Venice: Basilica, Doges Palace, Gondola and Lagoon Islands

Venice is a captivating city that beckons travelers to explore its enchanting sights. Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, admiring its stunning golden mosaics, and uncover the historic secrets of the Doge’s Palace. A gondola ride along the iconic Grand Canal and an excursion to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano promise to showcase the city’s renowned artistry and vibrant traditions. With so much to discover, one can’t help but wonder what other treasures await in this floating marvel.

Key Points

• This comprehensive tour offers a seven-hour to two-day exploration of Venice’s iconic attractions, including St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, gondola ride, and visits to Murano and Burano islands.
• The tour is priced from $162.67 per person and includes skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, as well as a glass factory tour.
• The guided visit to St. Mark’s Basilica showcases its architectural masterpiece adorned with golden mosaics and Byzantine splendor, including the Pala d’Oro altarpiece and Horses of St. Mark.
• The guided visit to Doge’s Palace explores the grand Gothic-style palace, the historical seat of Venetian political power, and includes a crossing of the famous Bridge of Sighs.
• The guided visit to Murano and Burano islands offers an opportunity to explore the Murano glassblowing factory and the colorful streets of Burano, known for its lacemaking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Venice Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive seven-hour to two-day exploration of the city’s most iconic attractions.

The Venice Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive seven-hour to two-day exploration of the city’s most iconic attractions.

Priced from $162.67 per person, the tour provides skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, and a visit to the Murano glass factory.

Available in English and Spanish, the tour can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests will enjoy the expertise of knowledgeable guides as they enjoy Venice’s rich history and culture.

With flexible scheduling and an array of inclusions, this tour is a must-do for visitors.

Itinerary Details

While the Venice Highlights Tour offers a versatile itinerary spanning one or two days, the first day focuses on the city’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors begin with a guided visit to St. Mark’s Basilica to admire its ornate gold mosaics. This is followed by a tour of the Doges Palace, where they’ll learn about Venice’s historical governance. The day then culminates with a tranquil 30-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Guests have the option to enjoy a leisurely lunch before embarking on the second day’s exploration of Murano and Burano islands.

| Day 1 | Duration |

| — | — |

| St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Visit | 1 hour |

| Doges Palace Guided Visit | 1 hour |

| Gondola Ride on Grand Canal | 30 minutes |

| Day 2 | Duration |

| — | — |

| Murano & Burano Islands Guided Visit | – |

| Glass Factory Tour and Demonstration | 30 minutes |

St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Visit

Visitors begin their Venice Highlights Tour with a guided visit to the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica. This architectural masterpiece dazzles with its golden mosaics and Byzantine splendor. A knowledgeable guide leads the way, sharing insights into the basilica’s history and significance as the spiritual heart of Venice.

Guests marvel at the ornate interiors, including the Pala d’Oro altarpiece and the Horses of St. Mark. After exploring the main cathedral, the tour continues to the crypt and the terrace, offering breathtaking panoramic views over St. Mark’s Square.

This immersive experience provides a captivating introduction to Venice’s rich cultural heritage.

Doges Palace Guided Visit

After exploring the opulent interiors of St. Mark’s Basilica, the tour continues to the iconic Doges Palace.

This grand, Gothic-style palace was once the seat of Venetian political power. During the guided visit, you’ll:

1. Marvel at the magnificent Sala del Maggior Consiglio, the largest room in the palace, adorned with intricate frescoes.

2. Venture across the famous Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners would take their final glimpse of Venice before being imprisoned.

3. Descend into the Doges Palace Prisons, a dark and foreboding complex that held some of Venice’s most notorious criminals.

4. Gain insights into the Republic of Venice’s complex governance and history from your knowledgeable guide.

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Gondola Ride on Grand Canal

After exploring the opulent interiors of St. Mark’s Basilica and the historic Doges Palace, the tour continues with a leisurely gondola ride along the iconic Grand Canal.

Gliding effortlessly through the serene waterways, guests are treated to a front-row view of Venice’s stunning architecture and picturesque bridges.

The gentle rocking of the gondola and the soothing strokes of the gondolier’s oar create a tranquil and romantic atmosphere.

The gentle rocking of the gondola and the soothing strokes of the gondolier’s oar create a tranquil and romantic atmosphere.

This quintessential Venetian experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the city’s unique ambiance and appreciate its timeless beauty from the water’s perspective.

Murano & Burano Islands Guided Visit

Following the gondola ride, the tour continues with a guided visit to the charming Venetian islands of Murano and Burano.

Visitors will:

1. Explore the renowned Murano glassblowing factory, witnessing skilled artisans create intricate glass masterpieces in a live demonstration.

2. Stroll through the colorful streets of Burano, admiring the vibrant, lace-adorned houses and learning about the island’s rich history of lacemaking.

3. Gain insights into the unique culture and traditions of these picturesque lagoon islands from the knowledgeable tour guide.

4. Appreciate the scenic boat ride to and from the islands, offering panoramic views of the Venetian Lagoon.

Glass Factory Tour and Demonstration

The highlight of the Murano island visit is the glass factory tour and demonstration. Visitors witness skilled artisans transforming molten glass into intricate masterpieces. The process is both captivating and fast-paced, showcasing the centuries-old Venetian glassblowing tradition.

| Highlights | Duration |

| — | — |

| Glass Blowing | 30 minutes |

| Glass Sculpting | 15 minutes |

| Jewelry Making | 10 minutes |

Guests depart with a newfound appreciation for the artistry and precision required to create these exquisite Murano glass pieces. The live demonstrations provide an immersive glimpse into Venice’s renowned glassmaking heritage.

Highlights and Experiences

The Venice Highlights Tour offers visitors a comprehensive and immersive experience of the city’s renowned landmarks and cultural heritage.

Guests will:

1. Marvel at the golden mosaics and architectural splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica.

2. Uncover the intriguing history and political power of the Doges Palace.

3. Glide along the iconic Grand Canal on a traditional gondola ride.

4. Witness the centuries-old art of Murano glass-blowing with a live demonstration.

These highlights provide an unforgettable journey through Venice’s rich history and vibrant culture, leaving visitors with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the city’s enchanting charms.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating essence of Venice. Witness the ornate beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica, explore the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace, glide along the enchanting Grand Canal, and discover the vibrant artistry of Murano and Burano. This comprehensive tour offers an unforgettable journey through the city’s rich history and cultural traditions, leaving you with cherished memories of Venice’s enchanting allure.

You can check availability for your dates here: