From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City
69 Reviews
4.62 out of 5 stars Based on 69 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
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Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Florence, Italy
14 to 15 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Experience the charm of Venice on this one-day excursion from Florence. Spending a day in Venice is a memory that cannot be forgotten. Located just a short drive from Florence, Venice is known around the world for its enchanting canals and waterways. You will travel from Florence to Venice in a luxury GT coach and will feel like you have been transported to another world.
What's Included
- Glass blowing demonstration
- Journey by fully-fitted luxury GT coach
- City orientation tour with tour leader
- Expert multilingual escort
- Free time for independent sightseeing
- Map of Venice
- Entrance tickets to churches and attractions
- Guided tour of Venice
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Piazzale Montelungo
Firenze FI, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Florence
Embark on a journey to the most magical and romantic city in Italy… Venice! Meet your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal. Piazzale Montelungo is located 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella train station. Find your seat on the comfortable coach bus, and you will depart shortly! During your journey north towards Venice, your guide will share some interesting information about this historic and culturally-rich “City on Water.” The drive will take about 3.5 hours.
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Venice
When you arrive, the bus driver will bring you to the Venice Port. As a city on water, it is only accessible by boat! Your expert guide will lead you to the ferry, and you will be on your way! Enjoy the sea breeze on your skin and vibrant scenery during your ten minute boat ride to the main island. After getting off the boat, you will be welcomed by Venice’s famously rustic, romantic, and colorful architecture! Follow your guide through the picturesque streets, and over the iconic bridges until you reach San Marco Square - the heart of Venice! Your guide will point out Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs on the way. Be sure to have your camera ready, and you will have time to visit these points in your free time later as well!
5 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza San Marco
San Marco Square is the beating heart of Venice, and one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It is the largest piazza in Venice, with plenty of open space; in stark contrast to the winding alleyways and small canals which make up most of the city. Dominating the square, you will find Basilica San Marco - characterized by its unique Byzantine architecture and golden accents. You can also find the belltower and the royal Doge’s Palace, along with plenty of elegant cafes. Your guide will share some fascinating information about the buildings in this square. From here, you can follow your guide to the glassblowing demonstration, or simply begin your day of exploring the mystical streets of Venice, with its romantic squares and magical bridges.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Basilica di San Marco
Basilica San Marco is a great symbol of Venetian glory, power, and culture. It has a truly unique design in Italy, with inspiration from Byzantine, Roman, and Venetian architecture. The building is a Gothic masterpiece, boasting intricate designs and five massive domes; however, these are hidden by the unmissable golden facade. These gold flakes were perfectly placed in various directions to glimmer under the sunlight, no matter the angle in which you are standing.
The inside of San Marco Basilica is truly breathtaking. You will be welcomed by a ceiling filled with golden mosaics, covering over 8,000 square meters. The greatest treasure in the Basilica is known as, “Pala d’Oro,” or golden pala. This precious piece of art is located behind the grand altar, and has been decorated completely with gold leaf and almost 2,000 rare and precious stones. Booking skip-the-line tickets ahead of time is highly recommended for entering Basilica San Marco; entry is not included in this tour.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Venice
In addition to its incredible architecture and romantic canals, Venice is world-famous for its blown glass. Follow your guide to a famous glass-blowing shop in the historical center. Glass blowing has been a tradition in Venice for over 1,500 years, and the masters of glass blowing are truly some of the most skilled craftsmen in the world. As you watch the glass blower make intricate designs effortlessly, you can imagine the same techniques being used before the Renaissance era and beyond. After the demonstration, your guide will lead you to the showroom, where you can purchase some specialty souvenirs at a discounted price (optional). Watching the glass blowing demonstration is truly mesmerizing… Discover the timeless Venetian tradition! After the demonstration, you will have free time to independently explore the city.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Doge's Palace
Another jewel of Venice is Doge’s Palace. This historic and elegant palace is another symbol of the culture and prosperity found in Venice. Located (partially) in San Marco Square, this extravagant palace welcomes visitors daily with its lace-like marble facade, a Gothic masterpiece. For centuries, this palace was the important home to the royal Doge family, the Venetian government, and the justice system. Inside the palace, the halls and rooms are decorated with unmatchable elegance, precious art, and other treasures. Tickets are not included in this tour, but if you would like to visit, we recommend pre-booking skip-the-line passes.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ponte di Rialto
Of the bridges that cross Venice’s Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge is the most famous. This bridge was constructed over 500 years ago, and it has a rich history, held deep in the hearts of local Venetians. When ancient trade ships arrived, the community gathered on the bridge to trade goods for precious items such as spices, silks, and porcelain. This is how the market first emerged - the Rialto Market is still located near the bridge, although now more famous for fish than spices. This is one of the most visited spots in Venice, with great panoramic views and photo opportunities.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ponte dei Sospiri
The Bridge of Sighs is a must-see while exploring the canals of Venice. This famous bridge stands out, as it connects two palaces, making it unwalkable for the average visitor. Historically, this bridge connected the Old Prison in Doge’s Palace, with the New Prison. It earned its names as locals could hear the prisoners “sighing” when walking across the bridge in solidarity. This is one of the most scenic spots in Venice, be sure to have your camera ready!
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Canal Grande
After plenty of time to wander through the maze of picturesque streets, local markets, and magnificent canals, meet back with your guide for the (optional at an extra price) gondola ride. In a small group, you will board a small, and perfectly carved boat. Your certified gondolier will lead you through the picture-perfect canals and point out various famous sights. Enjoy the panoramic views of Venice from the lagoon... The best way to discover Venice is by water!
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Florence
Grab any last minute souvenirs, and then meet your guide! You will head back on the ferry to reach your bus, waiting for your departure. The bus ride to Florence will take about 3.5 hours. Simply sit comfortably, and dream of the next time you can visit the lovely city of Venice!
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- English and Spanish are always guaranteed. In order to confirm the excursion in Italian, German, Portuguese or French a minimum of 4 pax is required
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-6367P44
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.62
69 reviews
Average 4.62 out of 5 stars based on 69 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
56
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6
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Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Glass blowing demonstration.
- Journey by fully-fitted luxury GT coach.
- City orientation tour with tour leader.
- Expert multilingual escort.
- Free time for independent sightseeing.
- Map of Venice.
The following is NOT included:
- Entrance tickets to churches and attractions.
- Guided tour of Venice.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Glass blowing demonstration
- Journey by fully-fitted luxury GT coach
- City orientation tour with tour leader
- Expert multilingual escort
- Free time for independent sightseeing
- Map of Venice
- Entrance tickets to churches and attractions
- Guided tour of Venice
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- English and Spanish are always guaranteed. In order to confirm the excursion in Italian, German, Portuguese or French a minimum of 4 pax is required
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
