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Duration: 2 hours

Type of Service: Venice Doge's Palace Tour - small group tour

The Doge's Palace is where the highest-elected magistrates ruled Venice with an iron fist. Go back in time to hear stories of crime, betrayal and the legal system that once kept Venice in check. Inside the Venetian Gothic palace, admire works of art by Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese. See the Golden Staircase, the Bridge of Sighs and even some prison cells. This 2-hour includes:

- English-speaking local tour guide

- Maximum group size of 15

- Comprehensive tour general access rooms

- Skip the line Doge's Palace tickets

Experience Doge's Palace History - Meet your guide outside Doge's Palace. Before skipping the line, admire the building’s exterior and learn about St. Mark’s Square. The Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale in Italiano, is a perfect example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Once home to the Doge when the city was a Republic, the palace sits next to St. Mark's Basilica (the former private place of worship for the Doge). 

Doge's Palace Interior - The interior of the Doge's Palace is grand to say the least. Inside you’ll find marble fireplaces, friezes and stucco adorning the walls. Some works of art stand out over the rest and our guide will lead you straight to them. These grand creations include frescoes by Titian and Veronese. Look at the Stairs of Gold, which connect the first floor of the palace to the third, where offices were located. However, not everything on this small group Doge's Palace tour is beautiful! Get a look at the grim prison cells where accused criminals spent their days in darkness. All these places paint a portrait of law and order in Venice, and the harsh lives of Venetian prisoners, including Giacomo Casanova.

Something to Sigh About - Doge's Palace not only held the seat of the Venetian Republic, it also connected to a prison via the famous Bridge of Sighs. Linking freedom with incarceration, prisoners walked across this bridge before spending years or even the remainder of their lives behind bars. If that wasn’t enough to sigh about, the small windows carved into the bridge offered convicts their last glance of beautiful Venice. That's plenty to sigh about. 

Things to Know:

  • Tour is offered March - November
  • Tour is offered 7 days a week based on availability
  • Tour begins at 1:10pm / Tour check-in 12:55pm
  • Meeting Point Location: Between the two big columns in St. Mark’s Square located on the south side of the square, near the canal – more details upon booking
  • Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes
Published in Venice Half Day Tours

Duration: 3 hours

Type of Service: Best of Venice with St. Mark's Square & Water Taxi Boat Ride - semi-private tour

See all the top sights of Venice with this exclusive, semi-private tour, limited to only ten people or less per group. With commentary tailored by an expert, English-speaking guide to suit your group, you’ll learn more about Venice in just a few hours than many visitors do on an entire trip. And with such small group sizes, your guide will have more time to answer questions and tailor the pace of the tour to suit you.

Beat the Queues at St Mark's Basilica - First of all, we’ll head straight for the main attraction, to be sure that you have plenty of time to take it all in. St. Mark’s Basilica took 800 years to build with relics and monuments inside bought (or stolen) from all over Europe and Asia. Even St. Mark’s remains eventually ended up here (albeit through dubious means) when Crusaders stole them from Egypt. The queues here can be long but no worries, we have Skip the Line Access! Your guide will take you inside this cavernous space for an extended tour, pointing out mosaics that date all the way back to the 11th century and beautiful artworks. Then it’s up to the second floor for some stolen time inside this busy basilica. The terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica are worth a visit, not to mention the incredible views they offer over bustling Piazza San Marco below.

After our tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Piazza San Marco, we’ll set out on a walking tour past some of Venice's best-known sights, along with some unlikely favorites. We spent a lot of hours traversing the city, trying to get the right balance of major landmarks and picturesque corners and discovered that much of the joy of visiting Venice is in the journey, walking from one spot to another through quiet residential streets and along canals. Our Venice walking tour will take you on such a journey.

You'll see Marco Polo’s house to hear about the Venetian son who went to sea one day and came back with stories of China; Campo SS Giovanni Paolo with its mix of architecture from so many ages; and the famous Bridge of Sighs. As you move from one spot to another, your guide will entertain you with stories of Venice, from informative tales about how the city has stayed afloat so long, to the whispers of scandal that make Venice such a captivating city. They’ll also point out features and buildings that you may never have noticed on your own.

