The Caffé Florian, on the southern side of the square, claims to be the oldest café in Europe.
There are few places more distinctively and recognizably Venetian than the Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square as it is known in English. Some of the city’s most famous landmarks are located here, and it’s the perfect place to come and wander over the old flagstones in the sunshine, past the enamoured couples and the famous swirling masses of pigeons, and soak up the quintessentially Venetian atmosphere.
Putting a Ring on it
The eastern end of the square is dominated by St. Mark’s Basilica, a world-renowned masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine architecture whose extravagant exterior has long earned it the nickname Chiesa d'Oro (Church of gold). Next to the basilica stands its famous campanile, or bell tower. At 98m high, the campanile is the tallest building in Venice, and one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, with its distinctive rusty brown brickwork contrasting strikingly with the prevailing white and cream of its surroundings.
Red Right Hand of the Doge
South of the basilica, and adjacent to the famous Grand Canal, sits the square’s other major landmark, the doge’s palace. A masterpiece of the Venetian Gothic architectural style, the palace is grand without being overly imposing, and it takes some time to fully take in the extent and intricacy of the carved stonework and delicate arches. On a darker note, you may notice the distinctly reddish tinge of the façade’s 9th and 10th columns, between which a representative of the doge used to appear and announce death sentences to the assembled crowd below.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or you want to make the most of your time in Venice, this full-day tour is the perfect opportunity to see the most popular highlights as well as off-beaten-path landmarks. Discover the architectural and artistic highlights of Venice in a day including St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and more!
On your private tour, you will:
This tour is all about making sure you experience the best of Venice in a single day –nearly an impossible task. You will see the world-famous St Mark’s Square— probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space.
This square is enclosed by the astonishing St Mark’s Basilica and the magnificent Doge’s Palace. Not only will you visit St Mark’s Basilica but also explore the Doge’s Palace, which rises majestically above the waters of the Grand Canal on St Mark’s Square. It remains one of the best examples of Venetian gothic architecture.
Your guide will be sure to show you the highlights, including the Rialto Bridge, famed as the oldest bridge to cross the Grand Canal, its arcade full of small souvenir shops is the best place to buy beautiful Venetian masks and feathers.
You will also visit the breathtaking building of the Frari Church, and the Accademia bridge, and expertly navigate the charming alleyways of the neighbourhoods of San Polo, Dorsoduro, San Marco and Castello.
At the end of your tour, your guide will be sure to give you expert recommendations on how to spend an evening in Venice –from a gondola ride to the best spots for dinner.
If this is your first time visiting Venice, this is half-day tour is the perfect experience to discover two of the city’s must-see sites: St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, and to explore the best of the city of canals in a short amount of time.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Your tour begins with a wow – at the heart of the world-famous St Mark’s Square. Probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space, this square is enclosed by the stunning St Mark’s Basilica and the absolutely magnificent Doge’s Palace, both of which you will visit with your private guide.
The Doge Palace was built in 812 and is celebrated as one of the best examples of Venetian Gothic architecture in the city. Right next to the Doge’s Palace in St Mark’s Basilica, deemed an icon of Italian art and culture; it is indeed one of the city’s top highlights.
Then, your guide will take you off the beaten path for a leisurely stroll as you head towards Venice’s most iconic bridge - the Rialto. Famous for being the oldest bridge to cross the Grand Canal, its arcade full of small souvenir shops.
After walking across this fantastic bridge, your tour will end with magnificent views of the Grand Canal where your guide will give you great recommendations for the best food spots during your stay.
Please note: this tour can be amended in advance to be friendly for children. Please notify us in advance of the tour if you wish for the stories to be told in a kid-friendly way!
Discover the best of "La Serenissima" and immerse yourself in a Venice that is not just gondolas, but a city of canals with many grand palaces such as Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), unique museums and impressive churches like St. Mark's Basilica.
On your private tour, you will:
Trace the city’s fascinating beginnings, learn about its failed defence against the plague and unearth its dark secrets. Your journey will take you through Venice’s grandest central district. The architecture is sublime, the excitement rejuvenating and the atmosphere unique.
You will begin your tour walking towards Venice’s pre-eminent bridge- Rialto Bridge. Famous for being the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal, its arcade full of small souvenir shops is the best place to buy beautiful Venetian masks and feathers.
Your private guide will give you the history of the markets, as they have been operating for over seven centuries. Stroll around the bustling Rialto Markets, a picturesque shop primarily selling fish and vegetables. Take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the market.
Venture through the most magical streets and canals of San Marco, and pass the iconic St Mark’s Square. Probably one of Italy’s most iconic locations and Venice’s largest urban open space, this square is enclosed by the astonishing St Mark’s Basilica and the magnificent Doge’s Palace.
You will see the Doge’s Palace, built-in 812, which is one of the best examples of Venetian gothic architecture. Right next to the Doge’s Palace is St. Mark's Basilica with its gold mosaics and many domes will also be sure to capture your attention.
Your tour will finish with tickets and a tour of St Mark’s Basilica. Your guide will take you on a tour of the historic Basilica, deemed to be an icon of Italian art and culture.
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.
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