From Florence to Venice: A Day Trip to the Floating City

based on 27 reviews

Duration:14 hours to 15 hours (approx.)
Location: Florence, Tuscany

From $120.49

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Experience the charm of Venice on this one-day excursion from Florence. Spending a day in Venice is a memory that cannot be forgotten. Located just a short drive from Florence, Venice is known around the world for its enchanting canals and waterways. You will travel from Florence to Venice in a luxury GT coach and will feel like you have been transported to another world.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Florence
Embark on a journey to the most magical and romantic city in Italy… Venice! Meet your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal. Piazzale Montelungo is located 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Maria Novella train station. Find your seat on the comfortable coach bus, and you will depart shortly! During your journey north towards Venice, your guide will share some interesting information about this historic and culturally-rich “City on Water.” The drive will take about 3.5 hours.
2. Venice
When you arrive, the bus driver will bring you to the Venice Port. As a city on water, it is only accessible by boat! Your expert guide will lead you to the ferry, and you will be on your way! Enjoy the sea breeze on your skin and vibrant scenery during your ten minute boat ride to the main island. After getting off the boat, you will be welcomed by Venice’s famously rustic, romantic, and colorful architecture! Follow your guide through the picturesque streets, and over the iconic bridges until you reach San Marco Square - the heart of Venice! Your guide will point out Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs on the way. Be sure to have your camera ready, and you will have time to visit these points in your free time later as well!
3. Piazza San Marco
San Marco Square is the beating heart of Venice, and one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It is the largest piazza in Venice, with plenty of open space; in stark contrast to the winding alleyways and small canals which make up most of the city. Dominating the square, you will find Basilica San Marco - characterized by its unique Byzantine architecture and golden accents. You can also find the belltower and the royal Doge’s Palace, along with plenty of elegant cafes. Your guide will share some fascinating information about the buildings in this square. From here, you can follow your guide to the glassblowing demonstration, or simply begin your day of exploring the mystical streets of Venice, with its romantic squares and magical bridges.
4. Basilica di San Marco
Basilica San Marco is a great symbol of Venetian glory, power, and culture. It has a truly unique design in Italy, with inspiration from Byzantine, Roman, and Venetian architecture. The building is a Gothic masterpiece, boasting intricate designs and five massive domes; however, these are hidden by the unmissable golden facade. These gold flakes were perfectly placed in various directions to glimmer under the sunlight, no matter the angle in which you are standing. The inside of San Marco Basilica is truly breathtaking. You will be welcomed by a ceiling filled with golden mosaics, covering over 8,000 square meters. The greatest treasure in the Basilica is known as, “Pala d’Oro,” or golden pala. This precious piece of art is located behind the grand altar, and has been decorated completely with gold leaf and almost 2,000 rare and precious stones. Booking skip-the-line tickets ahead of time is highly recommended for entering Basilica San Marco; entry is not included in this tour.
5. Venice
In addition to its incredible architecture and romantic canals, Venice is world-famous for its blown glass. Follow your guide to a famous glass-blowing shop in the historical center. Glass blowing has been a tradition in Venice for over 1,500 years, and the masters of glass blowing are truly some of the most skilled craftsmen in the world. As you watch the glass blower make intricate designs effortlessly, you can imagine the same techniques being used before the Renaissance era and beyond. After the demonstration, your guide will lead you to the showroom, where you can purchase some specialty souvenirs at a discounted price (optional). Watching the glass blowing demonstration is truly mesmerizing… Discover the timeless Venetian tradition! After the demonstration, you will have free time to independently explore the city.
6. Doge's Palace
Another jewel of Venice is Doge’s Palace. This historic and elegant palace is another symbol of the culture and prosperity found in Venice. Located (partially) in San Marco Square, this extravagant palace welcomes visitors daily with its lace-like marble facade, a Gothic masterpiece. For centuries, this palace was the important home to the royal Doge family, the Venetian government, and the justice system. Inside the palace, the halls and rooms are decorated with unmatchable elegance, precious art, and other treasures. Tickets are not included in this tour, but if you would like to visit, we recommend pre-booking skip-the-line passes.
7. Ponte di Rialto
Of the bridges that cross Venice’s Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge is the most famous. This bridge was constructed over 500 years ago, and it has a rich history, held deep in the hearts of local Venetians. When ancient trade ships arrived, the community gathered on the bridge to trade goods for precious items such as spices, silks, and porcelain. This is how the market first emerged - the Rialto Market is still located near the bridge, although now more famous for fish than spices. This is one of the most visited spots in Venice, with great panoramic views and photo opportunities.
8. Ponte dei Sospiri
The Bridge of Sighs is a must-see while exploring the canals of Venice. This famous bridge stands out, as it connects two palaces, making it unwalkable for the average visitor. Historically, this bridge connected the Old Prison in Doge’s Palace, with the New Prison. It earned its names as locals could hear the prisoners “sighing” when walking across the bridge in solidarity. This is one of the most scenic spots in Venice, be sure to have your camera ready!
9. Canal Grande
After plenty of time to wander through the maze of picturesque streets, local markets, and magnificent canals, meet back with your guide for the (optional at an extra price) gondola ride. In a small group, you will board a small, and perfectly carved boat. Your certified gondolier will lead you through the picture-perfect canals and point out various famous sights. Enjoy the panoramic views of Venice from the lagoon... The best way to discover Venice is by water!
10. Florence
Grab any last minute souvenirs, and then meet your guide! You will head back on the ferry to reach your bus, waiting for your departure. The bus ride to Florence will take about 3.5 hours. Simply sit comfortably, and dream of the next time you can visit the lovely city of Venice!

