VENICE CITY TOUR

Ciao Venezia!

No matter how long you plan to be in Venice, this tour is for you! Stroll the quaint narrow streets and discover the city’s secrets. We will hit the highlights in about two hours, and then you are free to wander about, dine or visit sites of special interest.

We will introduce you to:

Ponte di Rialto and Memorable Sights

The picturesque Rialto Bridge, over the Grand Canal, is the oldest bridge in Venice. It is a stunning sight, as it is made of marble and casts a beautiful reflection in the water below. We’ll stop at the site of Marco Polo’s home, the native son who opened the eyes of his people to the wonders of the Far East. We’ll take time to watch the world go by and see local residents going about their business.

Piazza San Marco, Palazzo Ducale

The Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is the main square of Venice. It’s the only one called “the Piazza.” Napoleon once called this elegant outdoor space, “the finest drawing room in Europe.” We’ll also see the famed Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace. This Gothic structure was once home to the chief magistrate (doge), and contains the prison where Casanova was incarcerated. Today it is a fascinating museum.

Optional Doge’s Palace Walking Tour

Consider booking an add-on tour of the palace when our main tour is complete. Explore this fascinating historic site with its Tintoretto frescoes, Viennese paintings and the actual wooden slot where accusations of treason were slipped to the Secret Police. Here, too, is the Bridge of Sighs. The name refers to the last view of Venice a criminal had as he crossed the Rio di Palazzo on his way to prison and it is credited to Lord Byron.

Basilica di San Marco

At the end of the tour you will visit the St. Mark’s Basilica. A wonderful example of the diversity of Venetian architecture, this Byzantine church is known the world over for its onion-shaped domes. On our rare, extended tour you’ll learn of treasures and the lore surrounding St. Mark that make this a fascinating site to visit. The 11th Century mosaics are amazing survivors of the fire and flood that have long plagued this edifice of old.

This tour books quickly, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for information and reservations at info@raphaeltours.com.