How to Plan Your Venice Small Group Walking Tour with Saint Mark’s | with Private Option
Are you planning a visit to Venice and looking for the best way to explore the city’s hidden gems? Look no further than the Venice Small Group Walking Tour with Saint Mark’s, the perfect introduction for first-time visitors. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to plan your tour and make the most of your time in Venice.
Step 1: Choose Your Tour
The Venice Small Group Walking Tour with Saint Mark’s is available in two options: a regular small-group tour, or a private tour. Both tours are led by knowledgeable and professional guides who will take you through the narrow streets and top sights of Venice.
In the regular small-group tour, you’ll join a group of up to six people and explore the city together. This tour offers an excellent opportunity to meet other travelers and share the experience with like-minded people.
If you prefer a more intimate experience, opt for the private tour. With this option, you’ll get the same high-quality tour, but with the added bonus of having the guide all to yourself.
Step 2: Book Your Tour
To book your tour, visit the official website of Viator and search for Venice Small Group Walking Tour with Saint Mark’s Basilica. You can select your preferred date and time, as well as the group size and private tour option. Then, simply follow the instructions to complete your booking.
Step 3: Meet Your Guide
The meeting point for the tour is Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, in front of Chiesa di San Giacomo. Look for your guide, who will be holding a LivTours sign. From there, you’ll head to St. Mark’s Basilica to begin your tour.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Tour
Now that you’ve booked your tour and met your guide, it’s time to enjoy the experience! During the 2-hour walking tour, you’ll explore the city’s hidden gems and learn about its rich history and culture. Marvel at the spectacular mosaics inside St Mark’s and hear about the history of the Rialto Bridge. Wander through the meandering alleys of the canal city with your knowledgeable guide leading the way.
Step 5: What’s Included
The Venice Small Group Walking Tour with Saint Mark’s includes skip-the-line entry and tour of St Mark’s Basilica. You’ll also enjoy the safety and intimacy of a truly small group of maximum six people, guaranteed. Your guide is a professional local expert who will provide informative and entertaining commentary throughout the tour. All entrance fees are included in the tour cost, so there’s no need to worry about extra fees.
Step 6: Meeting and Pickup
The tour starts at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, in front of Chiesa di San Giacomo. The end point is Piazza San Marco, where you can explore the square and its surroundings.
Conclusion
In summary, the Venice Small Group Walking Tour with Saint Mark’s is the perfect way to explore the hidden gems of Venice. With the help of a professional and knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the city’s rich history and culture while enjoying the safety and intimacy of a small group. Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Venice.
An Insider’s Guide to Venice: Beyond the Common Tourist Spots
Venice, a city steeped in culture and history, has much more to offer than its popular tourist attractions. Here are some hidden gems that only the locals know about.
Local Attractions: Uncovering Venice’s Hidden Treasures
While no visit to Venice is complete without a stroll through St. Mark’s Square or a ride on a gondola, other hidden gems await visitors. For instance, the Chiesa di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni is a beautiful church with stunning paintings by Vittore Carpaccio. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a masterpiece by the architect Pietro Lombardo, is a must-visit for art lovers. The Fondaco dei Turchi, a museum converted from a former Turkish warehouse, is also a unique experience.
Dining Spots: Savouring Venice’s Local Cuisine
Venetian cuisine is known for fresh seafood, pasta, and local wines. Among the many must-visit dining spots is the family-run Osteria Al Portego, which offers authentic homemade dishes. For a traditional Venetian breakfast, visit Pasticceria Tonolo, known for their mouth-watering pastries. The historic Trattoria alla Madonna, founded in 1954, serves delicious seafood dishes, and a trip to Venice is incomplete without trying the local Cicchetti – small appetizers – which are served everywhere from classy wine bars to small bácaros.
Cultural Experiences: Embracing Venice’s Traditions and Customs
Venice has a rich cultural heritage with several festivals celebrating its traditions. The most famous of these, the Carnival of Venice, takes place in February with elaborate costumes, masks, and parades. Il Redentore, a massive festival, offers a fantastic view of fireworks, while the Regata Storica is a historic boat race held in September. The city is also home to many craft shops, where you can find intricate, handmade Venetian masks, a great souvenir to take back home.
Local History: Rediscovering Venice’s Fascinating Past
Venice’s history is intertwined with its canals and unique architecture. The Campanile, a bell tower in Saint Mark’s Square, has a fascinating history, having collapsed in 1902 and being rebuilt shortly after. The Venetians have a long-standing love affair with glass art, with the Murano Glass Museum housing glassware from the 15th century. Venetians also take pride in their printing history, with the first-ever printing press in the West established in Venice in the 15th century.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences in Venice
For a unique Venice experience, head to the Rialto Fish Market, where you can see locals picking out seafood for dinner while getting a chance to taste the local cuisine. If you’re looking for a quieter side of Venice, head to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, where you can visit the picturesque monastery, go up the bell tower and enjoy fantastic views of the Venice skyline. Another off-beat suggestion is to visit the Jewish Ghetto, the world’s oldest, to witness a unique and beautiful culture.
Venice is a city that can be enjoyed beyond the tourist spots by embracing local traditions, tasting local cuisine, exploring its history and uncovering unique experiences. With this insider’s guide, discover Venice’s charms and fall in love with this stunning city.
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