Venice: Rialto Walk, Cannaregio & Gondola Ride Tour

Summary

Wander Venice’s bridges, markets and quiet canals by foot and gondola

You’ll step straight into Venice’s rhythm with a local guide leading you from Rialto Bridge through lively markets and Cannaregio’s quieter lanes before reaching St. Mark’s Square. The tour ends with an intimate gondola ride along hidden canals—just you, your small group and the sounds of water echoing off ancient stones.

What’s the experience like?

You sort of tumble into Venice — that’s how it felt for me, anyway. Our group met just near the Rialto Bridge, which looked even older in person than I’d pictured. Our guide, Chiara, started right off with a story about how everyone thought building this bridge was a terrible idea back then (honestly, looking at all that stone arching over water, I get why). The air smelled like river and something faintly briny from the nearby Rialto Fish Market — which we ducked into for a minute. It was noisy, people calling out prices in Venetian dialect, and Chiara pointed out what to try if you’re brave enough for local seafood. She scribbled down two restaurant names on my map — I still have it tucked in my backpack somewhere.

We wandered through Cannaregio next, which felt quieter than the touristy bits — laundry strung above us between faded buildings, kids kicking a ball near Marco Polo’s old house (Chiara said he probably never imagined his name would be everywhere). There was this tiny church — Santa Maria dei Miracoli — all pink marble inside and out. Sunlight bounced off the water outside and made these weird patterns on the walls. At one point we stopped in a campo where an old man fed pigeons and didn’t seem to notice us at all. I liked that nobody hurried here.

By the time we reached St. Mark’s Square, it was busier again — musicians playing under those arches, tourists taking photos of the basilica’s gold mosaics from outside (we didn’t go in; tickets weren’t included). Chiara talked about how Venice basically ran half the Mediterranean once. I tried to picture it but mostly just watched shadows moving across the square as clouds passed overhead.

The last bit was my favorite: a gondola ride with just five of us squeezed together while our gondolier steered us down narrow canals. It was quieter than I expected — you could hear water slapping against stone and someone frying onions somewhere above us (that smell!). For thirty minutes or so it felt like Venice belonged to us alone. I still think about that view up at faded palazzi as we drifted under low bridges — you know when you realize you’re really there?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Venice city walk and gondola ride

• Meet near Rialto Bridge
• Visit Rialto Fish Market
• Explore Cannaregio district
• See Marco Polo's house
• Visit Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli
• View statue at Campo San Giovanni e Paolo
• Walk to St. Mark’s Square
• Admire St. Mark’s Basilica exterior
• Enjoy 30-minute gondola ride

Top questions

Is entrance to St. Mark's Basilica included on this Venice tour?

No, entrance to St. Mark's Basilica is not included; you'll see it from the square while your guide shares its history.

How many people are there per gondola during the ride?

The gondola ride is limited to 5 people per boat for a more intimate experience.

Where does this Venice walking tour start?

The tour begins near the Rialto Bridge in central Venice.

Does this tour include visiting the Rialto Fish Market?

Yes, you'll stop by the Rialto Fish Market for a quick visit if it's open (note: closed Sundays).

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

No meals are included; however, your guide will offer local restaurant recommendations during the walk.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Venice group tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you'll meet your guide at a central location near Rialto Bridge.

Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed on this tour?

This tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs or strollers due to uneven terrain and steps.

What happens if there's bad weather during the gondola ride?

If high tide or heavy rain makes gondola rides unsafe, another experience may be substituted instead.

What’s included

Your day includes an expertly guided walking tour through central Venice with headset audio so you can hear your guide clearly even in busy spots; stops at landmarks like Rialto Bridge, Cannaregio district, Marco Polo’s home and Santa Maria dei Miracoli; plus a 30-minute shared gondola ride piloted by a professional gondolier before you continue exploring on your own.