Top 6 things to see in 4 hours

If you have the chance to visit Venice but have little time, this quick itinerary will help you the best. As you will see it is a very structured and organised tour, and therefore very intense. You will walk a lot but you will also use the waterbuses. We suggest you to buy your tickets in advance in order to avoid queues. The trick is to get organised before you leave so that you can "cheat" the time that passes. 

The hub of Venice is Piazzale Roma. From here you can reach all the tourist attractions. If you are a tourist with limited time, you will certainly pass by here. 

As soon as you get to Piazzale Roma, go to the Ferrovia B pier and take vaporetto 1 or 2. Remember to bring a valid ticket. After a 15 minute journey, get off at the Rialto stop. Here you will find the Rialto Bridge, the first of our 6 attractions in Venice.

Once you have admired the bridge, immerse yourself in the marzarie of San Marco to reach the second stop, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Among the narrow streets with their many shops, you may even find a few little gifts to take home. If, on the other hand, you don't want to dive into the Venetian crowds, stroll along the Riva del Gran Canale and make a detour to the second stop. After taking photos of the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, head for St Mark's Square, the heart of Venice's cultural wealth. The Piazza is the centre of Venice and also one of the most visited destinations in the world. If you're short on time, plan ahead by purchasing a ticket to climb St Mark's Campanile, the third stop on the tour. Enjoy the view over the Lagoon that only the highest bell tower in Venice can offer. We recommend a 45-minute visit including ascent and descent. Also buy a ticket for St Mark's Basilica, which will greatly reduce waiting time. This cathedral is the undisputed jewel of Venice, it is essential to get in and enjoy a visit, even if it is a quick one.

After visiting the Cathedral, sit back. Relax. Enjoy a coffee in one of the cafés in St Mark's Square. Or if you prefer, with the help of our map, enter a cicchetteria, a bacaro or a bar.

Walk towards the end of Piazzetta San Marco where the street joins Riva degli Schiavoni. Riva degli Schiavoni boasts some magnificent lagoon scenery, so take some photos. Remember to take pictures of St Mark's Column. There you'll also find the Doge's Palace, the fifth stop on our itinerary. The Doge's Palace is a masterpiece of Venetian art. Weather permitting, visit the interior of the palace, subject to purchase of a ticket. 

A few steps away from the Doge's Palace you will find the last of the six stops on our lightning tour: the Bridge of Sighs. This bridge is another icon of Venice in the world. 

If you have some time left, approach a gondolier and get a suggested itinerary of the canals. Be prepared for a minute's haggling, but remember that they will come down in price. 

From San Marco Zaccaria take the 2 or 5.2 back to Piazzale Roma/Santa Lucia station.