General
The “City of Water” welcomes you!
Take this opportunity to book your place on our walking tour of the historic city of Venice. With an English-speaking guide, you will visit the best-known sights, including an extended tour of St. Mark’s Basilica. With our skip-the-line access, you won’t lose valuable time waiting in lines. Enjoy privacy and comfort as you discover Venetian wonders.
This is a tour for everyone who wants to get a taste of an Italian city that has a flavor all its own. Walk by the canals and down the alleyways to find hidden gems. In our two hours together, we will make a tour to remember. Then you’ll enjoy free time to visit sites of particular interest, dine and shop.
OUR TOUR INCLUDES:
Ponte di Rialto and Memorable Sights
The oldest bridge over the Grand Canal, the Ponte di Rialto is a spectacle in marble. Brilliant against a clear blue sky, it is a Venetian landmark you won’t forget. Next we’ll show you the location of Marco Polo’s home, the Far East explorer who opened new worlds to his people in Venice. And, maybe we’ll make time to enjoy the simple pleasure of seeing and being seen in a local campo (urban square), where we will enjoy the warm sun and perhaps a little music. We’ll see locals going about their business in an ancient city that has been their families’ home for many generations.
Piazza San Marco, Palazzo Ducale
Then it’s on to the Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square. Napoleon once called this regal marble courtyard “the finest drawing room in Europe.” Sit, relax and listen to lovely music in this center of Venetian society. Nearby is Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s Palace, which once held Casanova in its prison. Listen to the daring tale of his escape – the only escape ever. This Gothic palace was once the residence of the chief magistrate, or doge.
Optional Doge’s Palace Walking Tour
Add an in-depth exploration of this fascinating historic site to your tour of Venice. See the frescoed ceilings of Tintoretto, Viennese paintings, and a mysterious wooden slot where accusations of treason were passed to the Secret Police. Here, too, is the Bridge of Sighs. Named by Lord Byron, it poetically refers to a criminal’s last view of Venice as he crossed the Rio di Palazzo to prison. Enjoy this additional tour at the conclusion of our main tour.
Basilica di San Marco
East meets west in this onion-domed masterwork of Byzantine architecture. During our rare, extended tour you’ll hear of treasures fashioned here or plundered in the times of the Crusades. You’ll learn how St. Mark’s remains were buried illegally. St. Mark’s Basilica has suffered greatly from fire and flood throughout history, so the 11th Century mosaics that grace these walls are a vision to savor.
Duration
Half-day (3 hours) or Full-day (7 hours)
