Delve into Venice's fascinating history, beauty, and charms on this tour that combines a classic gondola ride with 2 of the city's major attractions. Hop in a traditional gondola to cruise along the Grand Canal and through small waterways, and then skip the lines at Saint Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
Meet your guide in front of the clock tower in Saint Mark's Square (not the bell tower!) for an introduction to the various buildings that fill St. Mark's Square, and then skip the line to enter the Doge's Palace, the former home of Venetian rulers that's also a masterpiece of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Climb the grand staircase, admire the opulent decor in the lavish residential chambers, and traverse the Bridge of Sighs on your way to the palace's fearsome prison.
Proceed then visiting the stunning Basilica that gives this plaza its name. Admire the gilded domes and intricate mosaics that adorn the interior of Saint Mark's Basilica. Visit the Saint Mark's Basilica's first-floor museum and see the famous horses and admire Saint Mark's Square from the Basilica's terrace.
At 1:00 pm you will end the first part of the tour and you will have approximately 2 hours of free time to stroll around Saint Mark's Square, have lunch (not included), or visit the Correr museum on your own, already included with the Doge's Palace ticket.
The second part of your package is the classic gondola ride at 3:00 pm.
The appointment will be at 2:45 pm behind the Correr Museum in Saint Marks Square (in front of the post office).
Enjoy your gondola ride and admire beautiful Renaissance palazzi lined up along quiet canals.