ShoreTrips says...

A visit to Venice is simply not complete without seeing some of the city's most important historic and architectural treasures. Add in a ride on an iconic gondola and now you can say you've been to Venice.

This wonderful tour begins at St. Mark's Square, the heart and soul of Venice. To ensure your time is well-spent, we've included skip-the-line tickets to the spectacular St.Mark's Basilica. One of the most famous churches in the city, this Byzantine masterpiece was originally built to house the stolen body of St.Mark. With more than 500 columns, multiple domes, 9,000 square feet of glittering ceiling mosaics, and a jewel-encrusted altarpiece, the beauty, artistry, and craftsmanship of St. Mark's will leave you breathless.

Although you might not want to leave the Basilica, more fascinating sites await. Just a short walk brings you to the Doge's Palace, the former house of the government of the ancient Venetian Republic. Your knowledgeable guide will relate the origins of the city, the main events which characterized the 1,000 years of her independence, the peculiar political system that the city created, and the main artists of the Venetian School of Painting. You'll also see the Bridge of Sighs and the ancient Prison of Venice.

Your exploration of the city continues with a discovery of Venice's small passageways and ancient bridges, all while your guide provides interesting details that will allow you to form a deeper connection with the "City of Canals".

The tour proceeds with a visit to the "slightly off-the-beaten-path" Santa Maria Formosa, a lovely square surrounded by elegant buildings, children playing and a relaxed ambiance. Your guide will discuss Venetian architecture as you admire the Santa Maria Formosa Church's Baroque and Renaissance facades. Walking on, the back streets of Venice bring you into the Cannaregio district with a sight that is sure to look familiar, the iconic Rialto Bridge. It is here your walking tour concludes, and your waterway adventure begins.

Travel like a true Venetian in one of the city's classic black and gold gondolas, propelled by the power of a very talented gondolier. With a maximum of six people per boat, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience and a new perspective on the romantic city of Venice as you glide through the narrow and winding canals of Saint Mark's district.