Venice

Venice Deluxe Tour

Name: Venice Deluxe Tour
Brand: Antonio Barbini
SKU: 59510P1
Price: 197.17 USD
Rating: 5.0 (605 reviews)

Venice, Italy

3 to 4 hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Explore the magnificent architecture, fascinating history, and rich culture of Venice on a half-day walking tour. Visit landmarks like the home of the great explorer, Marco Polo, the recently renovated T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, the spiral staircase of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, and Venice’s vibrant center, Piazza San Marco. Learn the city’s stories and secrets from an informative guide and enjoy skip-the-line access to Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Experience Venice’s gorgeous architecture on a half-day walking tour
See landmarks like Piazza San Marco and of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Learn about the city’s history and culture from an informative guide
Enjoy skip-the-line admission to the beautiful Pałaso Dogal and cathedral

What's Included

Professional guide
Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Riva degli Schiavoni, 4195, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
Please be informed that the meeting point is in front of the Danieli Hotel just off St. Mark's Square. The hotel is the red Gothic building opposite the San Zaccaria waterbus stop.

Start time

11:15 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

St. Mark's Square

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Children must be accompanied by an adult
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

Large bags and rucksacks are also not allowed inside St Mark's Basilica.
In case of high tides or religious ceremonies preventing access to the interior of the Basilica, an extended tour of the outside of the basilica will be given instead.
The Doge’s Palace may also occasionally be closed to the public due to strikes, exceptional closures, state visits, or other special occasions. In that event, a possible alternative may be the Correr Museum in St. Mark’s Square with the Imperial Rooms and Venetian Collection. Entrance included in the Doge’s Palace ticket.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough participants to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
The number of admission tickets available for the interior of St. Mark's Basilica is limited and operates on a first-come first-served basis. In the event of no availability, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience 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.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

605 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 605 reviews

If you only have 1 day in Venice, this is the tour to do!

Abby_B, May 2024

Excellent tour! Our guide was very knowledgeable and organized. Highly recommend. We only had 1 day to spend in Venice and feel like we were able to see almost everything.

Interesting, insightful and fun!

Dulcey_B, Apr 2024

We only had one day in Venice and this was the perfect tour. We saw all the highlights plus more than even expected. Antonio was very knowledgeable, entertaining and was able to get our small group into the sights without waiting in long lines. Venice is a beautiful city on its own, however, Antonio added interesting insight and history to enhance the tour even further. I would definitely recommend!

Great Experience!!!! 10 out of 10!!!

Chikwendu_E, Mar 2024

Antonio Barbini was such a great host! He is a true Venetian and we thoroughly enjoyed walking through the city with him! We learned so much about the history and did not have to wait in the long lines for either St. Marks Basilica or the Doge Palace. I highly recommend him to anybody looking for a tour guide around Venice!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dearest clients, it was for me a great honor to take care of you and show you around my city. Your family includes two intelligent young men and I wrote already a few times that when such appreciation comes from the new generations , I am particularly happy. I hope to see you again ,maybe in Nigeria !

Far and Away My Best Experience in Venice (and Italy!)

Doug_H, Nov 2023

I was fortunate to be on a semi-private tour with Antonio Barbini and it was by far my best experience in Venice as well as Rome and Florence. His historic knowledge, friendliness and interest in genuinely helping us learn more about the history of Venice and the significance of landmark sites was Amazing. He was generous and kind and I only wish I had more days in Venice to book another tour for other parts of the city.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thi is a gentleman from New York , if I remember well . Thank you for all you wrote about me : your review is a splendid publicity for my tour !

Amazing!

Barbara_L, Oct 2023

Excellent tour! Our guide, Antonio, went above and beyond showing us the beautiful sites of Venice. We skipped the lines and got right into the Doge Palace, St Marks Basilica and much more! I highly recommend this tour with Antonio Barbini!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

By the way , a few months ago I moved to my new house located a few steps away from the Opera Theatre of Venice . Maybe in the future I will add the interior of the famous temple of classical music called "La Fenice " ( now I explain it only from ouside ) because some customers once were anxious to visit the inside and I made an exception for them, that day........their reaction was enthusiastic ! If I did that I should raise the price of the "Deluxe tour " which is already not for all budgets ,but it would be wonderful . Thank your for the kind review !

Compact and enriching walking tour

Amy_S, Oct 2023

Antonio was very knowledgeable and professional. He was genuinely sharing his interested with us in culture, history and Venice. Besides, he’s caring and patient to individual clients. Most happy with how he had arranged the timing and familiar with what he’s doing so that we skipped the lines and crowds with no time was wasted. Thanks to Antonio we did learn much about Venice in a few hours.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Trust me that to skip the lines and enter the main monuments of Venice is extremely complicated ; so thank you ,a part from the marvellous content of your commentary , for emphasizing that point !

Deluxe is an understatement, it’s better than deluxe!

Diane_M, Oct 2023

Could this tour really be worth so many 5 ★ reviews? YES, yes it is! One of the best tours and guides we’ve had EVER! Make sure you have extra time to continue on because it can last longer than 3-4 hours. Usually we are tired out after 3 hours but it was so fascinating that we lasted 5 hours (little stops built in, even a gelato break paid for by the guide). Really outstanding!! Guide Antonio has lived his entire life in Venice and has perfect English, so easy to understand. Don’t hesitate to book this tour

Response from Host, Nov 2023

I should enlarge this review, frame it and hang it on the wall of my study ,so until the last moment I would remember that I was able to convey joy and make people happy ,despite all the mistakes I made in my life ! Thank you so much !