Enjoy the Grand Canal on a Private Vessel - A visit to the Rialto Bridge, an incredible marble structure that cost Venice a small fortune to build but was certainly worth every penny, is a highlight of this journey, and it’s here where our walking part tour ends. Now it's time to take a seat on a private boat to enjoy the beauty of the city. The tour continues to the Grand Canal, the city’s main waterway which snakes its way past no less than 50 palaces, six churches, four bridges and two open-air markets. We’ll take to the water for a cruise that includes all these wonderful sights. Although many visitors opt to travel the Grand Canal by gondola this wide and hectic waterway is much better suited to the water taxis we use, which allow us to move quickly and easily along the canal without losing the intimacy of a smaller vessel.

Your tour will end at the famous Rialto Bridge. And there you have it, in only a few hours you have seen the very best of Venice from three entirely different perspectives: water, land and even air from the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica.

Destination Sites:

  • St. Mark's Basilica
  • Terrace of St. Mark's
  • Bridge of Sighs
  • Grand Canal (from the water)
  • Jewish Ghetto (from the water)
  • Doge’s Palace (exterior)
  • Columns of St. Mark and the Venetian Lion
  • Campo SM Formosa
  • Campo SS Giovanni e Paolo
  • Marco Polo’s house (exterior)
  • Rialto Bridge

Things to Know:

  • Small group tour of 10 people or less
  • 1-hour Grand Canal cruise by private boat (groups limited to 10 people)
  • Skip the Line Access to St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Entrance ticket to the terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
  • Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes
  • Dress Code for St. Mark’s Basilica – men and women shoulders and knees must be covered, no sleeveless tops unless you bring a shawl with you. No shorts or mini dresses that exposed the knees.
  • Tour is offered on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
  • Tour starts at 2:30pm
  • Meeting Point Location:Doge’s Palace – more details are given upon booking
Published in Venice Half Day Tours

Duration: 6 hours 

Type of Service: VIP Venetian Islands: Murano, Burano & Torcello by Private Water Taxi

Murano, Burano, and Torcello are only a quick boat ride away from Venice, but each has a unique feel that you can explore on this day trip! With a small group of only 15 people, an air-conditioned, private water taxi and complimentary prosecco on board, you’ll feel like a VIP as you escape the crowds of Venice and head to the charming, smaller islands of the Venetian lagoon.

Begin your day by meeting at a central point in Venice to board your luxury boat. On the way to your first stop, you’ll be introduced to the history of the Venetian Islands by your expert, local guide. Murano is famous for its glassmaking craftsmen, and there’s no better way to experience the island than by visiting one of its famous glass factories. Here, you’ll see a live demonstration by a master artisan and visit a private gallery to view some of their most beautifully intricate pieces

Your next stop is the peaceful island of Torcello. Descriptively called “the garden of Venice”, it’s a wonderful respite in the middle of your tour, filled with lush greenery and beautiful flowers. While in Torcello, you’ll have free time to wander the gardens or climb to the top of the local bell tower for views overlooking the lagoon.

Then, make your way to Burano, the most colorful island of Venice! Perfect for a photo op, this tiny island is known for vibrantly colored cottages and its highly skilled lacemakers. You’ll meet the artisans keeping the Venetian lace tradition alive and have time to discover the city streets on your own, with recommendations from your local guide.

Finally, board your boat again for a quick ride back to Venice while you enjoy a glass of prosecco and stunning views of the city by water.

