Tour operator
Row Venice
A non-profit of expert women instructors teaching voga alla veneta, standing Venetian-style rowing, in traditional boats from Cannaregio, all year round.
Walks of Italy
An Italian tour company running small-group and private Venice tours, including St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries, lagoon islands and boat tours.
At a glance
- Type
- Guided small-group tours
- Area
- San Marco, Venice, Italy
- Official site
- walksofitaly.com
Good to know
- Skip-the-line access
- Small groups
- Private tours
- Boat tours
Why we recommend it
Walks of Italy is an Italian tour company that runs a wide range of guided tours in Venice, and it is a useful choice for travellers who want expert-led visits to the major sights without the stress of organising tickets themselves. The company has been operating since 2009, has welcomed more than a million guests across its destinations, and is registered in Rome. In Venice it is an official partner of St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, which allows it to include priority access on its tours.
The Venice programme covers the city's highlights in several formats. Venice in a Day combines St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and a gondola ride in about four and a half hours, while Welcome to Venice pairs a walking tour and the basilica with a gondola ride in three hours. The Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries tour visits Casanova's cell and the Bridge of Sighs as well as the basilica. Legendary Venice includes the basilica's terraces and the Doge's Palace, and there are exclusive after-hours visits to St Mark's when the building is closed to the general public. Beyond the centre, a lagoon excursion visits Murano for glass, Burano and a winery on Sant'Erasmo, and a small-boat tour of the Grand Canal carries up to eight guests.
Most group tours are capped at around 20 people, and private tours are available for small groups and families. Booking in advance is essential in high season, especially for the after-hours and Secret Itineraries tours, which have limited availability. Meeting points vary by tour and are given when you book. Remember that churches require modest dress, with shoulders and knees covered.
Walks of Italy suits first-time visitors, families who want a guide to bring the history to life, and anyone short on time who wants to see the essential sights efficiently. The after-hours visits are particularly good for photographers and those who dislike crowds. Prices are higher than visiting independently, but they include entry, guiding and, on some tours, a gondola or boat.
Contact the company through the contact form on its website for questions about specific tours, accessibility or private arrangements. Check the duration and inclusions of each tour carefully, as several have similar names.
Walks of Italy FAQs
What Venice tours does Walks of Italy offer?
Tours of St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, Secret Itineraries, after-hours visits, gondola combinations, a lagoon excursion and a small-boat Grand Canal tour.
How big are the groups?
Most group tours have up to 20 people; the boat tour takes up to eight, and private tours are available.
Do tours include skip-the-line access?
Yes. The company is an official partner of St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
Can I visit St Mark's after hours?
Yes, the company runs exclusive visits when the basilica is closed to the public.
Where do tours meet?
Meeting points vary by tour and are given when you book.
Is there a dress code?
Churches require modest dress, with shoulders and knees covered.
How do I contact them?
Through the contact form on the Walks of Italy website.