Santa Croce Tours
Santa Croce is one of Venice’s six central districts (sestieri). Home to a number of sumptuous palaces and museums, important churches, and Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio— one of the city’s prettiest squares—it is also where Venice’s busy Piazzale Roma bus station and vaporetto (water bus) hub is located.
The Basics
Santa Croce has fewer big-name tourist sights than other districts like San Marco, home to St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Square, and the Doge’s Palace. Instead, this quieter neighborhood is a great place to get a feel for the more local side of Venice while still enjoying important artistic and historical sights like Palazzo Mocenigo, the Museum of Modern Art in Ca' Pesaro, the Natural History Museum at Fondaco dei Turchi, and the San Stae church.
Joining a small-group walking tour of Santa Croce is a great way to discover its lavish monuments along the Grand Canal and charming back canals and alleyways. Private tours can also include some of the sights in the bordering San Polo district, including the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and San Giacomo di Rialto, said to be the oldest church in Venice. You can also pair a private walking tour with a gondola ride and visit to highlights in the neighboring sestieri.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Santa Croce is the only district in Venice where cars are allowed, and is connected to the mainland by the Ponte della Libertà across the lagoon.
- Be sure to bring your camera, as Santa Croce is a particularly photogenic area of Venice.
- Santa Croce tours are on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
How to Get There
Santa Croce is home to Venice’s main train station, bus terminal, and vaporetto hub. Trains here connect from the Marco Polo Airport, and from all major cities in the Veneto region and across Italy, including Florence and Rome.
When to Get There
As one of the most popular destinations in Europe, Venice can be very crowded during the summer months. Instead, visit in the early spring and late fall when the city is less crowded but the weather is mild.
Venice’s Six Sestieri
Venice has six central sestieri: Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Marco, Santa Croce, and—the smallest—San Polo. In addition, the Floating City has two outlying districts, Giudecca and Lido, and the small islands of Torcello, Murano, and Burano.
Address: Venice, Italy
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Santa Croce
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Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals Semi-Private tour
Discover Venice’s hidden gems on a 2-hour cruise through the city’s secret canals. Watch scenes of daily Venetian life as you glide through the lesser-known neighborhoods of Cannaregio, Dorsoduro and the Jewish Ghetto. A guide will share insight into the city’s history, architecture and local legends. For a grand finale, head out into the wider waters of the Grand Canal and float beneath the iconic Rialto Bridge. Numbers are limited to nine people on this small-group tour for a more intimate experience.
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From
$139.53
Price varies by group size
From
$139.53
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Textile Secrets of Venice
Skip the crowds and tourist traps of Venice and dive into authentic local tradition. This private tour introduces you to the Venetian artisan tradition. You'll visit three different places to discover the secrets of Venice's rich textile tradition.
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From
$325.01
Price varies by group size
From
$325.01
Price varies by group size
Private Two Hours Venice Photo Walk
Touring a new city can be a very exciting experience, but it can also be quite an adventure if you are unsure of which places to visit and how. Language barrier may also represent a curious obstacle but it can also be frustrating. We offer an innovative and unforgettable Photographic Tours to welcome you in some of the most fascinating and romantic places in the world. We will guide you in an exclusive tour through the most interesting landmarks and monuments.
A 2 hours one-to-one photo walk discovering hidden and secluded parts of Venice, without forgetting the famous landmarks, while taking great shots and with a one-to-one tuition to improve your photography skills!
The tour is one-to-one so there will be just you or accompanied by your family/friends.
The Tour can be tailor-made based on your interests and expectations, can be more Photography workshop vs Venice less touristy Tour:
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From
$109.20
Price varies by group size
From
$109.20
Price varies by group size
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Private One Day Tour in Venice!
Discover the jewels of Venice in just 1 day!
Experience the real essence of the city with your native Venetian guide, who will be showing you around this fascinating labirinth rich of histories, legends and traditions.
From Rialto bridge, with its millenary trade center, to St. Mark's square, surrounded by the 3 "cousins": the Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
Arriving in Cannaregio, where the merchants had developed their main activities, you will enjoy an authentic atmosphere, exploring an original atelier of Carnival masks.
You will also have lunch like a Venetian, with the delicious "cicheti" accompanied by the famous 'ombra' (small glass of local wine).
After the little break, you will reach by private luxury water taxi one of the oldest Murano glass factory and admire the millenary blowing glass art.
There is no better ending then a private boat ride through the Grand Canal, reflecting the sunset colors on the nobles palaces, and leaving you with the last amazing view of the city.
Ready to say.. ARRIVEDERCI VENEZIA!
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From
$479.27
Price varies by group size
From
$479.27
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
The Secret Venice + Cicheti & Wine Private Tour
If you are struggling to choose between tasting the delicious "cicheti" and discovering the secret corners of Venice, why not combine them for a unique experience?
A complete and unforgettable tour crossing the 3 main Venetian districts, enjoying cicheti with wine in the most historical taverns.
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From
$151.67
Price varies by group size
From
$151.67
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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