Venice Deluxe Tour

Highlights

  • Explore the most charming and historic part of Venice on a walking tour

  • See one of Venice's new star attractions, the luxury galleria T Fondaco dei Tedeschi

  • Learn the backstory behind the Renaissance art inside the Doge’s Palace

  • Save time with skip-the-line access to both the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica

Summary

Travel back in time and learn how this island city became a crossroads of civilizations and Queen of the Seas. This exclusive 3-hour walking tour will take you through a maze of narrow streets and gently flowing canals from Riva degli Schiavoni in Venice to the Renaissance Church of Santa Maria Formosa, built on the site where the Holy Virgin allegedly appeared to St. Magnus, the church’s founder, as a magnificent matron. Just across the square from the church, you will also get a glimpse of the majestic foyer of an 18th century palace, resplendent with magnificent Murano glass chandeliers. Just a few steps from this lively Campo will take you to the medieval buildings of Marco Polo’s House,  one of the city’s most famous sons. The next stop will be at the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, the newest architectural renovation in Venice and latest addition to stylish shopping in the city. Once a palace-cum-warehouse that was the headquarters for German merchants starting from the 13th century, it has been metamorphosed into a luxury lifestyle department store and center of culture overlooking the Grand Canal. The hustle and bustle of the commercial district is epitomised  by the Rialto Bridge, the oldest  bridge over the Grand Canal, still lined with shops  as it was in the Middle Ages and affording a breathtaking view of the magnificent palaces lining the canal banks.   On the way back to St. Mark’s Square, pause for a minute to admire the spiral staircase of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and then reach the pulsating heart of the city – Piazza San Marco.   The only square in Venice called piazza and the hub of political power for centuries, it showcases the most iconic Venetian buildings – St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. With this skip-the-line tour, walk through the spectacular rooms of the Doge’s Palace literally lined with priceless masterpieces, and see the halls of power in which the government of the Most Serene Republic convened. After your guided exploration of the Doge’s Palace, your guide will walk you through St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the most majestic cathedrals in the world. The glittering mosaics of the interior tell the story of St. Mark and episodes from the Bible. Its most famous treasure stands in the sanctuary -- the Pala d'Oro, a golden altar screen encrusted with pearls and jewels (admittance ticket not included).     End your visit at an artistic glass furnace just off St. Mark’s Square where you will enjoy a spectacular glass blowing demonstration with a detailed explanation of this ancient handicraft. Stunning examples of blown glass pieces are on display in the adjoining showrooms.

Tour info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

See highlights of Venice in just 3 hours, from hidden history to the opulent architecture of St. Mark's Square. It's easy to get lost in the city’s maze-like backstreets, but a guide leads you expertly to landmarks like Marco Polo’s house, Rialto Bridge, and Bovolo staircase. You’ll also access Venice’s two most popular landmarks without the wait on skip-the-line tours of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

What’s included?

  • Professional guide

  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines

  • Guaranteed to skip the lines

  • Food and drinks

  • Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 3h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience

As of Aug.6 in Italy you will need a Green Pass for admission into museums and most other indoor facilities. Please refer to the info in the document at this link https://www.esteri.it/mae/resource/doc/2021/06/normativa_covid_21_giugno_eng.pdf website of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Venice Deluxe Tour

About operator:

Turistic tour of Venice with the guide Mr. Antonio Barbini. On the sightseeing tour with your guide Antonio Barbini, you will visit these places and monuments, including St. Mark's Square, the Basilica of St. Mark, the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, glass shops and much more.

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