Morning in Venice: San Marco, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride – Veneto, Italy

EXPERIENCE

Embark on an enchanting combined tour of Venice, where you’ll explore the city’s historical gems and picturesque waterways. This two-part tour begins in the heart of the city and offers a comprehensive look at the most iconic locations and architectural wonders of Venice, with a professional guide leading the way.

Your journey starts at a central meeting point, where your expert guide will introduce you to the rich history and stunning architecture of Piazza San Marco. This iconic square, often considered the social, religious, and political heart of Venice, boasts several remarkable landmarks. Your guide will recount the fascinating history of the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of Venetian power and glory, which once served as the residence of the Doge and the seat of the government. You’ll also learn about the other surrounding buildings that add to the grandeur of the piazza.

From Piazza San Marco, you’ll venture into the charming residential area of the Castello district. This part of Venice is known for its intricate network of narrow streets, or calli, its numerous bridges, winding canals, and expansive, picturesque squares, known as campi. As you meander through these historic pathways, you’ll come across the Campo di Santa Maria Formosa, one of Venice’s largest and most significant squares, named after the Madonna’s apparition. Here, you can admire the stunning church of Santa Maria Formosa.

Next, the tour takes you to the Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, home to a majestic church where many of Venice’s doges are buried. This square also features the impressive equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an illustrious Italian mercenary leader. Your guide will share tales of these historic figures and the impact they had on Venetian history.

Among the stops is the ancient residence of Marco Polo, the famed Venetian merchant and explorer, and the Teatro Malibran, a historic opera house that adds to the cultural richness of the area.

After soaking in the historical insights and architectural beauty on foot, you’ll head to Piazza San Moisè, where your gondola awaits. This iconic Venetian mode of transport offers a serene and unique perspective of the city. As you glide along the Grand Canal and through the smaller, enchanting canals, you’ll be mesmerized by the reflections of the elegant palaces, hidden corners, and secret entrances that are visible only from the water.

Although the gondola ride is not guided, it provides a peaceful and immersive experience, allowing you to absorb the beauty of Venice in a way that walking alone cannot. The tranquil ride will take you under charming bridges and past some of the city’s most exquisite architecture, making for a perfect end to your Venetian adventure.

This 2-hour combined tour concludes at Campo San Moisè, just a short stroll from Piazza San Marco, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Venice’s rich history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking scenery.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore St. Mark’s Square and its treasures.
Discover Castello, historical sites, and residences.
End with a unique gondola ride.
Walking and Gondola.
The gondola ride does not include a guide, only the walking tour.

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