Sites Visited

  • Murano Glassblowing Factory
  • Murano Glassblowing Art Galleries, with its exhibition of unique art pieces
  • Burano Lace-making shop
  • Torcello Island

Things to Know:

  • Glassmaking demonstration at a factory in Murano
  • Visit a private Art Gallery with glass masterpieces
  • Lacemaking demonstration at a shop in Burano
  • Visit Torcello Island
  • Expert, English-speaking guide
  • Round-trip transportation on board of a historic luxury boat
  • Complimentary prosecco while you travel between islands
  • Small groups of 15 people or less
  • Discount at the glassblowing & lace-making shops (10%+ depending on the item)
  • Tour is offered on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday
  • Tour begins at 9:00am
  • Meeting Point: Central Venice: Riva degli Schiavoni - more details upon booking
  • Wear comfortable walking  or tennis shoes
Published in Venice Half Day Tours

Duration: 12 hours

Type Of Service: VIP Small-Group Cinque Terre Discovery & Vineyards Escapes Tour with Seafood Lunch

There is nothing better than the VIP Cinque Terre Discovery & Vineyards Escapes to explore a real Italian coastal paradise with the exclusivity of a small-group tour. This is the most complete experience and the only one-day tour to Cinque Terre that will allow you to discover the beauty of the villages while breathing the true relaxed essence of this paradise. A small-group adventure. The personalized attention of a knowledgeable guide. Exclusive escapes from the crowds that will reveal hidden, no touristy, gems. Relaxed savoring of two of the treasures of this region: its cuisine made of ancient traditional recipes and its local unique wines.

Departure from meeting point in the morning, transfer to the North West Riviera with a comfortable air-conditioned minivan.
During the day the guide will introduce guests to this spectacular corner of Italy, famous for its panorama, its wine, its food, beautiful sea and hiking opportunities.
Our comprehensive exploration will include the visit of some of the most beautiful villages and landscapes of Cinque Terre National Park (a world-heritage protected by UNESCO since 1997) which are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, the villages clinging to a remote stretch of the Riviera coastline. You will enjoy the five-mile-long rocky coast lined by thousands of dry walls built on terraces cultivated with vineyards, and the small medieval fishing villages built on rock… add to this the incredible color of the sea and the sky, and you may understand what paradise the Cinque Terre really is. Enjoy the most astonishing views either from land and sea, as we stroll along the national park by boat, train, and walking/hiking on the fabulous trails on the cliff (including famous Via dell’Amore - see notes -) in a perfect mix for a memorable experience.
A delicious full lunch with wine tasting in a typical restaurant on the sea is included, thus you will be able to enjoy incredible fresh seafood cooked the Ligurian way, accompanied by some great white wines typical of this region.

An amazing boat ride (weather and sea conditions permitting) will be an additional memorable perspective on the Riviera, to take back home with you the most incredible pictures of this day.
This experience is a unique opportunity to explore Cinque Terre in a day, also enjoying a few enchanting escapes from the crowds of the villages. You will have the chance to admire the astonishing coastal panorama from a high vantage point, with a very light hike on an almost levelled trail through seaside vineyards. Natural amphitheaters of luxuriant vineyards will disclose to your eyes and senses, facing the sea and the open horizon, and you will learn about the unique peculiarities of grape harvesting (that often include incredible steep mono-rails through the vineyards) and wine production of this region.
Get the best out of a day out, join this small group adventure!

Things to Know:

  • Small group tour with 16 people or less
  • Round-trip transportation from Florence in A/C luxury minivan
  • Visit this UNESCO World-Heritage Italian coastal paradise
  • Discover the most beautiful villages of Cinque Terre
  • Enjoy some relaxed escapes from the crowds, through luxuriant panoramic seaside vineyards – light hiking
  • Savor a delicious lunch with seafood and wine tasting in a typical restaurant
  • Magnificent views of the coast on a light hiking trail through vineyards
  • An amazing boat trip to take the most beautiful pictures of Cinque Terre from the sea
  • Tour departs at 8:00am / Tour check-in at by 7:45am
  • Tour offered 7 days @ week to peak season
  • Wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
  • Meeting point location: -Piazza della Repubblica (next to the APPLE STORE under the loggias, corner with Via Pellicceria) - more details upon booking

 

 

 
Published in Cinque Terre

Duration: 10.5 hours

Type Of Service: Daytrip from Milan - Full Day Two Countries: Lake Como Tours with Bellagio and Lugano Switzerland - small group tour

Leave The City for a Day -Trying to decide which beautiful sights of Northern Italy to see and how much time you need to see them? We’ll make it easy for you. Our new day trips from Milan take you to three of the most beautiful and most popular destinations - Lake Como and Bellagio in Italy and Lake Lugano in Switzerland – in just one day!

