Venice is one of the most vibrant and romantic cities in the world. From its stunning canals to the incredible Doge’s Palace, the popular Italian city oozes charm! Built on more than 100 islands, Venice sees around 30 million tourists every year. Whether you’re just there for the day or you’re planning to stay for a week, here are some of the best Venice tours available to ensure you get the most out of your visit.
With canals and over 400 bridges, piazzas and stunning architecture, Venice has so much to offer. The city has many nicknames - the Queen of the Adriatic, the Floating City, the City of Masks and more; it is a tourist favorite, and for good reason. There are museums, restaurants, bars, gondola trips and beautiful scenery to be enjoyed when visiting this fantastic part of northeast Italy.
Skip-the-Line Venice Icons Tour: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica
If you really want to experience Venetian culture, this is one of the best Venice tours on offer. At 2.25 hours, it’s a quick and easy way to see the very best bits of what the city has to offer: Doge’s Palace and the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica. In groups of no more than 24 people, you’ll be led by an expert English-speaking guide who will ensure you have a wonderfully immersive experience in Venice. You can take advantage of our Skip-the-Line Access at the palace and the basilica, and headsets are available so you won’t miss a thing.
Doge’s Palace is right at the center of Venetian history - it saw the rise and fall of the republic, and went from being home of the Duke of Venice to being a prison. It is now home to 11 of the city’s best art museums, with beautiful frescoes and stunning artwork. The Venetian Gothic style of the building makes it completely iconic, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. This tour gives you the chance to explore the best parts of it without having to wait in line!
St. Mark’s Square and Basilica are two more of the most famous sites in Venice. You won’t need to wait in line here either, and you can step straight inside the glorious golden interior of this incredible basilica. There are some stunning treasures in here, with mosaics on the ceilings and precious artifacts all around. Get to know the history and traditions as your guide leads you around the basilica.
This tour runs on Thursday - Sunday with tours at 8.30 am and 1.00 pm daily. It is one of the best Venice tours for those wanting to see the most iconic parts of the city!
Venetian Islands Tour: Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lacemaking
If you are spending more than a day in the Floating City, this is one of the best Venice tours you can take! At 5 hours long, it’s a great way to spend a chunk of your day; running at multiple departure times Monday through Friday, there are plenty of chances to experience this fantastic tour to Murano and Burano. In groups of no more than 25, accompanied by an English-speaking expert guide, you are sure to enjoy this amazing way of getting to know the locals.
From the meeting point in central Venice, you’ll get to travel by comfortable private boat to two of the city’s most impressive and important islands. First up is Murano - world-famous for its beautiful blown glass. In the Middle Ages, all glassmaking was done here. It was the only place where mirrors were made for centuries, with secret techniques You’ll have the chance to see how a glassblowing workshop operates, browse the gallery and buy some beautiful glasswork too. Before leaving the island, you’ll have the opportunity to see the serene canals and the lovely San Donato church.
Then you’ll head back onto the boat and travel to Burano: one of the most colorful places in the world. Every part of the island is a perfect photo opportunity, and you will have the chance to see how handmade lace is made. There is a lace museum too, and this tour includes free time to explore it as well as to wander up and down the canals and shop for any souvenirs you might want to take home with you from your trip.
If you want to see more than just the main parts of the city, then this is one of the best Venice tours available. A cruise throughout the canals, glassmaking and handmade lace in action: this tour has it all.
Private Venetian Island Tour: Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lacemaking
If you are hoping to make your time in Venice even more special, you can make the above tour private. You’ll travel by water taxi rather than boat, and this is one of the most intimate and best Venice tours on offer. The tour is led by an expert English-speaking guide, and headsets are available too should you need them.
You’ll get the chance to visit a glassmaking factory and a lace-making workshop, with free time to explore the beautiful islands of Murano and Burano. There is truly no experience like this, as you drink in the beauty of these Venetian islands without being in a crowd of people. For those on a romantic getaway or family trip, this is a great way to see some of the best culture in Venice!
These are just some of the best Venice tours available when planning a trip to the City of Bridges. There really is so much to see and do here, and a trip should definitely be on your bucket list when heading to Europe.
