Your LivTours Tour with St Mark’s & Gondola Ride in Venice starts in the lovely square of Campo San Giacometto which is just a stone’s throw from the famous Ponte Rialto and the Grand Canal. The church in the square with the same name, is said to be the oldest in Venice with a construction date of 421 AD. Built by a local carpenter who was devoted to San Giacomo. This neighborhood is a bustling shopping quarter with a lively daily 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 with you the history of the unique architecture and leads you to the perfect place to admire the famous Rialto Bridge with romantic views of the picture perfect views. With the same name as the nearby food market, the bridge was initially built in 1250 completely in wood and its unusual shape allows tall boats to sail unhindered. This is especially necessary being located next to the market allowing 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 riveting square of Campo Santa Maria Formosa from which 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, 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 here for a few minutes while your guide tells you the history of this space. Proceeding on your tour, you will arrive at the breathtaking St. Mark’s Square. Admire the exterior of the unique Doge’s Palace facade next to the Grand Canal and get ready to enter St. Mark’s Basilica. Your Venice private 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 Private St Marks and Gondola tour ends with a flourish as you glide along the narrow picturesque canals in your private gondola. Say goodbye to your guide before enjoying this half-hour private cruise, as you fondly remember the history of this stunning city on water.