And Bask in Lake Como's Beauty - Our one-day tours from Milan leave from a central, easy-to-reach location in the city. Your air-conditioned private coach will head straight from Milan to Lake Como, just an hour but a world away. Along the way, your expert, English-speaking guide will make sure you don’t miss any interesting sights and will entertain you with stories about them. We take care of all the details of your trip – including roundtrip transportation from Milan and tickets for a boat tour of Lake Como – all you have to do is show up and relax!

Nestled in the mountains with beautiful scenery that changes with each season, picturesque Lake Como has been Italy’s leading vacation destination for hundreds of years. During our boat tour, you’ll see the beautiful lakeside villas once owned by La Scala’s opera singers and now by headlining celebrities such as George Clooney, Richard Branson and Matthew Bellamy of Muse. You might even recognize villas from the Star Wars and James Bond blockbuster films.

Once in the beautiful city of Bellagio you will have free time explore on your own. Shop from local artisans, enjoy local food in nostalgic restaurants or step in for a quick drink in an ages-old bar, it is entirely up you. Take as many photos as you please in this picturesque town before we board our motor coach once again and continue our journey across the Italian border to Lugano.

We now take a scenic drive through the Alps and across the Swiss border to Lake Lugano. It’s easy to see why this city is one of Switzerland’s most popular vacation destinations. Lugano boasts a beautiful, large lake surrounded by huge and often snow-capped mountains.*

You can spend your afternoon in Lugano as you like with suggestions and directions from your guide. Culture aficionados should visit the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli home to Switzerland’s most important Renaissance painting - the beautiful ‘Passion and Crucifixion’ by Bernardino Luini, whose paintings have been compared to those of Leonardo da Vinci. You be the judge!

Lugano Like A Local - Feel like shopping? In Lugano’s downtown shopping district you’ll find plenty of choices - from luxury goods to, of course, delicious Swiss chocolate. We’ll give you lots of time to explore Lugano before you board the coach and return to Milan in time for dinner.

Combining visits to two countries and three of the area’s most beautiful locations in just one day, our day trips from Milan offer the perfect getaway from the hectic city life of Milan. We’ve taken care of the details, so you can just relax and enjoy the scenery…and so much more.

Sites Visited

  • Bellagio
  • Lugano
  • Lake Como
  • Lake Lugano
  • Free time to visit nearby attractions of your choice

Things to Know:

  • Discover Lake Como, Bellagio and Lugano on this full-day tour
  • Journey through two countries in one day with an expert, English-speaking guide
  • Relax on a 2-hour cruise around Lake Como
  • Take in the Italian Alps and famous villas (including those of George Clooney, Star Wars and James Bond movies!)
  • Stroll through the beautiful town of Bellagio also known as the pearl of Lake Como
  • Wander through the elegant lakeside town of Lugano, Switzerland
  • Small groups of 25 people or less per bus / two air-conditioned buses following each other
  • Passport and driver’s license are needed for this tour to cross the Swiss Border
  • This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable walking shoes or tennis shoes are recommended
  • Tour operates April - October
  • Tour is offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
  • Tour Time:  departs at 8:30am / Check-in between 8:00am - 8:15am
  • Meeting Point Location:  Milan Garibaldi Train Station - more details given upon booking

 

 
Published in Milan/Naples

Duration: 3 Hours, (includes one-hour visit to the interior of Doge's Palace)

Type of Service: Walking food tour of Venice

On this three-hour tour you’ll enjoy the authentic Venetian food and wine traditions at a local Osteria and be introduced to Venice’s famous landmarks, including the exterior of Doge’s Palace.

