If this is your first time visiting Venice, this is half-day tour is the perfect experience to discover two of the city’s must-see sites: St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, and to explore the best of the city of canals in a short amount of time.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
- Step into St Mark’s Basilica, the cathedral of Venice built to house the remains of St. Mark's, and famously decorated with shimmering mosaics;
- Explore the magnificent buildings of St. Mark's Square, including the Renaissance St. Mark's Clocktower, and St. Mark's Campanile, the tallest structure in Venice and one of the city's most recognisable symbols;
- Visit the Doge’s Palace, built in Venetian gothic style, the former residence of the Doge and the seat of the Venetian government;
- Learn about the sophisticated ruling system of the Republic of Venice as you stand in the opulent Chamber of the Great Council, one of the largest rooms in Europe, decorated by some of Venice's most famous artists such as Gentile da Fabriano, Bellini and Titan;
- Walk in the footsteps of condemned Venetians, as you cross the Bridge of Sighs that connects the Doge's Palace interrogation rooms to the New Prison;
- Enjoy a leisurely walk through Venice, step off the beaten tourist path and explore magnificent Campi (squares) and charming alleys and often missed gems, like the Aqua Alta Library, the house of Marco Polo, and the Church of Miracles;
- Cross the Rialto Bridge, Venice's oldest and most famous bridge, and end your tour with magnificent views of the Grand Canal.
Your tour begins with a wow – at the heart of the world-famous St Mark’s Square. Probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space, this square is enclosed by the stunning St Mark’s Basilica and the absolutely magnificent Doge’s Palace, both of which you will visit with your private guide.
The Doge Palace was built in 812 and is celebrated as one of the best examples of Venetian Gothic architecture in the city. Right next to the Doge’s Palace in St Mark’s Basilica, deemed an icon of Italian art and culture; it is indeed one of the city’s top highlights.
Then, your guide will take you off the beaten path for a leisurely stroll as you head towards Venice’s most iconic bridge - the Rialto. Famous for being the oldest bridge to cross the Grand Canal, its arcade full of small souvenir shops.
After walking across this fantastic bridge, your tour will end with magnificent views of the Grand Canal where your guide will give you great recommendations for the best food spots during your stay.
Tour duration3.5 hours 30 minutes
Type of tourWalking tour: no transportation is included
Attractions along this route:
Bridge of SighsAccording to legend, convicts would sigh as they walked this bridge before being imprisoned in the Prigioni Nuove.
Doge's PalaceOriginally home to Venice’s most powerful man, this Gothic masterpiece is one of the city’s top attractions.
St Mark’s SquareEnclosed by spectacular buildings, St Mark's is one of the most beautiful squares in the world.
St Mark's BasilicaFormerly the Doge’s chapel and famous for its sumptuous design, the Church of Gold will leave you breathless.
Campo Santa Maria FormosaA lovely neighbourhood square surrounded by narrow alleyways and Gothic buildings, barely changed since the time of Canaletto.
Campo Santi Giovanni e PaoloThis historic square is home to an imposing Gothic church and the Scuola Grande di San Marco, as well as an important 15th century equestrian statue.
Marco Polo's HouseBelieved to have been the residence of the world famous explorer and his family, the ancient Corte del Milion is a must see for adventure lovers.
Rialto BridgeVenice’s busiest and most iconic bridge, the Rialto gives visitors a wonderful view of the Grand Canal.
St Mark’s Bell TowerThe bell tower of St Mark's Basilica, located in the Piazza San Marco
Venetian CicchetterieLocal food taverns full of delicious food and crisp wine.
Torre dell' OrologioThe clock tower is an early Renaissance building on the north side of St. Mark's Square.
