Venice Boat Tour with Grand Canal & Tower Climb with Walks of Italy

16,000 steps. The number of steps our family was taking on an average day walking through Italy. Time spent meandering, touring and sometimes just getting lost. So when presented with the chance to tour Venice on a boat I took the opportunity to see this mesmerizing city from another perspective.  The water!

Our tour called the Venice Boat Tour With Grand Canal and Tour Climb was with Walks Of Italy, and began in the famous St. Marks Square. Here we were met by our enthusiastic tour guide and our small group of just eight.  We were quickly ushered to an awaiting luxury water taxi to begin our journey through this magical city. With an opportunity to sit, or stand, the beautiful wooden boat began it’s cruise with an introduction to the history of Venice and a slow cruise down some of the back canals of Venice.  It was one of those “pinch me” am I really here doing this, kind of moments.

We were toured past well know places, crowded streets and  busy bridges.

Did a sweep past the gondola making factory. Of course those gondolas are still made by hand.  Each boat a work of art.

Into the quieter sections of Venice, where the tourist is only spotted if she or he is good and lost.  Then back into the Jewish Ghetto, full of character and charm.  Eventually our boat cruised it way past the Bridge of Sighs. Not named for a romantic reason, but rather because this bridge used to be the home of a prisoners.  Legends tell us that from this bridge one could hear the sighs of the condemned as they were being led away to prison.

Finally our tour took us through the bustling Grand Canal, past the iconic Rialto Bridge, to the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Here we were given the opportunity to ascend the tower (via elevator!) and were afforded the most incredible view of Venice yet. The 360 degree view allowed for a moment to reflect on where you are, and of course to capture some incredible pictures.

What I Learned:
-There is something magical about a boat ride through the canals of Venice
-Teens love this tour
-A break for your feet is a good idea
-The photo opportunities on this tour are unparalleled

This two hour boat tour will forever remain one of my favourite guided tours of all time.  It was relaxed, enlightening spellbinding and easy on the feet.  A joy for the entire family and an incredible way to learn about Venice.  Thanks Walks of Italy for a memorable afternoon, hope to see you again soon!

Disclosure: Walks of Italy provided tours for the purpose of review, as always opinions reflected on this blog are my own.

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