Your personal local guide will provide you a walking tour of the picturesque Venetian calli (streets) and ponti (bridges) of Venice, telling you the incredible history and secrets of this unique city. You’ll admire the center of the Venetian power during the Serenissima Republic of Venice: Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) and its fascinating buildings, such as the Basilica di San Marco and Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), which was the heart of the political life and public administration of the Venetian Republic.  Follow some incredible off-the-beaten-track itineraries and discover Venice's best-kept secrets, then taste the authentic Venetian food and wine traditions in a typical “Osteria.” Mix up with the locals and enjoy a tasty Venetian aperitif with “cicchetti e un’ombra di vino” (finger food and a glass of wine), that will invigorate your spirit and make you look at Venice from the locals’ point of view!

Things to Know:

  • 3-hour private walking tour of Venice 
  • Experience the grandeur and history of Venice on this tour of a one-hour interior visit to the Doge’s Palace.
  • See notable Venice attractions like the Rialto Fish Market and the Cannaregio Quarter, as well as lesser-known sights
    Sip on a glass of wine and enjoy appetizers at a traditional Venetian osteria
  • Minimum of 2 and Maximum of 8
  • Tour is offered Tuesday through Saturday based on availability
  • Tour can be offered on Mondays with no interior visit to Doge's Palace
  • Tour is offered at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm
  • Meet your private guide at either your hotel or St. Mark's Square in the heart of the city
  • Your friendly, English-speaking guide will answer all your questions and provide personalized insights so you can get the most out of your time
  • Admission fees, skip the line tickets, private tour guide, and  tasting fees included in tour cost
  • Wear comfortable walking or tennis shoes shoes
Published in Venice Half Day Tours

Duration: 5 hours 

Type of Service: Half Day Venetian Islands: Murano Glassblowing and Burano Lacemaking - group tour

Most first-time visitors to Venice spend the majority of their time around its famous Saint Mark's Square. Those with a bit more time in Italy also fit in a visit to Murano, a nearby island. This is the place to go if you're interested in the famed Murano glass, where you can watch a demonstration of glass making and maybe buy a Venetian glass souvenir or two.

 Burano has been occupied from the 6th century, but it only became important in the 16th century, when women on the island began making lace with needles and it became popular among the European elite. It’s a fine art form and takes an incredible amount of patience and time to create. So as you can imagine, it’s a luxury few can afford. Most of the lace that's for sale in souvenir shops are affordable, so it's not created by hand. Still, it's beautiful and the shops are worth visiting. 

 Venetian Islands Tour: Murano Glassblowing & Burano Lacemaking - No trip to Venice is complete without discovering the Venetian Lagoon's two most cherished islands. This half-day trip to Murano from Venice with Burano offers perks not usually found on other group tours, like transport by private water taxi and a dedicated guide throughout. Gain perspective on the ageless arts of glassblowing and lacemaking and the mastery of artisans, as well as delight in the unique charm of the tranquil canals and piazzas.

Take a Private Water Taxi to Murano - Once you reach the meeting point in central Venice, you'll be whisked off to Murano to see its world-famous blown glass. On the way, admire the 'City of Bridges' from the water with sweeping views and entertaining commentary from your guide as you get ready to witness the magic of Murano glass.

All glassmaking was moved to this tiny group of islands in the Middle Ages, and it was the only place where mirrors were made for centuries. Techniques were so secret that perpetrators risked execution for leaking them. Times have changed, but you'll behold exactly what has made Murano glass so sought after for nearly 750 years.

Learn More with our Expert Guides - Upon arrival, you'll dock at a specially chosen glassblowing workshop where you'll marvel as craftsmen shape molten glass into dazzling works of art. See these sparkling treasures come to life as you learn how colors and the most ambitious shapes come to be. You can also browse in the gallery, or shop with our discount. Afterward, explore Murano to enjoy its sleepy canals and San Donato church, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, without being hurried.

 Discover the Finest Handmade Lace at Burano - The next stop on your Venice cruise is Burano. Considered by many as one of the most colorful places in the world, this small fishing community with its brightly colored houses also has some of the finest handmade lace anywhere. Watch this cultural tradition in action as women stitch by hand, like countless generations before them. After the demonstration, you will have free time to visit the lace museum, stroll Burano's vibrant waterways, or shop for souvenirs.

