Full Venice Walking Tour: Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s – Venice, Italy

EXPERIENCE:

Meet your guide on Piazza San Marco for the start of an immersive walking tour. Learn the story of Venice and the Venetian Empire at monuments such as the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Clock Tower and the Procuratie, built over the arcades of Piazza San Marco (external views only).

Stroll over to Campo Santa Maria Formosa to admire the church of SS. Giovanni e Paolo and its famous Pantheon. Next, go to the Scuola Grande di San Marco, also knowns as the “Great School of Charity” whose members ((Captains of Fortune) included some of the great Italian explorers of the 15th century. Head back to Piazza San Marco to admire the Teatro Malibran, once the “biggest, most beautiful and richest theatre in the city.” Walk down the shopping street of Le Mercerie to see the boutiques of top designers in what was once the pulsing heart of the city’s commercial life.

Along the way, wander the small alleys known as “calli” and discover picturesque squares where Venetians still gather to conduct their everyday social lives. Find hidden gems and learn interesting facts about the “Serenissima” and its everlasting story.

Then, skip the long lines to the Doge’s Palace and explore one of the most important symbols of Venice. As the seat of Venetian political power for centuries, the majestic rooms contain hundreds of masterpieces of art that will take your breath away.

Next, enter the beautiful Byzantine monument of St. Mark’s Basilica and learn about Saint Mark and how his ruins came to rest here. See stunning mosaics of gold and marble inlays, and learn the history of the architectural masterpiece and its priceless treasures. Go to the Treasury to look at a splendid example of religious art, and marvel at the thousands of gems and precious stones of the Pala d’Oro.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

See the and most iconic symbols of Venice
Marvel at the masterpieces of art in the Doge’s Palace
See gold mosaics and the gem-encrusted Pala d’Oro in St. Mark’s Basilica
Discover picturesque corners where Venetians gather to socialize
Learn interesting facts about Venice and life in a city built on water

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