Venice is a truly captivating city known for its canals, long and complex history, thriving food culture, artisanal traditions and its vibrant carnival festivities. Travellers short on time can enjoy a full-day itinerary jam-packed with Venetian highlights on our exclusive private tour, where you can cruise the Grand Canal, stroll the historic Sestiere, visit the colourful island of Murano to see master glassblowers at work and even dip into an atelier where carnival masks are carefully crafted. You will also get a delectable introduction to the quintessential Venetian gastronomy in the form of Cicchetti at a traditional tavern, making this the perfect way to immerse yourself in Venice’s rich cultural heritage.
On this private full-day tour, you will:
- Immerse yourself in the delights of Venice in this comprehensive full-day itinerary with a passionate local guide;
- Enjoy the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off in central Venice;
- See the city’s most iconic sights including St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge;
- Admire the stunning architecture of St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs;
- Stroll through the city’s most authentic neighbourhoods such as San Polo and Cannaregio;
- Learn the secrets of Carnival in Venice and step inside an atelier for an insider look at how carnival masks are made;
- Savour Cicchetti and Ombra, the most emblematic tastes of Venice, with lunch in a traditional tavern;
- Sail on a private water taxi through the Venetian lagoon out to the colourful island of Murano and witness a marvellous demonstration of the elaborate art of glassblowing;
- End your tour with a breathtaking Grand Canal cruise in the comfort of a private boat.
There are so many sights and intriguing stories to be found within Venice that it can be hard to know where to start. Enlisting the help of a private guide is a great means of making the most of your time in the Floating City. Our carefully curated full-day itinerary combines Venice’s most famous sights with authentic experiences, offering a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and unforgettable views. This is Venice at its finest—a day crafted for travellers who want to explore the city’s essence from every angle.
Your Venetian adventure will begin at your hotel where your guide will come to pick you up and set the stage for your day together. From there, you will embark upon a walking tour of the historic centre to learn about the monuments and events that have shaped Venice across the centuries. Traversing the heart of the city, your guide will show you St. Mark’s Square, where the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace awaits. You will marvel at the opulent architecture that showcases Venice’s illustrious past and stroll by the Bridge of Sighs, learning its intriguing history and imagining the stories of those who once passed through it. Your guide will also show you the iconic Rialto Bridge and pass by the bustling Rialto Market nearby, a staple of Venetian daily life. You will have the opportunity to meander through the charming streets of San Polo and Cannaregio, two of Venice’s most authentic sestieri (the name given to the traditional neighbourhoods in the centre of Venice). Here, you’ll experience Venice as locals do, with your guide introducing you to hidden gems and sharing insights about Venetian customs and everyday life.
One of the quintessential Venetian customs is of course the annual carnival celebrations which see the city come alive with opulent balls, parades, and performances. Masks are central to the festivities, with visitors and locals alike donning intricate designs and elaborate costumes, stepping back in time to Venice’s Golden Age. As you step inside an authentic mask atelier, you’ll get an exclusive insider look at the mask-making process. Your guide will explain the origins of the Venice carnival and the different types of masks on display, and you will see firsthand the artistry and craftsmanship that go into this cherished tradition at the hands of the expert mask makers known as mascareri.
Your itinerary will include a pause for a delicious Venetian lunch at a cosy local tavern where you can indulge in traditional cicchetti —small plates brimming with local flavours — and enjoy an ombra, a small glass of wine that’s an integral part of Venetian social life. With your guide’s local insight, you’ll be able to savour this midday feast and connect with Venetian culinary heritage. After lunch, it is time to get on the water and embark on a scenic private boat journey across the Venetian lagoon to the vibrant island of Murano, famed for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. You will visit a glassblowing factory, where a skilled artisan will demonstrate the mesmerizing process of creating Murano glass—a unique and intricate art form passed down through generations.
As your Venetian voyage of discovery draws to a close, you will enjoy a breathtaking cruise along the Grand Canal. You will admire Venice’s palazzos, bridges, and timeless skyline from the water, getting caught up in the romance of Venice’s waterways as you glide past emblematic landmarks, capturing unforgettable views and memories. Following your picturesque boat trip, you will have the option to return to your hotel and relax or to disembark back at St. Mark’s Square to enjoy Venice at twilight, equipped with a much deeper knowledge of the city's truly unique personality and traditions.