From Trieste Port: Private Venice Shore Excursion & Gondola

About this tour

You will be greeted at the cruise ship port and shown to a private modern, comfortable, and air-conditioned vehicle. Your professional driver will then transfer you through the beautiful Italian countryside. The journey takes roughly 2.5 hours.

Each tour and itinerary is individually adjusted to your cruise ship’s arrival and departure times to ensure you make the most of your time in the port and that you do miss your ship’s departure!

After your journey you will arrive at the last parking where cars can enter on the outskirts of Venice. Here you will be greeted by your private professional, experienced certified Venetian guide who will whisk you on an adventure of this stunning city!

From the parking we will transfer you to Piazzale Rome, where our adventure begins. Once you walk across the first bridge the charm of this timeless island quickly becomes apparent. On our stroll through the old town we will pass the San Rocco school and church, which is where the lesser known Tintoretto Sistine Chapel is preserved on the walls inside. Around the corner with its unassuming façade is one of the most famous gondola disembark and wedding locations, the Frari Chapel.

Our next stop is the Campo San Polo, where in old times the Venetians would organize bullfights for Carneval. The following destination will be the lively Rialto market where tourists and locals alike go for fresh fish and produce. You will have the opportunity to browse Venetian delicacies, get a snack, drink and go souvenir shopping. From here you can also marvel at the enchanting Rialto Bridge – the first bridge built on the Grand Canal. Alternatively, the free time can be spent later, at St Mark’s Square where you could visit the Doge Palace or the Basilica on your own.

After a refreshing break at the Rialto market, we will cross the Rialto bridge to experience how the other half of the island lives. Here you will learn about the lives of traders who after a successful day on shore would re-embark on their merchant vessels docked at the port.

Finally, we will make it to one of the most beautiful squares in the world: the renowned and breathtaking San Marco Square – the most famous and only “Square of Venice”.

Time permitting, you will have some free time here to visit the Doge Palace or Basilica on your own (please note entry fees are not included in the price of tour). Your guide will show you the mosaics adorning the ancient Basilica and its clock tower along with the Campinale (Bell Tower).

You’ll also see the famous and extraordinary Doge Palace, which for over 1000 years served as the White House and Pentagon. Please note inside visit is not included in the price.

Finally, experience the world-famous gondola ride! Each gondola is privately rented for your group, each for a maximum of 5 people. At the end of the tour, your tour guide will bring you back to your private vehicle and say goodbye to you.

From here the driver will bring you back safely to your cruise ship!