COMBINATION TOUR - VENICE IN A DAY

CLASSIC GONDOLA TOUR

Take our enchanting gondola tour and glide through centuries of history, allowing yourself to be captivated by the glamour and elegance of the Venetian Palazzi. The perfect way to appreciate the beauty, charm and colour of this unique city built on water, you will be enthralled by what surrounds you.

Relax and enjoy the romantic tranquillity of the Serenissima, unlock the secrets of Venice and her intriguing labyrinth of canals. Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice as the locals have for more than a thousand years. Once upon a time the most noble and wealthy of families would have travelled around by gondola - the slightly eccentric Peggy Guggenheim was the last person to have her own private gondola in the 1960's.

On this unique exploration of the Venetian canals, unwind and relax into the gentle rhythms and movements of the Grand Canal, appreciating the skill involved in steering the gondola through the intricate waterways of the city. As you sit back and take in the views, you will inevitably become involved in the friendly banter of the gondoliers - as much a part of Venetian culture as the gondola itself! This charming tour will take you one step closer to the romantic facades of Venice and will enable you to understand what it was to be truly Venetian.

Duration: 35 minutes

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VENICE PAST & PRESENT WALK

Includes exterior sites of Saint Marks square, Inside the Basilica of Saint Marks, the “Pala Doro (Golden altar).

On this essential guided walking tour, you will be intrigued by the fascinating history of La Serenissima and discover what it is like to live in this unique city.

Walking around this open air museum our informative guide will take you to the external sights of Saint Marks square, the Doges palace, the Sansovino library, the Bell tower, the incredible legends of the Clock tower and the Bridge of sighs and its adjoining prisons. You will discover the extraordinary architectural master pieces and why they were built that way.

Learn how Venice lost out on the trade routes and when the new World was discovered , leaving Venice medieval forever.(avoiding the public queues with our special pass) We enter inside Saint Marks Basilica, which majestically symbolizes the lagoon and enshrines the city’s history and Saints relics. With its awe – inspiring gold mosaics our talented guide will walk you through to one of the main highlights of the Basilica, the “Pala d’Oro” (Golden altar), with masterpieces by generations of Venetian Goldsmiths, universally recognized as one of the most refined and accomplished works of Byzantine craftsmanship and the most precious treasure in the basilica.

Take advantage of our expert guide, hear anecdotes about this remarkable city and its historical characters, Casanova, Marco Polo to name two. This walk is an absolute must for the first time visitor, leaving you knowing so much more about this not so practical but precious city.

* Maximum on this tour 25 pax
* Guide has microphone during this tour
* Large bags and rucksacks are not allowed inside the Basilica, shoulders and knees must be covered when entering into churches.

Duration: 1 hour

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THE MAGNIFICENT DOGE'S PALACE AND THE SECRETS OF ITS PRISON CELLS

The Doges Palace "Palazzo Ducale" is a magnificent combination of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the centre of the Venetian Empire and the seat of the Venetian Government.

It was once the residence of the Doge, the elected ruler of the city. Listen to our informative guide as you pass through its lavish chambers, which display masterpieces by Tintoretto, Titian, Veronese and Bellini.

Hear about the different roles played by the Doge and his counsellors, be entertained by our informative guide and learn about the history of the Venetian legends as you walk through the eerie, narrow passageways towards the prison cells whilst learning about the prisoners and of course, Casanova, perhaps Venice's most famous and intriguing escapee.

Duration: 1 hour

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GRAND CANAL BOAT TOUR - 1 hour 10 min.

The Grand Canal of Venice is the most spectacular 'high street' in the world. The beautiful palaces were constructed over hundreds of years and slowly the Grand Canal became what it is today.

Our tour helps you to imagine what the Grand Canal was like when there were still gardens, 'squeri' (where the gondolas were built), warehouses, and stone-masons. Why are there so many palaces with differing styles of architecture? Why are there those moorish and eastern style windows? Our guide will entertain you with stories of the most historical palaces (many having famous owners). Our narrated tour helps you recognize each palace, who lived where, and to discover why the poets & writers such as Shelley, Byron, & Browning loved this city. This 70 min tour includes a cruise along the city's more secluded waterways to enjoy the picturesque small bridges and 'off the beaten track'' sights, to introduce you to a quieter Venice.

Venice was built to be appreciated from the water, the facades of the city can only be seen from the canals. Enjoy a glass of the famous Bellini cocktail while taking in these special sights. This boat tour is enjoyable for all ages and gives your feet a well-earned rest! Our boat tour in a private motor-launch gives you a great overall view of the city, covering many of the sestieri (areas).

Departs:	SUMMER 19th March - 18th November:Daily WINTER 19th November - 18th March:Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Tour Cost:	89,00 Euro p.p.