Campo Santa Maria Formosa

• Visit the centuries-old Venetian market for fruit and fish, that sits along the Grand Canal;
• See the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge crossing the Gran Canal, famous for its artisans and shops selling jewellery, linens, Murano glass and more; 
• Explore the picturesque neighbourhood of San Polo, and visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the largest church in the city that boasts masterpieces by Titan, Giovanni Bellini and Donatello as well as the body of Antonio Canova;
• Discover Campo Santa Margherita, one of the liveliest in the city, filled with bars and restaurants it is a popular hangout spot for the locals;
• Walk through the Dorsoduro neighbourhood and cross the famed wooden Accademia bridge, which offers two of the most iconic views of the Gran Canal;
• Take a stroll down the neighbourhood of San Marco home to the Fenice Theatre, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo spiralling "snail" staircase and of course the famed St. Mark's Square;
• Take in the grandeur of St. Mark's Square and its magnificent buildings, including the Clocktower and the Belltower;
• Step into St Mark’s Basilica to admire the extensive gold mosaic decorations, and hear the story of how St. Mark's body was laid to rest here after Venetian merchants stole it in Egypt and brought it back to Venice;
• Visit the magnificent Doge’s Palace, the former seat of the Venetian government and home to the Doge, the highest official of the republic of Venice for more than 1000 years (tickets included);
• End the tour in a less-touristic area of the city, Campo Santa Maria Formosa, where your guide can suggest dining options or can help you get on a Venetian gondola.

• Step into St Mark’s Basilica, the cathedral of Venice built to house the remains of St. Mark's, and famously decorated with shimmering mosaics;
• Explore the magnificent buildings of St. Mark's Square, including the Renaissance St. Mark's Clocktower, and St. Mark's Campanile, the  tallest structure in Venice and one of the city's most recognisable symbols;
• Visit the Doge’s Palace, built in Venetian gothic style, the former residence of the Doge and the seat of the Venetian government;
• Learn about the sophisticated ruling system of the Republic of Venice as you stand in the opulent Chamber of the Great Council, one of the largest rooms in Europe,  decorated by some of Venice's most famous artists such as Gentile da Fabriano, Bellini and Titan;
•  Walk in the footsteps of condemned Venetians, as you cross the Bridge of Sighs that connects the Doge's Palace interrogation rooms to the New Prison; 
• Enjoy a leisurely walk through Venice, step off the beaten tourist path and explore magnificent Campi (squares) and charming alleys and often missed gems, like the Aqua Alta Library, the house of Marco Polo, and the Church of Miracles;
• Cross the Rialto Bridge, Venice's oldest and most famous bridge, and end your tour with magnificent views of the Grand Canal.

• Explore the famous Rialto Markets and take a stroll down the famed fish market of Venice, which has been taking place here for nearly 1000 years;
• Cross over the iconic Rialto Bridge, designed by the architect "Anthony of the Bridge" in the late 1500s, and take in spectacular views of Venice's Grand Canal;
• Step away from the main tourist path to enjoy some of the city's best sights, such as the gem-like Church of Miracles and quaint Aqua Alta Library, self-proclaimed the "most beautiful bookstore in the world";
• Take a stroll down Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, one of Venice's most important squares;
• Admire the Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo, one of the biggest churches in Venice and the official church for the funerals of the Venetian Doges;
• Marvel at the magnificent Renaissance facade of the Scola Grande di San Marco, originally the home of a major Venetian confraternity, and today the city's hospital;
• See the Equestrian Statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, the first of its kind standing on three feet;
• Admire the iconic view of the Venice lagoon from the waterfront promenade of the Riva Degli Schiavoni;
• Stop by the Doge's Palace, the seat of the government of the Venetian Republic, known as "The Most Serene Republic of Venice", which existed for 1100 years and was once the greatest naval power in Europe;
• Stand in awe of St. Mark's Square and the 99-meter-high Campanile (bell tower) of St. Mark's, once a lighthouse to guide ships;
• Enjoy a guided tour inside St. Mark's Basilica, the former political and religious centre of the Republic of Venice, magnificently decorated with golden mosaics completed in the 12th century.

Please note that St. Mark's Basilica is an active church and can be subject to unforeseen closures due to religious reasons. In cases of closure, you will be given alternative touring options.

• Explore the Rialto area, famed for its markets and of course the iconic Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal;
• Navigate through Venice's maze of "calle" streets and canals with the expertise of your tour guide;
• See Marco Polo’s house, and Santa Maria dei Miracoli Church, often described as the "Marble church" and "treasure chest" due to its precious marble decorations;
• Stop in Campo San Giovanni e Paolo to hear about the "Scuole Grandi" (great schools) of Venice, confraternities founded in the late 13th century, as welfare and religious institutions that resembled present-day lobbies;
• Walk along the Venetian lagoon waterfront and marvel at the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the interrogation rooms of Doge's Palace to the New Prison;
• Learn of the Venetian Doges and the city's complex - and modern - ruling system as you take in the majesty of the Doge's Palace, the seat of the Venetian Government;
• End your tour in the famed St. Mark's Square, the only "piazza" in Venice and learn the fascinating story of how St. Mark's body was brought to Venice and laid to rest in St. Mark's Basilica.