Tour difficulty

  • Easy
  • Medium
  • Hard

Duration

2 hours

Venice Walking Tours: Art and Museum Tours

The Unique Sites of Venice

 

Description

Your guide will greet you between the square columns in Piazza San Marco to start your tour at St. Mark’s Basilica. This basilica, which was built about 1,000 years ago, has a strong Byzantine influence due to Venice’s trade with the east. With an explanation of the history and importance of St. Mark’s Basilica, which is one of the most renowned and splendid churches in the world. You will marvel at its dazzling mosaic-covered domes, its golden altarpiece, and its precious relics. You will learn about the myths and stories behind its creation and decoration, and how it reflects the richness and power of Venice in the Middle Ages.
 

Next, you will enter the Doge’s Palace, which was the center of the Venetian government for centuries. You will explore its magnificent rooms, such as the Hall of the Great Council, where crucial decisions were made, the Chamber of the Council of Ten, where secret trials were held, and the apartments of the doge, where he lived and worked. You will also see some of the masterpieces of Venetian art, such as paintings by Tintoretto, Veronese, and Titian.
 

Finally, you will cross the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace with the prison. You will learn why it is named so, and what it meant for the prisoners who crossed it. You will also enjoy a scenic view of the canal and the city from the bridge.
 

The tour will end at Piazza San Marco, where you can continue to explore the area on your own or join another tour. Your guide will give you some suggestions and recommendations on what to see and do next. You will have a remarkable experience of Venice’s history, culture, and art.

What's Included

  • Expert, licensed English-speaking guide
  • Private tour of St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
  • Skip-the-line tickets
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Other Info

  • This is a private tour – your party only
  • This tour is not available on Sundays
  • Modest attire is required in churches and basilicas; knees and shoulders must be covered.
  • Large bags and umbrellas are not allowed in the museum; retrieving checked items could affect your ability to cover the entire suggested itinerary.
  • Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour requires a fair amount of walking.
  • This tour is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or people with walking disabilities. However, please contact us directly and we will take you on alternative routes suitable for you.

Faq

Is there a dress code I should know about?
There is a dress code for churches and basilicas. Shoulders and knees must be covered; shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. It is also recommended that you not take large bags or backpacks on tours that include churches as you may not be permitted to enter and storage accommodations are not usually available.
What if there is bad weather?
Our tours operate rain or shine!
Is tipping customary in Italy?
Tipping is indeed customary in Italy ! It is considered a kind gesture and proper etiquette to leave “a little something extra” depending on the level of service you receive. For a private guide it is suggested to leave 15 – 25 euros for a typical 3-hour tour.
What happens after I’ve requested a booking through your website?
Your Own Italy will send a confirmation email within 24 hours of your booking. You will then be invited to make your payment using a link that will be provided.
Can wheelchair users go on this walking tour?
Not all walking tours are fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities. However, if anyone in your group requires special accommodation, please let us know when completing the booking and we will work out suitable alternative routes.
Can tours be modified?
Yes, we will do our best to adjust any tour to accommodate special requests.
How far in advance should I book my walking tour?
Tours should be booked 48 hours in advance. While we cannot guarantee availability if booking occurs in less than 48 hours, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
What are Your Own Italy’s payment terms?
Full payment is due when the tour confirmation email is sent, within 24 hours of your booking. You will be provided with a link to our payment page. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
What is your cancellation policy?
Tours must be canceled by email 24 hours prior to the start of the tour. If cancellation is made in less than this time, Your Own Italy cannot guarantee a full refund.
How do I amend a reservation?
Any changes to existing reservations must be requested by email. All efforts will be made to accommodate changes, but they cannot be guaranteed.
What should I do if I have a larger group than the size suggested on the website?
Your Own Italy is delighted to accommodate large groups. Please specify the number in your party when booking, and every effort will be made to organize a tour within the time limits provided.

Meeting Point

Please specify when booking whether you would prefer to meet your private guide at your accommodations or at a designated point near the highlights of the tour.

Duration Of Tour

Walking Tours last approximately 3 hours unless otherwise specified.
Tour times are average – some groups prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer sites, with your private guide, this is your option.