Venice Highlights Tour: A Comprehensive Guide

Venice, Italy is without a doubt one of the most popular and enchanting cities in the world. Known for its charming canals, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage, the city attracts millions of tourists every year. If you’re planning to visit Venice, you may want to experience everything that the city has to offer, but with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your trip. Fortunately, GetYourGuide’s Venice Highlights Tour can help you make the most of your time in the city.

Overview of the Tour

The Venice Highlights Tour is a 3-hour guided tour that takes you to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. You have the option to choose between a small group tour or a private tour, depending on your personal preference. To make the most of your time, the tour includes pre-reserved tickets to both the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, so you can skip the long lines and start exploring right away. A professional guide will lead the tour, providing insider knowledge and expertise at every step of the way.

Highlights of the Tour

1. The Doge’s Palace: The Doge’s Palace is one of the most important landmarks of Venice and was once the center of political power in the city. Built in the Venetian Gothic style, the palace is an architectural masterpiece and houses numerous works of art that date back to the Renaissance period. On the tour, your guide will take you through the Palace’s many rooms, including the famous Bridge of Sighs, the Chamber of the Great Council, and the Doge’s private apartments. 2. St. Mark’s Basilica: St. Mark’s Basilica is another marvel of Venetian architecture and is located in the famous St. Mark’s Square. The Basilica boasts a unique mix of Byzantine and Gothic architecture, and its splendid mosaics on the walls and ceilings tell stories of over a thousand years of Venetian history. On the tour, your guide will take you through the Basilica’s many chapels, explaining the history and symbolism behind each of the artworks. 3. Insider Knowledge: In addition to visiting these two magnificent landmarks, the tour will also provide you with insider knowledge about Venice’s major monuments. As you explore the city, your guide will point out important landmarks and provide historical context, helping you to understand and appreciate Venice’s rich cultural heritage. 4. Personalized Experience: If you opt for the small group tour, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with your guide as you explore the city. This makes for a more personalized experience, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture.

What’s Included

The Venice Highlights Tour includes pre-reserved tickets to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, as well as entry to the Correr Museum National Archeological Museum and Biblioteca Marciana. A professional guide will lead the tour, providing expert knowledge and insider tips to help you make the most of your time in the city. Finally, transportation is also included in the tour.

How to Book

Booking the tour is easy. Simply follow the link to book the tour here and select your preferred date and time. You will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details, including the meeting point for the tour.

Final Thoughts

The Venice Highlights Tour is an excellent way to experience the best of the city in just a few hours. With pre-reserved tickets and a professional guide, you can skip the long lines and get right to exploring the city’s most important landmarks. Whether you’re a history buff or simply want to enjoy the beauty of Venice, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the city.

Frequently Asked Questions about Venice

Venice is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, full of history, art, and culture. It is a unique and charming destination that has something to offer for everyone. In this FAQ, we will be answering some of the most common questions about Venice to help you plan your next trip with ease.

1. What is Venice known for?

Venice is known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and unique culture. It is also known for its famous carnival, held annually, which lasts for two weeks and is a spectacle of color and costumes. Venice is also known for its art, particularly for its famous painters such as Titian, Tintoretto, and Canaletto.

2. When is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner. The summer months can be very hot and crowded, and the winter months can be cold, foggy, and prone to flooding. The Carnival of Venice, held before Lent each year, is another popular time to visit, but be prepared for higher prices and larger crowds.

3. What are the must-see attractions in Venice?

There are many attractions to see in Venice, but some of the must-sees include:

St. Mark’s Basilica

This church is a marvel of Byzantine architecture and is located in St. Mark’s Square, Venice’s central square.

The Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is the main waterway in Venice and is lined with beautiful historic buildings.

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic sights in Venice and is a beautiful stone arch bridge that spans the Grand Canal.

Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace is an impressive Gothic palace located on St. Mark’s Square and was the home of the Doge, the leader of Venice.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This modern art museum is housed in the former home of Peggy Guggenheim and features a wide range of modern and contemporary art.

