Your St Mark’s and gondola tour starts in the lovely square of Campo San Giacometto which is right next to the famous Ponte Rialto and the Grand Canal. The church in the square, San Giacomo di Rialto is said to be the oldest in Venice with a construction date of 421 AD. This neighborhood is a bustling shopping quarter with a lively market located near the Grand Canal that fills up with locals buying fish and fresh vegetables.
Your private tour continues on foot as your local guide shares the history of the unique architecture and leads you to the perfect place to admire the famous Rialto Bridge. The bridge was initially built in 1250 completely from wood and its unusual shape allows tall boats to sail below it. This is especially necessary since it is located right next to the market to allow for cargo boats to bring in the daily produce, fish, meat, and cheeses.
Continuing through the maze of Venice’s small alleyways, you will reach the square of Campo Santa Maria Formosa where you can admire 11 bridges and at least seven architectural Venetian masterpieces. Among these is the Palazzo Querini Stampalia, the former home of the Querini family, and now home to the Querini Museum.
In the 15th century, Venice experienced its golden age and the square of Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo was an important focal point of the time. You will stop while your guide tells you its history. As your tour continues, you will arrive at the breathtaking St. Mark’s Square where you can admire the exterior of the unique Doge’s Palace facade next to the Grand Canal, before you enter the beautiful St. Mark’s Basilica. Your tour would not be complete without entering this elegant 9th-century church filled with sparkling gold mosaics, imposing bronze horse statues, and marble-laden floors.
Your tour ends on a high as you glide along the narrow picturesque canals in your private gondola. Say goodbye to your guide before enjoying this half-hour private cruise through the stunning city on water.
