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Venice Deluxe Tour by Antonio Barbini

I adore my city, Venice is not only the city were I was born and raised, it is a life-long love affair. I have spent years studying the art and history of these islands, literally leaving no stone unturned, and I want to share my passion with those who come to visit, trying to pass on to them some of what I have learned, hoping to make you cherish Venice as much as I do. As a professional guide, I have created an itinerary designed to appeal to visitors looking for an authentic Venetian experience and ready to explore the best the city has to offer.

Overview

Semi-private walking tour of the main attractions in the St. Mark’s area, including skip-the-line entrance to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Other highlights of this informative and entertaining 3-hour tour comprises hidden gems of Venetian architecture as well as insights into the history of Venice, its palaces and churches, and traditional crafts.

Highlights

Small-group walking tour
See top sights including the Church of Santa Maria Formosa, Marco Polo’s birthplace and Scala Contarini Dal Bovolo
Explore the shopping district with a visit to T Fondaco dei Tedeschi and the Rialto Bridge
Take in the atmosphere of Piazza San Marco
Enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the Basilica di San Marco
Visit the magnificent interiors of the Doge’s Palace
Watch a glass-blowing demonstration

Full description

Travel back in time and learn how this island city became a crossroads of civilizations and Queen of the Seas.

This exclusive walking tour will take you through a maze of narrow streets and gently flowing canals 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 18^th 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.

What’s included

Guided walking tour
English-speaking professional local guide
Guided tour inside the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
Entrance tickets to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica

What’s NOT included

Gratuities (optional)
Food and drinks
Entrance ticket to Pala d’Oro

ADDITIONAL INFO

At his sole discretion or when due to unforeseen circumstances, your guide may make some changes to the itinerary of the tour to maximise the experience for the participants.

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements. Large bags and rucksacks are also not allowed inside St Mark's Basilica.

In case of high tides or religious ceremonies preventing access to the interior of the Basilica, an extended tour of the outside of the basilica will be given instead.

The Doge’s Palace may also occasionally be closed to the public due to strikes, exceptional closures, state visits, or other special occasions. In that event, a possible alternative may be the Correr Museum in St. Mark’s Square with the Imperial Rooms and Venetian Collection. Entrance included in the Doge’s Palace ticket.

Due to uneven surfaces and stepped bridges, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

Departure point

In front of the Danieli Hotel on Riva degli Schiavoni

Departure time

11.15 a.m.

Duration

3 hours (approx.)

Return details

Concludes in St Mark's Square

Available from April 1 to October 31

Monday to Friday

St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Price: 20 euro p.p. (6 euro skip-the-line entrance ticket, 14 euro guide service)

Free cancellation

Meeting point: Main entrance to the Basilica

Upon request – instant confirmation – duration: ca 20min.

A short guided tour that covers all you need to learn about St. Mark's Basilica
No waiting with skip-the-line entry.
Full description of the exterior and interiors, the famed golded mosaics and the many.
architectural details.
Choose an expert tour guide in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.

Basilica di San Marco - Visita guidata con ingresso "salta la fila”

Prezzo: 20 euro p.p. (6 euro biglietto d'ingresso salta fila, 14 euro servizio guida).

Cancellazione gratuita

Punto d'incontro: Ingresso principale della Basilica.

Su richiesta - conferma immediata - durata: ca 20min.

Breve visita guidata che copre tutto ciò che c'è da sapere sulla Basilica di San Marco
Nessuna attesa con l'ingresso "salta fila”
Descrizione completa dell'esterno e degli interni, dai famosi mosaici dorati ai numerosi dettagli architettonici
Guida esperta, tour in inglese, italiano, tedesco, francese o spagnolo.

Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Price: 50 euro p.p. (30 euro skip-the-line entrance ticket, 20 euro guide service).

Free cancellation.

Meeting point: Main entrance to the Doge’s Palace.

Upon request – instant confirmation – duration: ca 30min.

A short guided tour that covers all you need to learn about The Doge’s Palace and the glorious history of Venice seen through its most iconic symbol of political power.
No waiting with skip-the-line entry.
Full description of the exterior and interiors, the gilded ceiling and impressive paintings.
Choose an expert tour guide in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.

Palazzo Ducale - Visita guidata con ingresso “salta la linea”

Prezzo: 50 euro p.p. (30 euro biglietto d'ingresso salta fila, 20 euro servizio guida).

Cancellazione gratuita.

Punto d'incontro: Ingresso principale ingresso di Palazzo Ducale.

Su richiesta - conferma immediata - durata: ca 30min.

Una breve visita guidata che copre tutto ciò che c'è da sapere su Palazzo Ducale e sulla gloriosa storia di Venezia vista attraverso il suo simbolo più iconico del potere politico.
Nessuna attesa grazie al'ingresso "salta la fila”.
Descrizione completa degli esterni e degli interni, dei soffitti dorati e degli stupendi dipinti.
Guida esperta, tour in inglese, italiano, tedesco, francese o spagnolo.

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