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Doge's Palaca & St. Mark's Basilica

Your tour today is an adventure into one of the most recognizable Piazza the world over. Meet your private guide and enjoy a walk into the heart of the center of Venice and its infamous St. Marks Square, the place where you will experience the true atmosphere and energy of Venice. Upon arrival in St. Marks Square, you will learn more about the historical significance of the Square, with its beautiful Basilica and the infamous Doge's Palace with its striking Clock Tower, your points of reference for today. The Doge's Palace, the former residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice, dates back to the end of the 14th C. and only opened as a museum to the public less than 100 years ago. Over the centuries, the Doge's Palace has been restructured and restored countless times, however, many of the original masterpieces of Venetian sculpture that adorned the Palace from the 14th & 15th cetures were stored in secrecy and are today exhibited, on their original columns, in the 6 rooms of the museum. The Palace is comprised of a series of rooms and residential apartments where the Doge lived, secret chambers, institutional chambers, and even holding cells.

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The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark, commonly known as Saint Mark's Basilica, is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. lt is the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of halo-Byzantine architecture. Situated at the eastern end of the Piazza San Marco, the Basilica is connected to the Doge's Palace and was originally the chapel of the Doge, before becoming the city's cathedral since 1807.

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Join us for a glimpse into its opulent design and gold ground mosaics as you learn of its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power. For a truly special, VIP experience, join us for an after-hours visit to the Doge's Palace when the entire venue is closed to the public. A once in a lifetime experience!

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The Islands of Venice

Today we head out into the Venetian Lagoon to discover the Islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, undoubtedly the area's most famous sub,islands, known for their beauty, colorful houses, hand,blown glass, and lace artisan creations. With your very own local expert guide and private motorboat, we'll enjoy a wonderful introduction to the area, as your guide describes the Venetian way of life on this island, its industries, and effect on 'mainland' Venice.

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Our first stop is Murano, a collection of 7 islands linked together by bridges. Here you will explore the island and visit some of the factories, where its world,famous glass is produced, and learn more about this ancient technique. Murano's reputation as a center for glass1naking began when the Venetian Republic, fearing fire and the destruction of the city's mostly wooden buildings, ordered glassmakers to move their foundries to Murano in 1291. For a truly one,ofa,kind experience, ask about our early 1norning options, to visit a Murano glass factory closed to the public. Just you, the artists, and the beautiful surrounding pieces blown on site, right in front of your eyes!

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Then we continue to Torcello, one of the first lagoon islands to ever be populated. During the 10th Century, it reached a population of about 10,000 people, while today, officially, there are less than 15 residents. Symbols of the splendour of Torcello's past re1nain, as do today's main attractions, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of Santa Fosca.

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Last, but not least, is a visit to the island of Burano featuring small, bright and beautifully painted houses, and famous for its production of lace. We'll discover the many small shops selling handmade lace items made from ancient traditional techniques by the dedicated women who learned this craft over generations. Pick up a special gift as a memoir of your visit to this wonderful island town.

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So join us for a classical Venetian excursion to one of the Italy's most sought after corners!

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RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

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• Ristorante Quadri
• Osteria da Fiore
• Trattoria antiche Carampane
• Osteria Ai Artisti
• Ai Mercanti
• Local
• Al Covo
• L'Osteria Di Santa Marina
• Ristorante Riviera
• Terrazza Danieli
• Met Restaurant