How to Take a Walking Tour of Venice

Perhaps the most unique city in the world, Venice Italy sits on a cluster of small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea. Because of its watery landscape, the only way to get around Venice is by gondola, water taxi or foot. And since walking is free, it only makes sense to see the sights in this floating city by strolling along its narrow, allies, byways and bridges.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guide Book
• City Map
• Camera
• Travel Journal
• Good Walking Shoes

Self-Guided Walking Tour

1. Buy a good comprehensive travel guide of Venice. A good guide will have detailed maps of the city. It should also have a bit of history about each landmark as well as descriptions of Venetian culture and people.
   

2. Look through the guide, locating points of interest that appeal most to you.
   

3. Make a list of the places you would like to see and find them on the map.
   

4. Decide how much time you have to spend and plan accordingly. Most walking tours, even when you're setting your own pace, will take at least 2-3 hours, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
   

5. Highlight each point on your map and plan out the best route to get from A to B to C and so on. Then, find a suitable place to begin your tour. Remember you're on foot so plan tours of sights that are reasonably close together. However, since the canals are what make Venice so unique, you may want to include a short gondola ride as part of your tour.

6. Read about each location's history in your guide as you walk from point to point.
   

7. Take pictures of each landmark. Try taking pictures of things from unusual angles and distances to add interest to the photos.
   

8. Keep a journal of your tour, making notes about each place. Write down your first impressions, what feelings a particular place evoked or what you liked most about something as a way to remember the experience.

9. Repeat the process as many times as you'd like, changing the route and destinations each time.
   

Professional Guided Tour

10. Research Venice before you go so you know what parts of the city you most want to visit.
    

11. Find a tour agency that provides walking tours. This is easily done by searching the Web for walking tours. Most agencies offer various tours that cover different parts of the city. Some of the tours have themes as well.
    

12. Book the tour of your choice. Generally these tours can be booked online, in advance or you can often meet at the starting point and pay on the spot. Most tours are reasonably priced and offer discounts for students and children.

13. Get directions to the starting point of the walking tour and be sure to arrive on time so you don't miss the guide.

14. Take your camera and your travel journal to record your walking tour experience.
    

Tips & Warnings

• The advantage of a professionally guided walking tour is the expertise of the guide. Not only does the guide know the city well, so you won't get lost, they also know the history. If you're a history buff and love listening to stories from by gone eras, a professionally guided tour is the best choice.
• Some travel guides are available online and provide suggestions for walking tours that are already mapped out for you. They also give background information on each landmark you visit. This is a good way to do your own walking tour without the cost of hiring a tour guide but with the same expertise.
• For a breathtaking aerial view of Venice and the surrounding islands, go to the top of the bell tower at Piazza San Marco.
• Venice is not only well-known for its canals but also for its glass and handmade lace. There are glass blower shops all over the city and many of them welcome spectators.