Things to Know:

  • Explore the islands of Murano and Burano with an English-speaking tour guide
  • Learn about Murano’s rich history and glass-making heritage Admire the brightly painted houses of Burano island
  • Travel by motorboat and see the sights from the water
  • A great introduction to Venice for first-time visitors
  • Plenty of free time to stroll around the island and enjoy the peaceful environment
  • Tour offered daily - 7 days @ week based on availability
  • Tour times are at 8:15am, 1:45pm and 2:30pm
  • Meeting Point: Central Venice: Vittorio Emanuele II Monument - more details upon booking
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes
  • Group Tour of 30 people or less
Published in Venice Half Day Tours

Duration: 1 hour

Type of Service: Grand Canal Boat Tour - small group tour

Small Group Venice boat tours of the Grand Canal & minor canals of Venice provide the ideal sightseeing tours of the city of Venice for first-time visitors. One of our most popular sightseeing tours in Venice because it offers our clients the opportunity to view the city from a completely different perspective. Escape the hordes of tourist to discover a relaxing and rewarding experience as you glide down the main street of Venice. You'll feel like a VIP on our small group boat tours of the Grand Canal

On all our Venice boat tours you'll travel in a luxurious motor-launch, limited to a maximum of 8/9 participants so that we should be able to guarantee that everyone sits outside to enjoy an intimate experience of the waterways of Venice while listening to the detailed commentary of your expert Venice tour guide.

In the first part of these small group Venice boat tours cruise down the Grand Canal at a relaxed pace with numerous photo opportunities as your friendly and knowledgeable guide ntroduce you to the splendid Palaces, Churches, Bridges and other Monumental buildings that line the main waterway of Venice. Learn the history and evolution of the main street of Venice, and be entertained by anecdotes about the famous and infamous people that once lived along this celebrated waterway. 

In the second part of these marvellous sightseeing tours of Venice sit back and enjoy a delightful journey through the minor canals of Venice. In the hidden Venice, as you travel through four of the city districts of Venice you'll get a full overview of the city and enjoy picture postcard views of the most romantic parts of the city. These small group Venice boat tours start & finish at St. Marks square.

Things to know:

  • During the tour you will see the waterways of Venice, the Grand Canal, splendid Palaces, Churches, Bridges, Rialto Bridge. Luxorious motor-launch, English speaking guide.
  • Local Expert English speaking Guide
  • Luxurious Motor-Launch /Maximum 8/9 people per boat
  • During high water, the tour will take place, but it might happen we have to partly adapt the tour to the weather conditionsTour operates with min 4 participants
  • Tour is offed Tuesday, Friday and Saturday in the off season
  • Tour is offered April - November (7 days a week based on availability)
  • Tour time is 3:15pm - 4:15pm
  • Check in with guide 15 minutes before tour begins
  • Meeting point location - St. Mark's Square (more details are given upon booking)

 

Published in Venice Half Day Tours

Duration: (8:00am - 6:00pm)

Type Of Service: Unique day tours of Cinque Terre from Florence to Manarola, Vernazza, and Corniglia

Departing from: Center City of Florence

A small group tour with no more than 8 passengers.  You will be greeted by your English-Speaking driver/tour guide at a designated location in the center city of Florence.  After driving through Tuscany into the Liguria region, your first stop will be the Cinque Terre village of Manarola.  Enjoy panoramic views and take spectacular pictures of the land and coast.  Manarola is one of the oldest villages of Cinque Terre.  You will explore the narrow alleys and pretty pastel squares that epitomize the area, and perhaps sample some renowned local wine at a cozy wine bar and tavern, as you are exploring.

After you visit Manarola, you will meet your tour escort at a prearranged time for your shared boat ride to Vernazza.  While on the boat, admiring the dramatic coastline from the water, framed against the hills will arrive at your second stop at the village of Vernazza, arguably the most beautiful of the five villages with a large open harbor, castle, and church.  You will enjoy some free time to walk around and have a relaxing lunch(lunch cost is clients responsibility) at one of the open-air restaurants that line the waterfront, or pick up some snacks/picnic lunch and enjoy a picnic lunch down by the water or stroll through the back streets for impressive views along the coast.  

