How to Plan Your Venice: Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica Private Tour

Venice is a city that has captured the hearts of millions of travelers around the globe. This city of love is home to beautiful canals, mesmerizing bridges, and awe-inspiring architecture. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice is the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to plan your Venice: Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica Private Tour without the hassle.

Overview of the Tour

The Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica are undoubtedly two of the most prominent landmarks in Venice. However, the long queues may eat into your sightseeing time. The private tour package includes skip-the-line tickets, which will save you valuable time. You will also have a knowledgeable guide who will offer insights into the sumptuous art and magnificent architecture of the palace and church. After the tour, you’ll have the chance to explore the St. Mark’s Square at a relaxed pace.

The tour is for a private group and is available in both morning and afternoon sessions, allowing you to choose what fits best for your schedule. The package includes a private tour guide, entrance tickets, and pickup.

What to Expect from the Tour

The best way to discover the beauty of Venice and avoid the queues is the skip-the-line Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica tour. Your guide will meet you at Piazza San Marco, the most famous square in Venice, and take you to the two most famous landmarks of the city: St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.

Inside the Doge’s Palace, you’ll find the incredible works of art from the likes of Tintoretto and Veronese while also learning about the palace’s history. Once you’re out of the palace, your guide will take you through St. Mark’s Square, allowing you to discover the city at your own leisure.

St. Mark’s Basilica is often touted as one of the most beautiful churches globally and is a must-visit attraction while in the city. The Church’s gold-laden altarpiece and grand mosaic will surely leave you speechless.

What’s Included in the Tour

The tour offers you the chance to experience Venice in a unique way, appreciating the fantastic history of the city. Your private tour package includes:

• A private, expert tour guide
• Skip-the-line entrance tickets
• Pickup, which will commence at Piazza San Marco
• Refreshments in the form of a water bottle

What to Bring on the Tour

Venice is a beautiful and enchanting city, but it is equally important to ensure that your tour of the city is memorable. As such, you should bring along some essential items:

• Comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved.
• A camera to capture the magic of Venice
• Carry a light jacket or shawl during winter due to the chilly breeze near the canals.
• During summer, be sure to carry sunglasses, a hat or an umbrella at times.

Additional Information

It’s essential to note the requirements for the tour.

• Confirmation for the tour booking will be notified by email.
• This activity is not wheelchair accessible.

Conclusion

The Venice: Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica Private Tour package provides tourists with a fantastic opportunity to experience the best two landmarks in Venice. The tour promises a comprehensive and exciting journey through two of Venice’s most famous sites. Book your tour now and save hours of waiting in line.

Book the tour here and enjoy an unforgettable tour of Venice.

An Insider’s Guide to Venice: Beyond the Tourist Spots

If you’re planning a trip to Venice, chances are you already know about its most famous attractions like Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. However, the city has so much more to offer beyond the beaten path. As a local Venetian, let me take you on a journey to explore the hidden gems of the city that only locals know about.

Local Attractions: Discover the Secret Corners of Venice

While St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace are must-visit sites, Venice has many lesser-known attractions that are worth exploring. For example, head to the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, a building dating back to the 14th century that houses impressive artworks and decorations. You might also enjoy a stroll through the picturesque district of Castello, where you’ll find quiet squares, beautiful churches, and a charming local vibe. If you’re interested in the city’s history, make sure to visit the Palazzo Ducale, once the seat of Venetian power, where you can see ancient cells that held prisoners, stunning artwork, and the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Dining Spots: Taste the Authentic Flavors of Venice

Venice is renowned for its seafood, such as freshly-caught fish, prawns, and lobster, but the city is also home to a fantastic range of vegetarian and meat dishes. Don’t forget to try the traditional Venetian cicchetti, which are small plates of food that are served in bars all over Venice. Stop by a bacaro, a typical Venetian tavern, and try Baccala Mantecato, a creamed cod dish spread on bread, as well as sarde in saor, sardines pickled with onions, raisins, and vinegar. Finally, indulge in some tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert that was first invented in the region.

Cultural Experiences: Embrace the Soul of Venice

Venice is a cultural treasure trove, with a rich history of art, music, festival traditions, and customs. Perhaps visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, where over 60 paintings by the Venetian master Tintoretto are on display. Consider catching a classical music concert at La Fenice, one of Italy’s most famous opera houses, to immerse yourself in the city’s musical history. Experiencing the carnival masks, which have their origins in the Middle Ages and were used to hide people’s identities, are also worth exploring.

Local History: Learn about the Past of Venice

Venice has an extensive and fascinating history. For instance, in the 16th century, the city was plagued by problems with public hygiene due to the proliferation of pigeons throughout St. Mark’s Square. The authorities tried to get the population’s attention, offering rewards for dead pigeons which led to citizens creating touristy trinket shops as a means of obtaining pigeon meat. This marked the beginning of a tradition that persists to this day. Another notable event is that much of the city actually rests not on solid ground but on over 100 islands, all connected by canals that were dug by hand, and using boats is still a way of transportation.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Adventures in Venice

Venice is a metropolis, you don’t have to travel too far from the city center to take some unique adventures. For example, head over to the islands of Murano and Burano, where you’ll be stunned by the beauty of the glass and lacework. You can also try your hand at rowing your own gondola with a local instructor, for which you will gain a unique insight into Venetian history. Finally, hike up to the top of Campanile di San Marco, one of Venice’s most famous landmarks, for a breathtaking view of the city that you’ll never forget.

In conclusion, Venice is an extraordinary and artistic city that has plenty to offer. I hope you’ve enjoyed my insider’s guide and have discovered some interesting new corners of the city to explore. Whether you choose to try some cicchetti or attend a festival, I’m confident that Venice will capture your heart and make for an unforgettable trip.