Morning Venice: Doge’s Palace, Castello, & Gondola Cruise

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Explore Venice with a combined tour of historical sites and picturesque canals. Visit Piazza San Marco, Campo di Santa Maria Formosa, and enjoy a gondola ride.

Highlights

  • Explore Venice on a combined walking tour and gondola ride
  • Marvel at opulent chambers inside the Doge's Palace
  • Stroll through the labyrinth of narrow laneways of Venice
  • Learn about the fascinating history of the city with your guide
  • Experience the charming atmosphere of the canals on a gondola ride

Description

Experience the magic of Venice through a captivating combined tour that seamlessly intertwines historical exploration with scenic beauty. This immersive two-part adventure is designed to offer a comprehensive look at Venice’s most iconic landmarks and picturesque waterways, guided by a knowledgeable expert who will enrich your journey with deep insights and engaging stories. Your day begins at a central meeting point, where you’ll be greeted by your expert guide. The first part of the tour focuses on Piazza San Marco, the bustling heart of Venice renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance. Here, you’ll delve into the rich history of the Doge's Palace, a majestic symbol of Venetian power that once served as both the residence of the Doge and the administrative center of the Republic of Venice. As your guide shares captivating tales about the palace’s role in Venetian history, you’ll marvel at its grand architecture and the surrounding historic buildings that contribute to the square’s iconic allure. From the grandeur of Piazza San Marco, your exploration will lead you to the enchanting Castello district. This area of Venice is famed for its narrow, winding streets known as calli, picturesque bridges, and tranquil canals. As you stroll through this historic neighborhood, you’ll come upon Campo di Santa Maria Formosa, one of Venice’s largest and most significant squares. Named after the apparition of the Madonna, this square is home to the beautiful church of Santa Maria Formosa, which offers a window into the city’s rich religious heritage. Continuing your journey, the tour will take you to Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, another notable square renowned for its impressive church, which serves as the final resting place for many of Venice’s doges. In this square, you’ll also encounter the striking equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, a celebrated Italian mercenary leader. Your guide will share intriguing stories about these historical figures and their impact on Venetian history, bringing the city’s past to life. Additionally, the tour includes stops at the historic residence of Marco Polo, the legendary Venetian merchant and explorer, and the Teatro Malibran, an esteemed opera house that adds to the cultural richness of the area. These landmarks offer further insights into Venice’s storied past and its vibrant cultural scene. Following this enlightening walking tour, you’ll make your way to Piazza San Moisè, where your gondola awaits. The gondola ride provides a serene and unique perspective of Venice, allowing you to experience the city’s beauty from the water. As you glide along the Grand Canal and meander through the smaller, charming canals, you’ll be treated to stunning views of elegant palaces, hidden courtyards, and secret passageways that are only visible from the water.

Includes

Guided walking tour in the areas of Piazza San Marco and Castello Gondola ride along the Grand Canal and minor canals Personal audio system and headphones for tour commentary

Important Information

  • The gondola ride is shared with other participants. The seat in the gondola cannot be chosen, but will be assigned by our gondolier. The walking tour is a shared tour. Each gondola can accommodate a maximum of 5 people. The itinerary is subject to change in case of bad weather. Children up to 2 years old are free of charge, only if they do not occupy a seat in the gondola. From November 3rd to March 26th, due to the winter season, the tour will continue to operate on regular days; however, from Thursday to Sunday, it will follow a special schedule divided into two parts: Walking Tour at 11:00 AM Gondola Ride at 3:00 PM Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a wonderful experience! We ask that you arrive 20 minutes before the departure of the tour, because you have to show your voucher at the ticket office and receive the tickets. The walking tour does not include visits to museums or attractions. The gondola ride is not a guided tour.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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