Discover the Doge's Palace, one of the most important symbols of Venice and for centuries, the historical seat of the most important political powers of the Serene Venetian Republic. Meet your professional guide in Saint Mark's Square, who will then escort you into this magnificent palace to visit the halls of power and immerse yourself in medieval Europe among hundreds of masterpieces. Dominating Saint Mark's Square, the heart of Venice, the Doge's Palace stands out for its size and its extraordinary structure, where Byzantine, European and Oriental architecture collide. Immediately entering the palace, you will pass through the great courtyard and admire the wealth of details on the famous Golden Staircase. Once inside the palace, you will visit the halls where the Duke (Doge) and his council controlled the fate of the Serene Republic, whilst surrounded by hundreds of artistic masterpieces and discover the political history of Venice and its people. You will be able to admire the paintings realized by some of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance, amongst them, the world's largest oil painting by Tintoretto. Passing through the famous Bridge of Sighs, you will reach the new prisons. The bridge was given its name by the English poet Lord Byron, probably referring to the last breath of the prisoners, who had their last view of the lagoon and of Venice from the window of this bridge, before they were to be imprisoned. The first part of the tour will conclude in the courtyard of the Doge's Palace. You will later proceed with your guide discovering Venice’s most unusual and characteristic corners during this charming walking tour. Experience a lesser-known Venice, wandering through its back streets and small hidden squares starting from just outside Saint Mark's Square and reaching Rialto Bridge. Learn a little about what its like living in this unique city and let yourself be led through the labyrinth of alleyways, squares or “campi” and hear about the history, stories and the local Venetian dialect. On leaving the square, you will stop in front of the Fenice Theatre, one of the most famous opera house's in Europe, learn about its glorious but also troubled history. Passing through other hidden corners of the city, you will be able to discover the history of Venice through its prominent architectural sights. Admire the Bovolo Staircase, a Renaissance masterpiece and one of Venice's finest architectural jewels. This fascinating and complex spiral staircase is part of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and dates from 1499. It is tucked away in a small courtyard close to Campo Manin. Before heading back, you will make a stop close to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal and discover what made it the historical center of the commercial area of the city. End the tour with a gondola ride, this is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty, charm and color of this unique city built on water. This traditional Venetian mode of transport will depart from San Moise Square, where you will be invited to relax aboard this historic vessel. Admire Venice from this amazing point of view, witness its magnificent architecture and whilst gliding under its bridges, discover secret entrances to the elegant palaces and hidden corners of the city. This is not a guided tour - words are not required to embrace the beauty of seeing Venice from the water. You will be assisted in boarding the Gondola, one of the most recognized symbols of Venice - up to 6 persons per Gondola - at the landing stage of San Moisè. Experience how the locals were transported by these beautiful black, elegant row boats throughout history. The gondola was originally built to navigate the canals of this unique city and still hand built in the same way today. With less than 500 gondolas and gondoliers remaining, it is an experience that you must not miss. You can be expected to admire the minor canals in the heart of Venice, soaking up the atmosphere of days gone by, you will cover a short stretch of the Grand Canal, the most famous canal in the world and then back through the narrow waterways return to the starting point on this 30 minute ride. Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice from the water. This 30 minute tour will conclude in the Campo San Moisè, a short walk from Saint Mark’s Square.