4. How do I get around Venice?

Venice is a pedestrian city, meaning that the best way to get around is on foot. The city’s many bridges can make it difficult to navigate with a stroller or wheelchair. Venice also has a waterbus system called the vaporetto that runs up and down the Grand Canal, making stops at various points around the city.

5. What is the traditional food in Venice?

Venetian cuisine is known for its seafood dishes, particularly its famous dish, risotto al nero di seppia, or black squid ink risotto. Other traditional Venetian dishes include sarde in saor, a dish of marinated sardines, and fegato alla veneziana, or liver cooked in onions.

6. Is Venice expensive?

Venice can be expensive, particularly during the peak travel season. The cost of accommodation, food, and transportation can be higher than in other Italian cities. However, there are ways to save money, such as staying in a budget hotel or convent, eating at local trattorias, and avoiding the touristy areas.

7. Is it safe to travel to Venice?

Venice is generally a safe city for travelers. However, as with any crowded tourist destination, visitors should be aware of pickpockets and be careful with their belongings. It’s also essential to be aware of the risk of flooding, particularly during the winter months.

8. Can I take a gondola ride in Venice?

Yes, gondolas are a popular attraction in Venice, and you can take a ride along the canals to see the city from a unique perspective. However, gondola rides can be expensive, and it’s essential to choose a licensed gondolier to ensure your safety.

9. What should I wear in Venice?

Venice can be hot and humid in the summer months, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. However, it’s important to dress modestly when visiting churches and other religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must, as the city’s many stairs and bridges can be challenging to navigate in heels or sandals.

10. Do people speak English in Venice?

English is widely spoken in Venice, particularly in tourist areas. However, learning a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful, and locals will appreciate the effort.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Venice

Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world. It is full of history, culture, and beauty. There are many things to do, see, and experience in Venice. In this guide, we will explore some of the best ways to spend your time as a tourist in Venice.

1. Take a Gondola Ride

A gondola ride in Venice is a must-do activity for any tourist. It is a unique way to experience the city and see it from a different perspective. Gondola rides can be expensive, but it’s worth the price for the experience.

During the gondola ride, you will see many of Venice’s famous landmarks, such as the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace. You will also see many beautiful houses and buildings that line the canals.

2. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. It is located in St. Mark’s Square and is an example of Byzantine architecture. The interior of the basilica is decorated with beautiful mosaics and artwork.

Visitors can also climb to the top of the basilica for a beautiful view of the city. It is a popular spot for tourists, so be prepared to wait in line.

3. Explore the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is the main waterway in Venice. It is lined with beautiful buildings and is one of the best places to see the city from the water. There are many different ways to explore the Grand Canal, such as taking a water taxi or a vaporetto (water bus).

Along the Grand Canal, you will see many historic buildings, such as the Ca’ d’Oro and the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). You will also see many beautiful bridges, such as the Rialto Bridge and the Ponte dell’Accademia.

4. Visit the Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace is located in St. Mark’s Square and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It was once the residence of the Doge of Venice and is now a museum.

Visitors to the Doge’s Palace can tour the various rooms and see the artwork and architecture. The most famous room in the palace is the Golden Staircase, which was once used to welcome important guests.

5. Take a Walking Tour

A walking tour is a great way to explore Venice and learn about its history and culture. There are many different walking tours available, such as a food tour or a hidden Venice tour.

During a walking tour, you will see many of Venice’s famous landmarks and learn about the city’s history and culture. It is also a great way to explore some of the less touristy areas of the city.

6. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a modern art museum located on the Grand Canal. It is home to an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Picasso, Dali, and Pollock.

The museum is located in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home and is a beautiful example of Venetian architecture. Visitors can tour the various rooms and see the artwork on display.

7. Watch a Glassblowing Demonstration

Glassblowing is a traditional craft in Venice, and there are many glassblowing workshops and demonstrations throughout the city. Visitors can watch as skilled artisans create beautiful glass objects, such as vases and figurines.

One of the most famous glassblowing workshops in Venice is the Murano Glass Factory. Visitors can watch as the artisans create beautiful glass objects using traditional techniques.

Book Your Tour Now

Venice is a beautiful and unique city with many things to do and see. Whether you take a gondola ride, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, or watch a glassblowing demonstration, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful city.