Our Venice private tour by land and water offers a great introduction to the many marvels of the Floating City, from St. Mark's Square through the alleys and canals to the iconic Rialto Bridge. Venice's layers of history and mazes of calle can seem like a big undertaking to first-time visitors, but with a little guidance and the proper introduction, the city becomes yours to discover.

This tour gives you a complete introduction to Venice, from its foundation, to its historical significance to the city today, covering the must-see sites and hidden corners! Capture the city’s essence and live it to the fullest on this Venice private tour by land and water. Our hand-tailored route allows you to step off the beaten path without missing any of the once-in-a-lifetime highlights.

Your expert local guide will take you to St. Mark's Square and Rialto Bridge, but you'll also leave the crowds behind, wending your way through the typical narrow Venetian streets (calli) and squares (campielli). Stroll along picturesque lanes, view tiny hidden churches, palaces and courtyards while your guide fills you in on the stories that make Venice so unique.

In St. Mark's Square your guide will debrief you with a comprehensive history of the city, followed by an explanation of the square's importance as the religious and political center of Venice. This section of the tour includes an introduction to the architectural wonders of the square, such as the ornate Byzantine St. Mark's Basilica, the majestic Doge's Palace, Sansovino's Library, and the Bell Tower.

From this stunning piazza, your guide will help you orient yourself to the city, introducing you to present-day Venice and its people. You'll navigate Venice like the locals do, crossing bridges and snaking through the interconnected streets and canals. After exploring on foot a side of Venice that many visitors won't experience, it's time to see it from the water.

Explore Venetian waterways on a narrated guided tour through the charming canals. Step into your private motor-launch and head down this mesmerizing waterway under Venice’s most famous bridges, admiring firsthand the sights that crown its waterfront. Watch as the St. Mark Square comes into view and see it with a completely new perspective from the water for a snapshot memory of your perfect day in Venice. You’ll glide down the 2.3-mile inverted “S” of the Grand Canal delighting as the locals do.

During the course of your exclusive ride through Venice, you will also explore the lesser-known side canals, where the traffic consists of fruit-and-vegetable boats, fireboats, delivery boats, and private boats. Overhead are the ornate gothic windows, flower-bedecked balconies and leaded-glass windows of the very lucky residents who live in the palazzo lining these canals.