Bridge of Sighs

Visit the Doge's Palace, an important historic landmark that served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. As you explore the seat of a 1,000-year republic, you’ll travel back in time to the Middle Ages. Marvel at the rich details of the magnificent gold staircase and spectacular works of art. Relive the anguish of the prisoners as they crossed the famous Bridge of Sighs. Your admission ticket also includes entry to the Correr Museum on St. Mark's Square. The building was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy.

Escape the crowds on a late afternoon guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and discover 2 of the icons of Venice away from the crowds. Meet your guide by the statue of the winged lion on St. Mark’s Square. Then, enter the Doge's Palace to learn more about the center of power during the Venetian Republic. See the sumptuous apartments of the Venetian rulers, as well as the Hall of the Great Council with its stunning frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto. Hear secret stories behind the art, such as why one doge in the painted series is covered by a black veil. Learn how the were dukes were elected, and what they did. Explore the massive armory and spooky prisons. Cross the Bridge of Sighs on the inside, and hear why it is not quite as romantic as you might have thought! After a short break, continue to the Byzantine basilica of St. Mark's, and see its gilt decorations after the crowds have left for the day. A custodian of the cathedral will unlock its doors so that you can experience like only a doge could. Marvel at the gemstones of the Pala d’Oro altarpiece. Visit the crypt, where the bones of St. Mark are said to be kept. Admire mosaics in the soft glimmer of the evening light, and learn about Venetian art and history from your passionate guide.

Enjoy exclusive, after-hours access into one of the most prestigious landmarks of Venice, the incredible Saint Mark's Basilica, preceded by a thorough and enchanted tour of the Doge's Palace, all in a semi-private group. Meet your guide in one of Italy’s most famous piazzas – St Mark’s Square – noted for its charming, Italian-Gothic beauty, just off the shores of the canal. Head to the Doge’s Palace and learn about the amazing color-changing facade of the Doge’s Palace and why it changes color from day to night. Go to the famous Bridge of Sighs, the last sight for prisoners on their march towards imprisonment. Make your way to Saint Mark's Basilica, the gates of which will have already closed for all other visitors, but will reopen exclusively for you. Admire the Pala D’oro ancient altarpiece up close, an act that is seemingly impossible during hurried daytime crowds. See the crypts where noble Venetians have been laid to rest. Be completely alone in the basilica for the portion of your tour – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Spend the day in one of the world’s most romantic cities on a full-day tour to Venice from Lake Garda. Transfer across the Veneto by air-conditioned bus, and then hop on a private boat to the heart of the city. Following your pick-up from various points in the Lake Garda region, including Limone, Riva del Garda and Bardolino, transfer to Venice with a short coffee break near Soave. The estimated time of arrival in Venice is 11:00 AM. Upon arrival, hop on a private boat and cross the lagoon to St. Mark's. Take a 40 minute walking tour, with a guide and headphones of St Mark's and see many of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as St. Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Campanile. Stroll the main streets to the Rialto Bridge and other monuments of “La Serenissima.” Learn more about the Republic of Venice and how it came to dominant both the east and the west as the “Queen of the Adriatic.” Universally considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the city is built on a group of 117 small islands that are separated by canals. The central sestiere (district) is awash with beautiful squares and crumbling mansions, along with ancient churches, ateliers and bridges. In the afternoon you will have some free time to relax and explore on your own. Get off the beaten path for a more authentic look at everyday life in the city, or just sit back and people watch in one of the many cafés of Piazza San Marco. A boat will be waiting to take you from St. Mark's Square to the transfer bus at approximately 5:45 PM.

Explore the beauty of the Doge’s Palace, one of the most famous museums of the city, just next to San Mark’s Basilica. Discover Many stories and learn everything about this ancient Palace with a local guide. See the most interesting paintings of the museum, Tintoretto’s and Tiziano’s masterpieces. Journey to the past when this beautiful room was full of people discussing the future of Venice. Discover one of the most iconic places of the city from a different point of view. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, like the prisoners, did in the past. You won’t miss a single detail of this amazing and unique palace.

