Uncover Venice’s highlights with this curated tour. Visit St. Mark’s Square, explore the Doge’s Palace, enjoy private boat cruises, and see Murano’s famous glassblowing artisans in action.
Best of Venice: Doge's Palace, Private Boat Ride & Murano
Summary Description
Highlights
- See Venice's must-see sights all in one day.
- Explore St. Mark’s Square with expert commentary.
- Skip the lines at the opulent Doge’s Palace.
- Enjoy private boat rides across the Venetian Lagoon.
- Witness glassblowing artistry on Murano Island.
- Enjoy a visit to the Murano Glass Museum.
- Relax with a small group for a more personal experience.
Description
Discover the magic of Venice on this immersive small-group tour—all while avoiding the hassle of planning your day. This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive yet intimate look at Venice in a single day. From grandiose St. Mark's Square and the halls of the Doge's Palace to the historic glass factories of Murano island, you'll leave no stone unturned on your exploration of the Floating City. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories to help you make the most of your time in Venice, and you'll enjoy stunning views of the shimmering Venetian Lagoon from the water on a private boat.
Start your tour at the heart of Venice in St. Mark’s Square. With your guide, you'll explore this iconic piazza and learn the fascinating history of St. Mark’s Basilica from the outside. This grand square, often called “the drawing room of Europe,” is the perfect introduction to Venice’s heritage.
Next, you're off to skip the lines at the Doge’s Palace, where you'll step into the political and artistic heart of Venice’s golden age. Admire the opulent halls and cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs as you learn how it gained its romantic yet somber name. Finish your visit by exploring the New Prisons, where echoes of the past linger in every cell.
From there, you'll set sail across the Venetian Lagoon. Board a private boat and take in breathtaking views as you cruise toward Murano Island. This serene journey offers a unique perspective of Venice with its skyline shimmering on the horizon.
When you disembark at Murano, you'll witness the art of the island's famous glassblowing. Visit a historic glass factory where skilled artisans demonstrate techniques passed down for generations. Learn about the craft’s importance to Venice and marvel at the delicate artistry involved. After the demonstration, you can choose to remain on the island to explore further at your own pace. With your included ticket to the Murano Glass Museum, you can delve deeper into the island’s artistic legacy, discovering rare and stunning glass pieces that span centuries of craftsmanship.
Last but not least, you'll return to Venice in style. Enjoy another tranquil boat ride back to the city for a relaxing conclusion to your day filled with Venetian wonders.
Included / Excluded
- Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25€)
- Private round-trip luxury boat transfer to Murano Island
- Ticket to Murano Glass Museum (unguided)
- Local English-speaking guide
- Headset (when needed)
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Start / End Locations
Start Location: 52 Piazza San Marco, Museo Correr, Venezia, IT
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.
Start Location Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/Espibw4AgLkDNy5p7
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour.
- If access is restricted due to private events inside Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
- No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
- The tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour.
- Appropriate footwear is recommended.
- Large bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour. Backpacks must be left at the deposit inside the Doge's Palace.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Options and Pricing
Best of Venice Tour Pricing valid from April 1st, 2025
| Best of Venice Tour Pricing valid from April 1st, 2025 | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (15 - 99 years) | €79.00 |
| Child (2 - 14 years) | €69.00 |
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 20
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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