Full-Day Private Tour to Venice from Florence by Train

Introduction

Thinking about visiting Venice from Florence but want to avoid the hassle of planning every detail? This Full-Day Private Tour to Venice from Florence by Train promises a seamless, well-organized way to soak in the highlights of Italy’s most romantic city. From historic churches to bustling markets to tranquil gondola rides, it packs an authentic Venetian experience into a single day.

What immediately caught our attention are three key aspects: the carefully curated itinerary, the private nature of the tour ensuring personalized attention, and the combination of cultural sites with leisure activities like wine tasting and gondola rides. A potential consideration is the timing—with train travel taking around two hours each way, you’ll want to be a morning person eager to maximize your time. This tour suits travelers who love history, art, and local flavors, and who prefer a flexible, intimate exploration over crowded group tours.

Good To Know

• All-inclusive day trip: From train tickets to guided visits, everything is arranged for convenience.
• Authentic Venetian experience: A mix of historic churches, markets, hidden gems, and a gondola ride.
• Private tour: Only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility.
• Cultural depth: Visits to iconic sites like St. Roch and St. Mark’s Square, plus lesser-known treasures like Scala Contarini del Bovolo.
• Time-efficient: Designed to fit an entire day into approximately 8-10 hours, balancing sightseeing with relaxation.
• Value for money: For around $685 per person, you get an immersive, curated day in Venice with unique experiences.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at Statua dell’Immacolata Vergine Maria

The journey begins at the Statua dell’Immacolata Vergine Maria near the Venice train station. After catching your train between 8:15 and 8:30 am, you’ll settle in for the approximately 2-hour scenic ride. The train portion itself is straightforward—no complicated transfers, just a comfortable way to travel between Florence and Venice, giving you a chance to relax and start the day in a different mindset.

Stop 1: Chiesa di San Rocco

Once in Venice, your first stop is the Chiesa di San Rocco, built in 1508. This church isn’t just a pretty façade; it’s a piece of history dedicated to St. Roch, who was venerated during the plague. Here, you can admire centuries-old architecture and artwork, feeling like you’re stepping into a living museum. The reviewer Janet noted the church’s “timeless pieces of art” that transport visitors through Venetian history.

Stop 2: Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Next, you’ll visit this gothic masterpiece established in 1231. While its brick exterior is modest, inside you’re treated to masterpieces like Titian’s “Assumption of the Virgin,” and other sculptures and paintings that cry out for close inspection. It’s a reminder that Venice was once a thriving art hub, and this basilica is a treasure chest of Renaissance art. Visitors often comment on how these sites reveal layers of history and artistry that often get overshadowed by more touristy spots.

Stop 3: Chiesa Rettoriale di San Polo

This small gothic church is a quieter, more intimate experience. Art lovers will appreciate depictions like “St. Paul Preaching” and “The Last Supper,” providing a different perspective from the grander basilicas. Its size makes it feel like a hidden gem—one of those special places that reward curious travelers willing to stray off the beaten path.

Stop 4 & 5: Mercati di Rialto & Ponte di Rialto

The bustling Rialto Market is a must-see for anyone interested in local life. Vendors sell fresh seafood, produce, and regional specialties, offering a lively atmosphere that’s both colorful and fragrant. It’s a perfect spot to soak in Venice’s daily rhythm. Right next door, the Rialto Bridge—built between 1588 and 1591—remains a symbol of Venice’s ingenuity. Standing on it, you can appreciate the craftsmanship of 12,000 wooden pilings supporting this iconic structure.

Stop 6: Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Hidden away in San Marco, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo is an architectural marvel and a favorite among reviewers. Its spiral staircase, often called the “snail” staircase, offers breathtaking views of the city from above. Since it’s less visited than other sites, you’ll enjoy a quieter, more authentic moment. Janet’s review highlights how this “rare find” made the day feel special, away from tourist crowds.

Stop 7: Piazza del San Marco

Known as ‘the drawing room of Europe,’ St. Mark’s Square is the jewel of Venice. It’s expansive and lively, especially as the tide rises at night, creating a poetic scene. The grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, providing breathtaking photo opportunities. There’s also an optional gondola ride here, which many find to be the definitive Venetian experience—gliding past the palaces and under bridges that define the city’s charm.

