(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Self-Guided Tour: The Heart of Venice (English)

New To The Site! Venice, Italy

Loading Options

2 hours 5 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Rialto Bridge & Beyond: A Self-Guided Journey Through Venice

Discover Venice like never before with my self-experience audio guide — not just a tour, but a journey I personally created to make your time unforgettable. Start at St. Mark’s Square, dive into over 1000 years of history, and explore must-see sites like the Doge’s Palace, Teatro La Fenice, and Bridge of Sighs.

You’ll hear fascinating stories about Venice’s rise as a powerful merchant republic, walk through hidden gems like the Giardini Reali, and learn how East met West in this unique city. No minutes wasted — just pure discovery.

This guide blends expert insight (featuring Dr. Susan Steer) with personal tips so you won’t just see Venice — you’ll feel it.

What's Included

  • Engaging audio stories for each location
  • Unlimited use for the duration of your stay
  • Top sights, historic events & famous people
  • Smartphone & headphones (bring your own)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Entry tickets to any attractions or sights (these may require separate admission and are optional)
See 4 moreSee 5 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Piazza San Marco
30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Show on Google Maps

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

Piazza San Marco (Pass By)

Piazza San Marco, often called “the drawing room of Europe,” is the heart of Venice and one of the most famous squares in the world. Surrounded by stunning landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile, it offers a breathtaking blend of history, art, and architecture. The square is a lively gathering place filled with music, cafés, and the soft cooing of pigeons, creating a timeless Venetian atmosphere.
Read more

Piazzetta dei Leoncini (Pass By)

This intimate pocket square lies just north-east of St. Mark’s Basilica, wedged between the basilica’s north façade, the Palazzo Patriarcale, and the small church of San Basso
Read more

Church of San Pantalon (Pass By)

The Church of San Pantalon (Chiesa di San Pantalon) is a hidden gem located in the Dorsoduro district of Venice. From the outside, it may appear modest, but inside it houses one of the largest ceiling paintings in the world, created by Gian Antonio Fumiani. This massive work, depicting the Martyrdom and Apotheosis of Saint Pantaleon, covers the entire ceiling and was painted on canvas — a rare and awe-inspiring feat. The church itself dates back to the 17th century and is dedicated to Saint Pantaleon, a Christian martyr and healer.
Read more

Sotoportego de l'Abazia (Pass By)

Sotoportego de l’Abazia, also known as the “Underpass of the Abbey,” is a typical Venetian covered passageway beneath a building, located in the Cannaregio district near the old Church and Scuola of Santa Maria della Misericordia. These kinds of sotoporteghi connect streets or squares and often provide sheltered walkways — this one leads directly to Corte Nova and Ponte de l’Abazia, running along the Rio de la Salute.
Read more

Campo San Salvador (Pass By)

Campo San Salvador is a lively and historic square located right in the heart of Venice, just a short walk from the Rialto Bridge and along the bustling Mercerie shopping street. Though modest in size, it holds deep historical and cultural significance.
Read more

Teatro Goldoni (Pass By)

The Teatro Goldoni (officially Teatro Stabile del Veneto Carlo Goldoni) is a cherished historic theatre nestled near the Rialto Bridge, in Venice’s San Marco district.
Read more

Campo San Luca (Pass By)

Campo San Luca is a lively square in the San Marco district of Venice, located just a few minutes' walk from both Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. Once a quiet, residential area, it’s now a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its central location and welcoming atmosphere.
Read more

Teatro La Fenice (Pass By)

Teatro La Fenice, literally "The Phoenix Theatre," is Venice’s legendary opera house—famed for rising from its ashes not once, but three times. The original theatre opened in 1792, designed by Gianantonio Selva, and quickly became a key venue for bel canto premieres by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi .
Read more

Rio Tera' dei Assassini (Pass By)

Rio Terà dei Assassini, which translates to "Street of the Assassins," is one of Venice’s most mysterious and evocative alleyways.Originally a canal, it was filled in around 1798 — as the name rio terà (literally “filled-in canal”) suggests. The eerie name stems from medieval times, when this area, along with a now-vanished “Bridge of the Assassins,” was known for murders and ambushes after dark.
Read more

Statua di Daniele Manin (Pass By)

Statua di Daniele Manin stands proudly at the heart of Campo Manin in Venice’s San Marco district — a tribute to one of the city's most celebrated 19th-century patriots.
Read more

Palazzo Cavalli (Pass By)

Palazzo Cavalli‑Franchetti (often simply called Palazzo Cavalli) is a stunning palace on Venice’s Grand Canal, nestled just across from the Accademia Bridge in the San Marco district.
Read more

Rialto Bridge (Pass By)

The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice and the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal. Originally built as a wooden drawbridge in the 12th century, it was rebuilt in stone between 1588 and 1591 by architect Antonio da Ponte, winning a famous design competition that even included Michelangelo.
Read more
Show 10 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Self-Guided Tour: The Heart of Venice (English)?

A: 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). Read more Apr 2025

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-5586085P1


Loading Options

Similar Tours & Activities

Murano and Burano cruise with glass blowing & audio guide

Murano and Burano cruise with glass blowing & audio guide

1
 6 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$29.92

Venice St Mark's Bell Tower Skip The Line Tickets

Venice St Mark's Bell Tower Skip The Line Tickets

6
 1 hour  Instant Confirmation
from
$32.32

Venice Guided Tour of Synagogues and Ghetto Area

Venice Guided Tour of Synagogues and Ghetto Area

 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$47.88

Private Cruise: Venice Viewed by the water

Private Cruise: Venice Viewed by the water

New To The Site!
 1 hour  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$342.32

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Sunset Jazz Cruise with Aperitivo and live Saxophone
Likely to Sell Out

Sunset Jazz Cruise with Aperitivo and live Saxophone

 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$94.44

Venice 4 hrs Tour : St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace and Walk
Likely to Sell Out

Venice 4 hrs Tour : St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace and Walk

 4 hours  Free Cancellation
from
$178.33

Full Day Prosecco Wine Tasting at Two Wineries from Venice

Full Day Prosecco Wine Tasting at Two Wineries from Venice

 6 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$190.00

Legendary Venice St. Mark's Terrace & Doge's Skip the Line
Likely to Sell Out

Legendary Venice St. Mark's Terrace & Doge's Skip the Line

 3 hours  Instant Confirmation
from
$105.07

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Engaging audio stories for each location
  • Unlimited use for the duration of your stay
  • Top sights, historic events & famous people
  • Web app with map
  • 1 step access: Link to easily activate and access your audio guide
  • Smartphone & headphones (bring your own)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Entry tickets to any attractions or sights (these may require separate admission and are optional)
  • Food
  • Physical in-person guide

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Language & Country

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

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).

Sorting, ranking, and search results

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.