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• English and Spanish are always guaranteed. In order to confirm the excursion in Italian, German, Portuguese or French a minimum of 4 pax is required
• Covid-19 Mesures: A safe distance of one meter between clients will be maintained whenever possible. All our vehicles will be deep-cleaned and disinfected before and after each service. The use of masks is mandatory; clients must bring their own mask. Alcohol gel will be available on all our vehicles. Temperature will be checked for staff and visitors. Disinfected radio units will be provided, and headphones will be single-use. Showing your voucher on your phone will be enough; it is not necessary to print it out.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : MariahM
Not much time in Venice, but the benefit of this tour is that you don't have to figure out canal transport. Also, the glass blowing demonstration was pretty cool and if you want a gondola ride, the guide will make the arrangements. If you are a solo traveler being with a group tour could be beneficial in bringing the cost down for a gondola ride too since you can join another group.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-09 00:04:36

Posted By : DonnaMarie_M
The travel time was about 3hrs from Florence to Venice but worth it.
Great tor guide and driver.
Glass blowing demonstration was good plus shop (this did not take a lot of time at all and does not impact on your time in Venice. There was plenty of time to still wonder and see the sights plus have a gondola ride as well as food and drink. Would definitely recommend.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-06 07:07:04

Posted By : vanessa_c
The gondola ride was amazing!
The travel to and from was easy and the stop 1/2 way for lunch and a stretch was really nice.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-08-08 13:56:05

Posted By : Donald_W
Terribly disappointed and saddened . Had I wanted a shopping trip I would have gone to Westfield in London. I went to be engulfed in the History, Culture, Art , Sculptures. Indeed they are there but you have to peel back layer after layers of shops and stalls . I first realised something was not what I expected when following the Glass blowing, Boxed glasses were bought out and offered for sale even a price for cash to a captured audience expecting a talk on Venetian glass Not a Salesman. Thank God for the Gondola ride, literally saved the day .
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-07-31 08:38:46

Posted By : Mary_H
Great host. The glass blowing display and the gondola ride were the standouts on the tour. Plenty of time to explore on your own.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-06-24 15:11:54

Posted By : Ilah_W
The boat over scenery and all the architecture on the island. Gondola was nice, but would have been fine if had not done it as the canals were a bit crowded. Was nice to do a bit of wandering on our own.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-05-24 01:10:45

Posted By : NathaliaS_P
Although the bus ride is just over three hours to get to Venice, the bus stops around the halfway mark for passengers to use the bathroom or stretch their legs at a gas station. Our guide, Giuliano, despite having a heavy accent, was funny and very knowledgeable. Our group was not too large and he gave us the important info and free time if we wanted it in Venice. Definitely use the restroom before heading back to Florence—as it is a long way back (3 hrs). For those of you who haven’t been to Italy, ensure you are taking coins to use the bathrooms—as public bathrooms are not free—they charge (on average) 1.00 euros.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-05-17 06:42:15

Posted By : gelson_t
The bus was very comfortable, tour guide was knowledgeable and entertaining, and the driver was solid. I’d recommend it again. We skipped the glass tour to do our own touring but that was our decision. Other folks seemed to have liked the tour. Buy a map of Venice, google maps or other apps do not have the ability to hone in on your location.
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Posted On : 2023-04-28 15:33:59

Posted By : Shirley_E
We had a fabulous trip to Venice from Florence. Giuliano and Paolo were fantastic tour guides and our driver. We had a wonderful experience and Giuliano was so knowledgeable and helpful.
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Posted On : 2023-04-16 03:14:08

Posted By : Terra_M
Amazing experience, but a bit crowded. The glass blowing demonstration was cool, but there were so many of us that it was a little uncomfortable when watching. The gondola ride was nice as well, but on the expensive side (worth it to me, however). What I love most about this tour was freedom and time you're allowed you to self-explore. It was very adequate time, and the guide was very informative and detailed in the meeting point instructions.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2022-10-21 09:16:32