Spend a day in 'La Serenissima,' the city of bridges and canals, on this action-packed guided day trip to Venice from Milan. After meeting with your host in the center of Milan, hop in a comfortable coach for the 2.5-hour ride. During the journey, learn about the history of Venice or just gaze out the window at the Northern Italian countryside.
Arrive in Venice and get ready for an informative guided 2-hour walking tour. Amble over bridges and along canals. Stand in front of Renaissance palaces and learn their history. Take in the aromas of delicious Venetian fare wafting out of restaurants. Stroll along Riva degli Schiavoni, one of the city's main promenades, and then pass by the legendary Bridge of Sighs connected to the Doge's Palace. Let your guide regale you with tales of the doges of centuries past, as you perambulate into St. Mark's Square.
Stop for some photos in the pigeon-filled square. Stand in front of St. Mark's Basilica, noting its intricate facade. And don't forget to gaze up at the bell tower, a symbol of Venice. Then make your way through the narrow streets again, going over the famed Rialto Bridge, continuing along the Grand Canal to admire the grand mansions that flank the canal.
Visit some lesser-known hidden gems in Venice too! Explore the calli, a maze-like warren of narrow lanes and canals and learn about what life is like here for locals.
Take a break for lunch (at own expense) and then visit a glass-making workshop near St. Marks Square to witness skilled glassmakers plying their trade. After browsing in the gift shop and considering taking a souvenir back to Milan with you, head out on the narrow streets again, making your way for the optional 30-minute gondola ride (at your own expense) through the canals of the city. If you opt for the gondola, hop on the flat-bottomed boat, sit back and enjoy the only-in-Venice ambience.
When the time comes, return to your coach and begin the journey back to Milan.
