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo

30 min

Walk through quiet backstreets and hidden squares away from the crowds, discovering authentic neighborhoods, local stories and lesser-known corners that reveal Venice beyond the main tourist routes.

Visit one of Venice’s most impressive squares, surrounded by historic buildings and connected to the city’s political and religious history, including the resting place of many Venetian Doges.
Libreria Acqua alta

15 min

Enjoy a short stop at the famous Libreria Acqua Alta, a unique Venetian bookstore known for its creative solutions to high water and charming atmosphere.
Tiramisu - I Tre Mercanti

20 min

Optional free time at a local café. Food and drinks are not included.
Piazza San Marco

25 min Admission not included

Introduction to St Mark’s Square with external visits of St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. End your experience in Venice’s most magnificent square while discovering the history and symbolism of its iconic landmarks.