Byzantine Venice: St. Mark's Basilica & Gondola Ride

Highlights

• Guided Walking Tour
• St. Mark's Basilica Visit
• Gondola Ride

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Piazza San Marco

   10min

   The tour starts with a historical introduction of St. Marks’s Square, and its architectural delights, allowing you to discover the history of the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, the illustrious Doge’s Palace, once the seat of the power of the Republic of Venice, and the extraordinary, renaissance clock tower.

2. 2

   Campo Santa Maria Formosa

   30min

   Leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its labyrinth of narrow alleys - “calli”, many bridges, winding canals and wide picturesque squares - “campi”. You can expect to see campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the largest squares in Venice with its church, named after its visitation of the Holy Virgin.

3. 3

   Basilica Dei Santi Giovanni E Paolo

   30min

   You will also see Campo Santi Giovanni and Paolo where you will be able to admire the famous church, the resting place of several Doges; and the equestrian monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an Italian mercenary Captain.

4. 4

   Casa di Marco Polo

   20min

   The former residence of Marco Polo, probably the most famous Venetian merchant, and the Malibran theatre are also part of the itinerary.

5. 5

   Basilica di San Marco

   1h

   You will then make your way back to the Saint Marks square, to then be accompanied to the Saint Mark's Basilica, once the private chapel of the Doge of Venice, and the only one of its kind in Italy, thanks to the sumptous golden mosaics and impressive marble inlay flooring. Visit Saint Mark's Basilica first floor museum and see the famous horses and admire Saint Mark's Square from the Basilica's terrace.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   30min

   The last appointment is at 3.00 pm with the gondola ride! Relax aboard this historic vessel, enjoying the thrills of both the Grand Canal and minor canals. 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. The gondola ride is not a guided tour.

Before you go

Location