Discover the Doge's Palace, one of the most important symbols of Venice and for centuries, the historical seat of the most important political power of the Serene Venetian Republic. Meet your professional guide in Saint Mark's Square who will escort you into this magnificent palace, to visit the halls of power, and immerse yourself in medieval Europe, among hundreds of masterpieces.
Dominating Saint Mark's Square, the heart of Venice, the Doge's Palace stands out for its size and its extraordinary structure, where Byzantine, European and Oriental architecture collide. Immediately entering the Palace you will pass through the great courtyard and admire the wealth of detail on the famous Golden Staircase. [readmore]
Once inside the Palace, you will visit the halls where the Duke (Doge) and his Council controlled the fate of the Serene Republic, whilst surrounded by hundreds of artistic masterpieces and discover the political history of Venice and its people. You will be able to admire the paintings realised by some of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance, amongst them, the world's largest oil painting by Tintoretto.
Passing through the famous Bridge of Sighs, you will reach the new prisons. The bridge was given its name by the English poet Lord Byron, probably referring to the last breath of the prisoners, who had their last view of the lagoon and of Venice from the window of this bridge, before they were to be imprisioned.
The first part of the tour concludes in the courtyard of the Doge's Palace where you will be free for 1 hour and 45 min before the gondola ride. Here it will be possible for you to stay longer inside the Palace absorbing the history and mystery of days gone by, otherwise with your Doge's Palace ticket you are allowed to visit the Museo Correr, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Saint Mark's square.
End the tour with a gondola ride, this is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty, charm and colour of this unique city built on water. This traditional Venetian mode of transport, departs from San Moise square, where you will be invited to relax aboard this historic vessel. Admire Venice from this amazing point of view, witness its magnificent architecture, and whilst gliding under its bridges, discover secret entrances to the elegant palaces and hidden corners of the city.
This is not a guided tour - words are not required to embrace the beauty of seeing Venice from the water. You will be assisted in boarding the Gondola, one of the most recognized symbols of Venice - up to 6 people per Gondola- at the landing stage of San Moisè. Experience how the locals were transported by these beautiful black, elegant rowing boats, throughout history.
The Gondola originally built to navigate the canals of this unique city and still hand built in same way today, is recognized world-wide. With less than 500 Gondolas and Gondoliers remaining, it is an experience that you must not miss. You can be expected to admire the minor canals in the heart of Venice, soaking up the atmosphere of days gone-by, you will cover a short stretch of the Grand Canal, the most famous canal in the world, and then back through the narrow waterways return to the starting point in this 30 minute ride. Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice from the water! This 30 minute city tour concludes in Campo San Moisè, a short walk from Saint Mark’s Square.
Lee mas