ShoreTrips says...

As "first timers," your wish to grasp the landmarks of the city can be met, and then some. Spend three delightful hours with a fabulous guide.

After connecting with your guide, this fascinating tour will begin with an exploration of the elegant Piazza San Marco, surrounded by the governmental buildings of the ancient Republic--the political, religious, and cultural center of it all. Here, we'll enter the shining gold San Marco church, the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Byzantine architecture. Be prepared to be in awe of the incredible Pala d’Oro (Golden Altarpiece).

Now, we'll take a pleasant walk through the Castello District, the largest of Venice's six sestieri (subdivisions). The large campo Santa Maria Formosa will give you the chance to observe a wide array of architectural styles all within a single glance.

The San Giovanni e Paolo Square awaits you next. Here, the huge Dominican church towers over the shimmering marble façade of the former School of Saint Mark. Explore the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, a sort of jewelled casket made of precious marbles. Before reaching Rialto, we'll pass by the Marco Polo house.

Catch the traghetto, a traditional gondola, without seats, that is used to traverse the canal, at Santa Sofia in order to get to the Rialto market. Make everyone think you are a real Venetian by standing the whole time--but be careful, it can get tipsy! You are now heading into the commercial district of Venice. This was the financial and commercial center of Venice for much of its history, one of the most advanced in Europe. The market surrounds the district and, in the morning, this is the liveliest corner of Venice. It's full of locals buying fresh food from vegetable and fish stands. This is always the best place to sip a glass of wine or try some delicious local food.

At the end of this tour, your guide will either escort you back to San Marco Square or show you the way. Either way, it will be easy for you to find your way back!