Top Venice Archaeology Tours

Discover a guided tour through Venice's iconic landmarks, immersing yourself in the city's rich history and culture. Begin at the Doge's Palace, the heart of Venetian authority, then cross the historic Bridge of Sighs. Explore the magnificent Basilica of San Marco with its breathtaking 9th-century mosaics. Finally, uncover the secrets of Murano glassmaking at a historic factory.

See St. Mark’s Basilica your way with this flexible, small-group tour package that allows you to choose which sites you want to explore. Explore just the exterior of the basilica or opt for a fully guided tour of the Byzantine masterpiece. Round off the day with a virtual reality experience that reveals the changes of St. Mark’s Square over time.

Skip the long lines and dive into Venice's rich history with priority access to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. This ticket offers immediate entry to these monumental sites, where you can explore the stunning mosaics of the Basilica and the opulent rooms of the Palace. Discover the iconic Bridge of Sighs and the eerie New Prisons, delving into tales of Venice’s past. Enhance your visit with optional guided tours or audio guides to enrich your experience in the Museums of St. Mark's Square, making this a must-have for any traveler in Venice.

Venture beyond the best-known attractions of Venice and explore the treasures of neighboring islands. On this afternoon boat tour, you’ll watch a glass-blowing demonstration in Murano, admire Burano’s leaning tower and brightly painted fishermen’s homes, and set foot on the oldest Venetian Lagoon settlement in Torcello. Enjoy guided commentary plus time to explore each island independently—and be back in St. Mark’s Square in time for dinner.

An exclusive tour of Murano offers a fascinating exploration of the art of glassblowing. Departing from St Mark's Square, a panoramic boat will take you through the beautiful Venetian Lagoon to the island of Murano, where an expert Guide will reveal the history and traditions of this centuries-old art. Visit a renowned glassworks and witness a live demonstration by a master glassmaker, an unmissable opportunity for any culture lover. - Transfer by panoramic boat from St. Mark's Square to Murano - Pro Guide in the factory that tells stories and curiosities of Murano - Exclusive visit to one of the most famous glassworks on the island - Duration of the tour: about 3 hours, with a live demonstration of glass blowing

Discover a side of Venice that most visitors never see. Your adventure begins within a short walk of Piazza San Marco before wandering deeper into the city’s quieter corners. Along the way, you’ll pass through narrow calles, hidden canals, and lively campos while discovering the rhythms of everyday Venetian life beyond the crowded tourist routes. Rather than focusing on Venice’s major landmarks and famous attractions, this experience is designed to explore the lesser-known parts of the city — the places that give Venice its atmosphere, personality, and sense of mystery. Throughout the walk, your local host will share stories, historical context, and cultural insights that help bring the city to life while revealing some of the details and traditions many visitors overlook. Each of our hosts has a different surprise in store for you! We will begin and finish within approximately 15 minutes of Piazza San Marco, making it easy to continue exploring the city afterwards.

If you've already covered the main sights of Venice, then get ready to explore the city's lesser-known spots during this off-the-beaten-track small-group walking tour. Stroll along narrow canals and unique points of interest like Marco Polo's House. Plus, enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride and visit the Gondola Gallery to learn about gondola craftsmanship and enjoy a virtual gondola experience.

Explore Venice's famous canals on a guided gondola ride through the city. Meander beneath bridges and along quiet, peaceful stretches in a traditional Venetian boat, taking in sights such as the Rialto Bridge and Campo Manin as you go. Join our expert gondolier in enjoying one of Venice's most leisurely and original pastimes, and don't miss this chance to experience the Grand Canal from the water.

Explore Venice independently, without the expense or time constraints of a live guide, when you download this audio guide, which works offline so there’s no need for a data connection. Go deep into the city, from St. Mark’s Square to Murano, on a tour created by top authors and presented by professionals, featuring 85 separate pieces of content as well as a fun quiz section to play and learn.

Wander the narrow streets of Venice like a local and find hidden gems you wouldn’t find alone with your local guide. Learn about the history of Venice as you explore the city, and hear stories about the legendary people who have lived, worked and died here over the centuries. See iconic locations such as the bridge of sighs and San Marco square.

Explore the intricacies of two famed Italian handicrafts on a fully guided day trip from Venice to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano with a group of up to 22 people. Watch centuries-old glassblowing techniques in Murano, and marvel at the detailed stitches of exquisite Burano lace. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history of these two artisan islands while you visit local workshops and wander the picturesque streets.