Mostly art, lots of culture, lots of stairs

Christine_S, Oct 2023

Antonio is a wonderful guide but I didn't understand that this tour was mostly about art. When we got to the Doge's Palace, there were lots of steps and lots of standing around as he explained things. I had to bail at that point. I think it is a good tour if art is what you want to hear about.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Well yes : it is a cultural tour and it is a walking tour ! I think this lady is helping me remarking to be prepared to this kind of experience if you select it . There are also moments of relax ,conversation ,fun and even a cheerful "libation "to attenuate the intensity of the program but nevertheless...... Thank you, Madam !

Phenomenal!

Mike_G, Oct 2023

Tour is a can’t miss, thanks to Antonio who is an amazing guy. Venetian all his life, speaks 10 languages and knows everything abd anything about Venice.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

You are the first to use this word to define the "Venice Deluxe tour ". I adored your title for the review !

Excellent guide! Highly recommend!

ksaunooked, Oct 2023

Antonio was a wealth of knowledge. We enjoyed this tour immensely. He took his time explaining every detail and, answering every question. He was fun as well as interesting! What else could you ask for!!!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

I think my fortune is to have clients who have the level to appreciate what they are seeing with me and listening from me during the tour ...that is my privilege . Thank you !

Fantastic

Florence_M, Oct 2023

Antonio was extremely knowledgeable. He made the tour fun and accepted my request to visit La Fenice which was not usually included.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

La Fenice Theater is a pearl. I am considering to show also the inside more often. Thank you for your suggestion !

Venice Deluxe tour

Randy_T, Oct 2023

The tour with Antonio was phenomenal and he always talked with passion regarding history of Venice. He is one of the few tour guides that you will always remember because of his great personality. RT

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Thank you for your words ! It is my goal to be part and parcel of a visitor's experience in Venice !

Absolutely worth the money

Jessica_W, Sep 2023

Absolutely amazing. So much crammed in! Wish I could see the church longer but we did so much at the doge, prison, food, spritz, walking tour, outside of opera, glass factory. And a bonus ticket to see the museum at your own pace. Completely worth it.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Sorry for the church ,dear clients, but the official rule is that a guide cannot explain for more then 15 up to 20 minutes inside the basilica,unless he has a special permission. Thank you for the incredible review !

Great tour!

Lena_N, Sep 2023

Great tour! Very informative , skip the line and save time. Our guide Antonio made it interesting and fun . Thank you Antonio!

Response from Host, Oct 2023

I had the same pleasure sharing the day with you . Thank you !

Awesome tour. Exceeded expectations

Steve_T, Sep 2023

Antonio was fantastic. He has been a tour professional for his entire career was born and raised in Venice. His knowledge and love and pride for Venice is obvious. He takes you through the streets and alleys of Venice, pointing out the most interesting and little known facts as well as the rich and extraordinary history of the city. I highly highly recommend taking this tour if you want to really learn and see the real Venice. it is a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes. If you have trouble with stairs, this might not be the tour for you. One of the highlights beyond the history you learn is the café Antonio takes you to for Prosecco and the best gelato in Venice. Which is a treat on him. He is very amusing incredibly knowledgeable, and will answer any question you have.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

I really cannot tell if I enjoy more the expressions of wonder on the face of my clients when I explain and go with the wind of history and art or seeing their contentment having a prosecco or spritz under one of the most astonishing Murano glass chandeliers in the cafe of Saint Mark's square !!!

The Best Time in Venice

Mark_H, Sep 2023

St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Doges Palace were highlights of our day. However our guide Antonio was fantastic! What an amazing person he is. A true book of Venetian knowledge and passion. Do not let the opportunity to take a tour with him pass you by if your visit here.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Word of mouth is the best way to gain a good reputation and consolidate it . Tripadvisor is the biggest amplifier in the world of tourism. Thank you !

Great tour of Venice

ChuckKolias, Sep 2023

Antonio was knowledgeable, friendly, and very interesting. He not only was thorough but often told us stories behind the story. We moved at a great pace, but her was aware of all those in the group. He also ate red parts of the tour to what interested us. He also bought us drinks and gelato. TY for a great time.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Thank you ! I see that more and more my customers mention the gelato . I will be immodest : yes , the place where I take them has one of the best icecreams in Venice. They say the truth: genuine and artisanal !

Antonio was FABULOUS!...

Erica_J, Sep 2023

Antonio was FABULOUS! Knowledgeable, fun, and engaging. Felt a little like an old friend showing us his city :)

Response from Host, Oct 2023

I want to become a friend for my clients even with a few hours available to do it. When you have a friend abroad ...it can be so convenient .Thank you !

Wonderful & Immersive

Karen_B, Aug 2023

The Venice Deluxe Tour with Antonio was incredible! What a way to see and learn about Venice! His enthusiasm for his homeland and historical knowledge were explained in the most eloquent ways! We navigated the five hour tour quite easily even during a crowded season, and the time flew with all of his wonderful stories and historical information. The majestical views in Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica will be unforgettable! We also enjoyed the stop in the glass factory for a demonstration and viewing of all the locally made glass wear. My husband and our 25 year old son were also on the tour, and we were lucky to have Antonio all to ourselves! We can’t imagine a better way to have spent learning about Venice and it’s incredible history! Many thanks to Antonio!!

Response from Host, Aug 2023

I wish I were more eloquent in English ,like Sir Laurence Olivier,for example ; but I should have concentrated all my study on the language of Shakespeare to achieve that goal; instead I prefered to learn the ten most important languages in the world and speak them decently, so I had to divide my forces but the result for me is more rewarding. I am joking a little bit ( but it is all true ) because I am imbarassed by your stupendous words !