Take part in this guided tour of the Doge’s Palace. Discover the inner workings of the Venetian government. Admire the art throughout the Palace, learn how Bridge of Sighs got its name, and hear stories about the prisoners kept in the Prisons. Meet your guide and be equipped with headphones to hear the fascinating history of Venice. Learn about the Venetian's unique form of government, the role of the Doge (the Duke of Venice), and the notorious Council of Ten, who were created to maintain the security of the State.  Enter the Doge’s Palace with skip-the-line entry to avoid any queues. Listen as your guide discusses the works of art that adorn the walls of the palace and the Byzantine-Gothic style of architecture that went on to influence the rest of the city. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, as prisoners did in the past, to see the Prisons of the Doges Palace. Discuss the notorious torture chambers reserved for enemies of the state, and hear tales of woe about the prisoners kept there.  

Discover the most famous places in the Venice Lagoon, aboard a panoramic eco boat with a single ticket valid for 24 hours to get on / off wherever you prefer. The main stops are the Santa Lucia Station, Punta Sabbioni, Piazza S. Marco and the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. In Murano, a visit to a glass factory is included with a demonstration of glass processing. On board you will be accompanied by the explanations of our author audio guides and you will also have different itineraries available for when you get off our eco-boats. At the San Marco stop you can use priority tickets for the Doge's Palace, home of the Doge and seat of the Grand Council of the Serenissima and the Basilica of San Marco, the symbol of Christianity in Venice: visit the two famous monuments of Venice by skipping the line.

Explore Doge’s Palace in Venice at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour on your phone designed by an expert. Listen to fascinating stories, based on an award-winning storytelling concept, and gain great insights into the most iconic landmark of the city. Start your tour from Porta del Frumento and encounter the enormous interior courtyard. Witness the art of Tiziano, Tintoretto & Veronese. This tour, combining an immersive audio tour with a detailed map of the site, is the perfect companion to the Doge’s Palace and its riveting stories.

Take a walking tour with a professional private guide to explore one of the most celebrated piazzas in the world. St. Mark’s Square is surrounded on 3 sides by magnificent structures such as the 15th-century Clock Tower, the Procuratie Vecchie, Procuratie Nuove and Ala Napoleonica. On the fourth side stands the outstanding St. Mark’s Basilica, with its Clock Tower rising above the open area known as the Mercerie. Your guide will tell you about the history and architectural styles of the Clock Tower, the Bell Tower, the Correr Museum and the Bridge of Sighs. St. Mark’s Bell Tower is the highest structure in Venice. Originally built in the 9th century, it has been rebuilt several times since. It unexpectedly crashed to the ground in 1902 and was rebuilt following the original design, incorporating the ancient bells. The Bridge of Sighs connects the Palazzo delle Prigioni and Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s Palace. It is called the Bridge of Sighs because in times past, convicts were forced to enter prison through this bridge. According to the legend when they had their last glimpse of Venice they would let out a sigh. Visit the interior of St. Mark's Basilica to admire its many treasures, including the Pala d’Oro, the statues, amazing glass and carvings.

Avoid the long lines and discover 2 of Venice’s most important treasures on this walking tour. Meet your guide at Doge’s Palace and walk straight past the long lines of tourists. Walk through what used to be the home of the Dukes of Venice and learn more about this symbol of the city from your guide’s detailed commentary as you admire the numerous Renaissance frescoes located in the building.   Continue your visit to St Mark’s Basilica, where you will once again skip the lines of tourists. Admire the church’s famous gold mosaics and listen to your guide as they explain the meaning of each of these mosaics.   Finally, enjoy a 1-hour walking tour of Venice’s most important locations, learning more about its exotic history and transformation throughout the years as you stroll through its picturesque canals.