Simplify a visit to Venice's Doge's Palace with this skip-the-line guided tour of the former center of power in the Venetian Republic. Following your guide, take in the ornately decorated halls, walk across the Bridge of Sighs, and into the prison where Casanova was once held. Listen to insightful commentary as you go, as you gain a deeper understanding that goes beyond what you'll find on information panels.

Venice is home to hundreds of attractions, making it difficult to cover the highlights in limited time. Ideal for first-time visitors, this full-day tour of Venice checks off top sights. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge and browse the lively Rialto fish market, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal. Finally, visit St. Marks's Basilica and enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge's Palace.

If you want to visit the Doge’s Palace in Venice without a tour group, but don’t want to miss out on the stories, opt for an audio tour instead. This self-guided audio tour transports you back in time to the days of the Venetian Republic, giving you an in-depth look at the history behind the palace walls. Just note that the admission ticket is at your own expense.

Take a course on mask-making from a local instructor in Venice, and learn about the history of this ancient tradition. See the traditional art of decorating a mask and see what goes into the preparation for the Venetian Carnival. Then create your own masterpiece to create a special memory from your time in Venice.

Get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure with our guided tour of Venice’s highlights! This lively, fun-filled tour takes you through the most iconic spots in the city, all while soaking up the charm of Venice’s open-air beauty. We’ll kick things off at the famous Piazza San Marco, where you'll marvel at the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica and the towering Campanile. From there, we’ll stroll along the winding streets, stopping at Rialto Bridge, where you can snap amazing views of the Grand Canal. Our journey continues through Venice’s hidden gems, including charming Campo San Polo, Campo San Rocco and picturesque alleyways that lead you to stunning canals. Feel like a local as we walk past colorful buildings, bustling squares, and quaint bridges, all while your guide shares stories and insider tips about Venice’s fascinating history and traditions

Walk straight past the queues with a skip-the-line ticket to one of Venice’s top attractions, the Doge's Palace. As you immerse yourself in the building’s Gothic architecture and learn about its history from your guide, marvel at masterpieces by renowned Italian painters and see sculptures dating back centuries. For those who prefer to explore independently, opt for the audio tour.

Delve into Venetian history on this tour that showcases two of the city's most iconic structures and sheds light on the stories behind them both. Your first stop is legendary St. Mark's Basilica. Wander around the mosaic-covered interior and Byzantine treasures while a local guide fills you in on how this collection came to be. Then continue to the Doge’s Palace to explore the former political heart of Venice.

Visit Torcello, Murano, and Burano—three islands in the Venetian Lagoon—on this tour from Venice by motorboat. With a guide, watch glass being blown at a Murano glass factory, see historical cathedrals on Torcello, and admire exquisite handmade lace on Burano. This is a great way to see more than just the central sights of Venice and enjoy a cruise on the water. Select a departure time when booking.

Experience one of Venice's landmarks without the crowds with this after-hours tour of St. Mark's Basilica. Marvel at mosaics, explore the crypt believed to house St. Mark's remains, and soak in the serene atmosphere. To explore more of Venice at this peaceful time, upgrade your experience to include a visit to the Doge's Palace, the historic seat of the Venetian Republic’s government, and the Bridge of Sighs.

Explore Ancient Altinum, the lost city beneath Venice’s origins, during a captivating private tour. Stroll through Roman streets lined with mosaics, visit the National Archaeological Museum to see exquisite artifacts, and delve into the rich history of this once-thriving port city. This 2-hour tour offers a unique perspective on the complexity of the origins of Venice and the vibrant life that shaped its landscape. Experience the elegance of Roman craftsmanship and gain insights from a licensed local guide tailored to your preferences. - Private 2-hour tour with a licensed local guide - Explore the National Archaeological Museum and Ancient Altinum - Walk along original Roman streets and see mosaic pavements - Tour available in English, Italian, Spanish, and German

Venice’s Natural History Museum is a treasure trove of interesting exhibits—from a 120 million-year-old baby dinosaur skeleton to peculiar specimens and a bubbling fish tank. To truly understand more about its unusual displays, it's best to explore the museum with a guide to provide commentary. During your guided walk, enjoy explanations of its many wonders, and find out fun facts of Venetian explorers such as Marco Polo.

No trip to Venice is complete without visiting some of the most notable islands in the Venetian Lagoon—particularly those that are renowned for their handicrafts. This cruise visits two in just half a day. Begin at Murano, where you can watch a thrilling glass-blowing demonstration, before transferring to Burano, known for its tradition of lace-making.