Venice Day Trip from Florence – Guided Tour of the City4.7(26,167 Reviews)14 hours and 30 minutes
From€120.00per person
Listing ID : 50228
4.7(26,167 Reviews)
Venice Day Trip from Florence – Guided Tour of the City
14h 30mDuration
Max 12 peopleGroup Size
EnglishSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration14 hours 30 minutes
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtFlorence
LanguagesEnglish
Day Trip from Florence
Florence to Venice: The Floating City
Step off the mainland and into a city unlike any other on earth.
This fully guided Florence to Venice day trip takes you from the Renaissance capital of Tuscany to the legendary island city of the Adriatic, offering one of the most iconic contrasts in Italian travel within a single remarkable day.
Venice was built on more than 100 small islands, connected by a web of canals and roughly 400 bridges. There are no cars, no motorbikes, and no bicycles. The only way to move through the city is on foot or by water, which gives Venice an atmosphere that is genuinely unlike anywhere else in the world.
Your journey begins at the Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal, a short walk from Florence's Santa Maria Novella train station. A comfortable GT coach carries you north through the Tuscan and Veneto countryside before reaching the Venice waterfront, where a ferry ride delivers you directly to the main island.
Once ashore, your expert guide leads you through narrow calli and over stone bridges toward the monumental heart of the city, pointing out the Bridge of Sighs and Doge's Palace along the way before arriving at the grand expanse of Piazza San Marco.
Tour Highlights
Stand in Piazza San Marco, the largest and most celebrated square in Venice, framed by centuries of architectural ambition.
Admire the golden Byzantine facade of Basilica San Marco, whose interior is covered with over 8,000 square metres of mosaic.
Discover Doge's Palace, the former seat of Venetian political power and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.
Cross the Rialto Bridge, a 500-year-old stone arch spanning the Grand Canal that remains the commercial and symbolic heart of Venice.
Wander freely through the labyrinth of alleyways, local markets, and hidden squares that give Venice its unmistakable character.
Watch a live glassblowing demonstration, one of the craft traditions that has defined Venetian artisanship for over a millennium.
Experience an optional gondola ride through the canals, guided by a certified gondolier past palaces and beneath ancient bridges.
Itinerary
1
Departure from Florence
Meet your guide at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal, a 5 to 10 minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station. Board the comfortable coach and head north toward Venice, with your guide sharing context about the city during the approximately 3.5-hour drive.
2
Arrival at Venice Port and Ferry Crossing
The coach drops you at the Venice waterfront, where you board a ferry for a ten-minute crossing to the main island. This short boat ride already signals that Venice operates by a completely different logic from any other Italian city.
3
Guided Walk to Piazza San Marco
Your guide leads you on foot through Venice's characteristic maze of streets and bridges, pausing to highlight the Bridge of Sighs and the exterior of Doge's Palace before arriving at Piazza San Marco. The walk itself is an introduction to the rhythm and scale of the city.
4
Free Exploration and Glassblowing Demonstration
Spend the central part of the day exploring at your own pace: visit Basilica San Marco, cross the Rialto Bridge, browse the Rialto Market, or simply follow the canals wherever they lead. A guided glassblowing demonstration is also available during this time.
5
Optional Gondola Ride
Rejoin the group for an optional gondola ride through the inner canals of Venice. Your certified gondolier navigates the narrow waterways, offering a perspective on the city that is impossible to replicate on foot.
6
Return to Florence
Make your way back to the ferry, then board the coach for the return journey to Florence. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, arriving back in the city at the end of the evening.
What Is Included
Included
Return coach transport from Florence to Venice
Ferry crossing to and from the main island of Venice
Professional licensed tour guide throughout the day
Guided glassblowing demonstration
Guided walking tour to Piazza San Marco
Not Included
Entry to Basilica San Marco (skip-the-line tickets recommended)
Entry to Doge's Palace
Gondola ride (optional, available at extra cost)
Meals and beverages
Personal travel insurance
Important Information
Please arrive at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. The terminal is located 5 to 10 minutes on foot from Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence.
Duration
This is a full-day excursion lasting approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes, including travel time. The coach journey each way is approximately 3.5 hours.
Meeting Point
Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal, Florence. This is a 5 to 10 minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station. Look for your tour guide and the group coach.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven cobblestones and stone bridges. Bring a light jacket, sun protection, and a small amount of cash for optional activities, food, and souvenirs.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking confirmation for the applicable cancellation policy. It is advisable to review the terms before completing your reservation.
Accessibility
Venice involves significant walking on uneven cobblestone surfaces, stone bridges with steps, and ferry boarding. The tour is rated moderate difficulty and may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for most ages. Children are welcome and will find the canals, bridges, and gondola ride particularly engaging. Parents should supervise young children near the water at all times.
Ready to Visit Venice?
Secure your place on this guided day trip from Florence and experience one of the world's most singular cities, all within a single day.
Where does the tour start and how do I get there?▼
The tour starts at Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal in Florence, which is approximately 5 to 10 minutes on foot from Santa Maria Novella train station. No additional transport is needed from the city centre.
Is entry to Basilica San Marco included in the tour?▼
No, entry to Basilica San Marco is not included. Skip-the-line tickets are strongly recommended and can be booked separately in advance, as queues at the Basilica can be very long during peak season.
Is the gondola ride included in the tour price?▼
The gondola ride is an optional activity available at an extra cost, paid directly on the day. It is not included in the base tour price.
How much free time is there to explore Venice independently?▼
After the guided walk to Piazza San Marco, the majority of the time in Venice is at your own disposal. You can visit monuments, explore local markets, eat at a restaurant, or simply wander the streets at your own pace.
Is this tour suitable for people with mobility difficulties?▼
The tour is rated moderate difficulty. Venice has a large number of bridges with steps, narrow lanes, and uneven cobblestone surfaces throughout the city. Guests with significant mobility restrictions are advised to consult the operator before booking.
What happens if I have dietary requirements or need to eat during the day?▼
Meals are not included in this tour. Venice has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and food stalls available throughout the city, and there is ample free time during the day to stop and eat independently.
Venice Day TripFlorence ExcursionsGuided Tours ItalyPiazza San MarcoBasilica San MarcoDoge's PalaceRialto BridgeGondola RideItalian CultureCanal CityByzantine ArchitectureVenetian Heritage
This tour connects Florence, the capital of Tuscany in central Italy, with Venice, the iconic island city in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. Florence sits at approximately 43.77 degrees north latitude and is globally recognized as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Venice, roughly 270 kilometers northeast of Florence, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built across 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon on the Adriatic coast. The route travels through the Po Valley, one of Italy's most productive agricultural plains, passing through or near the provinces of Bologna and Padua before reaching the Venetian waterfront. Both cities attract millions of international visitors annually and rank consistently among the top cultural destinations in Europe. The day trip format offers travelers based in Florence a practical and immersive way to experience Venice without requiring an overnight stay.
Type: Guided Day Trip | Departure City: Florence, Tuscany, Italy | Destination: Venice, Veneto, Italy | Region: Northern and Central Italy | Landmark: Piazza San Marco, Basilica San Marco, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge | Activity: Walking Tour, Gondola Ride, Glassblowing Demonstration | Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: Full Day | Transport: Coach and Ferry | Traveler Type: Cultural Travelers, History Enthusiasts, Couples, Families
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