After your visit to Vernazza, you will meet your tour escort who will drive you to Corniglia, where you will enjoy panoramic views and take some of the most spectacular pictures.

Things to Know:

  • Leave behind the Renaissance treasures of Florence for the day to discover the rugged beauty of the Ligurian coastline
  • Visit three of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre, one of Italy's most scenic destinations
  • Tour operates with a minimum of 4 participants and maximum of 8 (semi-private tour)
  • Dine on a local dish as you stroll, shop, people watch or swim (don't forget to pack your swimsuit and towel) or even take a 30 minute light hike
  • Complimentary appetizer on the tour
  • Round-trip transport from Florence in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
  • Public boats operate subject to weather conditions.  When boats are not operative transfer between towns, the tour will be by train or mini-van.
  • Tour is conducted 7 days a week during the peak season Late March - Mid October
  • During winter months (November - Mid March) tour days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday, based on a minimum of 4 people
  • Meeting Point: Florence Center City - the tour starts directly outside the Cafe Paskowski in Piazza Repubblica
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes
Published in Cinque Terre

Duration: 2.5 hours

Type of Service: Best of Venice walking tour including St. Mark's Basilica

If you have limited vacation time (and who doesn’t?), this is the perfect way to see the best sights in Venice in just a few short hours. Your expert English-speaking guide will take you to famous landmarks including St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge, Marco Polo’s house, Camp SS Giovanni e Paolo and Campo Santa Maria Formosa piazzas, Bridge of Sighs and more, including quiet off-the-beaten-path places many tourists may miss.

We begin your tour at one of Venice’s most photographed locations, the Rialto Bridge. Then we’ll wind through the Floating City’s serpentine streets and over the tiny bridges that dot its seascape on our way to Marco Polo’s house. Learn about this intrepid Venetian son whose sense of adventure and exploration took him beyond the horizon to the Far East, where few had ever been before. Along the way, you’ll stroll through the lively piazzas of Campo SS Giovanni e Paolo and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, and marvel at how the beautiful Byzantine architecture and Renaissance buildings meld seamlessly with today’s modern and somewhat eclectic edifices.

On the way to our final and most awe-inspiring stop, St. Mark’s Basilica, you have a chance to see the romantic Bridge of Sighs. Then saunter through St. Mark’s Square, which Napoleon named the “finest drawing room in all of Europe.” Next, enjoy Skip-the-Line Access to the city’s most bustling spot for tourists. You’ll breeze past the long lines and straight into the Basilica.

Your tour guide will not only educate but also entertain you with the rich history of St. Mark’s Basilica. Learn about the city’s diverse culture with intriguing facts only a local would know. An impressive architectural marvel, see how Eastern architecture blends beautifully with Western design to create an unbelievable onion-domed structure so individually Venetian. With less time waiting in line, you’ll enjoy more time standing in awe of ornate frescoes before ascending to the famous St. Mark’s terraces. Not often included on guided tours, this site offers a spectacular aerial view of the prized piazza – and makes the perfect photo opp.

On this private tour, your small group will receive individualized attention. Audio headsets are provided, if you like, so you can always hear your guide. Ask all the questions you like and learn as much about Venice and the world-renowned sites as you please. 

Things to know:

  • Private tour with expert English-speaking tour guide
  • Your tour will begin at one of Venice’s most photographed locations, the Rialto Bridge.
  • See Venice’s most-famous landmarks and monuments in just a few hours with the flexibility and attention only a private tour can offer
  • See St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge, Marco Polo’s house, Bridge of Sighs & more on this de facto tour of Venice for the first-time visitor
  • Your tour guide will not only educate but also entertain you with the rich history of St. Mark’s Basilica.
  • Skip the line access to St. Mark's Basilica and entrance ticket to the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Ask your guide all the questions you like and learn as much about Venice and the world-renowned sites as you please.
  • Audio headsets available
  • Tour offered on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
  • Tour starts at 9:00 am
  • Check in with guide by 8:45 am
  • Meeting point location - more details are given upon booking

 

Published in Venice Half Day Tours
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