Stop 8: Strada Nova

As your tour winds down, you’ll stroll along Strada Nova, Venice’s shopping street. It’s a lively thoroughfare filled with shops, cafes, and street life, offering a final taste of Venetian everyday life before heading back to the station. This stretch allows for some last-minute browsing or a quick coffee break.

Stop 9: Riva degli Schiavoni

Your day concludes with a gondola ride starting from Riva degli Schiavoni. This relaxing cruise offers a different perspective of Venice’s canals and architecture, often described as a romantic highlight. Reviewers mention how the gondola “really changed the view,” emphasizing that this small ride adds a memorable, scenic finale to your day.

Transportation and Timing

The train journey is a key part of this experience, giving you a comfortable, efficient way to get from Florence to Venice. The train schedule is fixed, with departure between 8:15 and 8:30 am, so punctuality is essential to maximize your day. The entire trip, including train travel, takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes each way, which means your total time in Venice is roughly 8 to 10 hours, depending on how long you choose to spend at each site.

The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, offering flexibility in pacing and focus. The tour ends back at the Venice train station, with ample time to catch return trains or explore further on your own.

The Experience of a Guided Day in Venice

What truly makes this tour stand out is its careful curation. You’re not just bouncing from one tourist trap to another; instead, you visit a mix of famous landmarks and hidden gems. Janet’s review highlights how her guide “brought us to so many places in such a short period,” and her mention of a “small shop for typical tapas sandwiches” underscores the authentic local flavor woven into the day.

The private aspect is a big plus, allowing for personalized attention and making the experience feel special rather than rushed. The included gondola ride adds a layer of romance and tranquility, providing a scenic, peaceful reflection after a busy day of sightseeing. Many reviews praise the excellent wine selection, which often accompanies the meal or stops, adding to the pleasure.

While the cost of $685.27 per person might seem steep at first glance, it covers train tickets, a private guide, multiple site visits, and the gondola. When you consider the convenience, personalized service, and the richness of experiences, it offers good value for a full day in Venice.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, curated introduction to Venice without the stress of planning logistics. It’s perfect for history and art enthusiasts, romantics, or those wanting a taste of local life along with sightseeing. It also suits travelers who appreciate private, flexible tours that blend culture with comfort.

If you’re short on time but want a meaningful snapshot of Venice’s highlights, this tour offers a balanced, thoughtful approach. It’s especially appealing if you value quality over quantity and prefer to explore with a knowledgeable guide who can tailor the experience.

The Sum Up

This Full-Day Private Tour to Venice from Florence delivers a well-rounded, authentic Venetian experience in a single day. You’ll explore historic churches, bustling markets, hidden staircases, and iconic landmarks—all with the comfort and flexibility of a private guide. The inclusion of a gondola ride provides that quintessential Venice moment, making the trip all the more memorable.

The tour’s structure and careful curation make it an excellent choice for travelers seeking depth, authenticity, and ease. While the price may seem high, the value lies in having a seamless, personalized day that balances sightseeing with leisure, art, and local flavors.

For those eager to grasp Venice’s essence without the overwhelm of planning, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s perfect for curious explorers, art lovers, and romantics alike who want a taste of Venice’s magic in just one day.

FAQ

What time does the train depart from Florence?
The train leaves between 8:15 and 8:30 am, so it’s important to be punctual to make the most of your day.

How long is the train ride?
The train journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, offering a comfortable and scenic start to your Venetian exploration.

Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a more personalized and flexible experience.

What sites are included in the itinerary?
You’ll visit historic churches, the Rialto market and bridge, a hidden staircase, St. Mark’s Square, and enjoy a gondola ride, among other sites.

Are all the site visits included?
Yes, all visits are included, and most sites are free to enter, though some places might have optional or additional costs.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is designed to fit within 8 to 10 hours, including train travel, sightseeing, and the gondola ride.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect and how to prepare for your day trip to Venice. Whether you’re after culture, romance, or just a beautifully curated adventure, this tour offers a practical, memorable way to experience Venice’s many charms.