---
title: Best of Venice Small Group Walking Tour with a Local Expert
lang: en
type: tour
city: Venice
country: Italy
price: 40
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.7
reviews: 932
duration_minutes: 120
languages: [en]
free_cancellation: "true"
guidekin_pick: Short first walk?
rank_in_category: 16 of 22 (Walking Tours)
schedule_checked: 2026-09-22
data_updated: 2026-10-12
canonical: https://guidekin.com/italy/venice/tours/best-of-venice-small-group-walking-tour-with-a-local-expert/
---

# Best of Venice Small Group Walking Tour with a Local Expert

**Guidekin's take:** A small group walk that starts in Dorsoduro at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Frari, then crosses the Rialto into the centre with a local guide who favours side streets over the main drag. The group tour runs in English only, with a private option in other languages; tips and hotel pickup are extra. 4.7 from 932 reviews for 2h.

**Short first walk?:** Main sights in a small group for 2h at €40 per person; the group runs in English only, a private tier exists, tips extra. 4.7 from 932 reviews. Trade-off: Group runs in English only; tips extra. (last checked September 22, 2026)

In our comparison: #16 of 22 in Walking Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

Discover Venice with a passionate local expert who reveals the city’s hidden corners, stories, and secrets beyond the usual routes. Begin in the atmospheric Dorsoduro district and admire masterpieces such as the stunning Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the remarkable Basilica dei Frari, resting place of the Renaissance genius Titian.
Wander through the historic heart of Venice as you cross the iconic Rialto Bridge and pass legendary sites including Marco Polo’s former home, Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, and the breathtaking St. Mark’s Square.
In just 2 hours, this immersive outdoor walking tour offers the perfect introduction to Venice’s highlights. Available as a small-group or private experience, it blends history, culture, and insider tips from your expert local guide to help you experience the city like a true Venetian.
Small-group tours are conducted in English, while private tours are available in English, Italian, Spanish, and German.

## Before you book

- Meeting point: please note that the meeting point will…
- Group size varies by option: small group from €40 · private from €120
- Starts 10:30, 15:30: 2 departures a day
- Strollers OK: infants accepted
- Children from €15: ages 4 to 6

**Pickup:** No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point

## Key facts

- Price: from €40 per person for the Small Group option; other options up to €120
- Duration: 2h
- Rating: 4.7/5 from 932 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Free cancellation (see policy below)
- Operator: Raphael Tours & Events
- Group: Group size varies by option: small group from €40 · private from €120
- Guide languages: English
- Start times: 10:30, 15:30
- Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-09-22

## Reviews

4.7 from 932 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
93% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 867 of 932.

- 5 stars: 772 (83%)
- 4 stars: 95 (10%)
- 3 stars: 28 (3%)
- 2 stars: 21 (2%)
- 1 star: 16 (2%)

### What reviewers say

Reviewers value the local insight and quieter streets, but some struggle to hear the commentary through the headsets

**Praised:**
- Knowledgeable guides explain Venetian history and everyday life
- Routes combine major sights with quieter streets and less visited areas
- An introduction that helps visitors get their bearings early in their stay
- Patient answers to questions and useful restaurant recommendations

**Complaints:**
- Some struggled to hear through the headsets, while others found the audio clear
- Meeting point confusion made it difficult for some guests to join the tour
- Some felt rushed with little time to stop, while others found the pace comfortable

Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (2024-09-01 to 2026-09-30); last checked 2026-10-04.

## Tour options

Prices are the operator's current list price for two travellers (whole euros); options sold only to bigger parties say so; pick the option on the booking page.

| Option | Price | Guide languages | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Group | €40 / person | English | - |
| Private Tour | €120 / person | English | - |

## What's included

- English Speaking Local expert
- outdoor walking tour
- The tour is in English language only the private option can be done in English, Spanish and German

## Not included

- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off

## Itinerary

1. **Campiello dei Squelini** (15m) - Enjoy a fun and informative 2 hour walking tour of the highlights of Venice led by a local expert tour guide. It is the best way to explore the best of Venice in short time.
2. **Scuola Grande Di San Rocco** (15m) - Enjoy a fun and informative 2 hour walking tour of the highlights of Venice led by a local expert tour guide. It is the best way to explore the best of Venice in short time.
3. **Campo dei Frari** (10m) - is a quiet and historic square in Venice, located in the San Polo district. It is best known for the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, a large Gothic church that dominates the square. The campo has a peaceful atmosphere compared to the busier parts of...
4. **Basilica Dei Santi Giovanni E Paolo** (15m) - Enjoy a fun and informative 2 hour walking tour of the highlights of Venice led by a local expert tour guide. It is the best way to explore the best of Venice in short time.
5. **Ponte di Rialto** (15m) - Enjoy a fun and informative 2 hour walking tour of the highlights of Venice led by a local expert tour guide. It is the best way to explore the best of Venice in short time.
6. **Piazza San Marco** (30m) - Enjoy a fun and informative 2 hour walking tour of the highlights of Venice led by a local expert tour guide. It is the best way to explore the best of Venice in short time.

## Schedule

- Runs: daily
- Departures: 10:30, 15:30
- Schedule last checked: 2026-09-22
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

## Meeting point

 please note that the meeting point will CAMPIELLO DEI SQUELINI,near the Ca’Foscari University , Dorsoduro district, by the coloured wall 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QZNMBSrcqQ5Ts3EG7
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:ChIJuyBceMWxfkcRyB8jaJuzMvs

## Good to know

- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wear comfortable shoes
- 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

Booking asks for: dates of birth

## Compared with other Walking Tours

| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **This tour · #16 of 22** | €40 | 2h | 4.7 (932) | varies by option |
| [Gondola Ride with Private Walking Tour in Venice](/italy/venice/tours/gondola-ride-with-private-walking-tour-in-venice/?format=md) | €79 | 3h | 4.95 (325) | private |
| [Tour of The Real Hidden Venice](/italy/venice/tours/tour-of-the-real-hidden-venice/?format=md) | €39 | 2h | 4.86 (2299) | private |
| [Venice: Commissario Brunetti Walking Tour for Donna Leon Fans](/italy/venice/tours/venice-commissario-brunetti-walking-tour-for-donna-leon-fans/?format=md) | €83 | 2h | 4.93 (178) | shared |

Ranked #16 of 22 in Walking Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €14 to €450, median €90; typical length 2h 30m. 9 of 22 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market.

Full list: https://guidekin.com/italy/venice/walking-tours-venice/?format=md

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