Ca' Rezzonico, Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica

4.5 hours | Venice | V C E - 2 2 0
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Points of Interest

  • Doge's Palace
Strenuous activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Departing from your ship, you'll board a water transport for a scenic ride to one of Venice's most recognizable landmarks - St. Mark's Square, or as it's known locally Piazza San Marco.

Considered one of the most beautiful Piazzas in the world, it is also one of the most famous. As you may expect, it's abuzz with activity. Music is floating in the air. Surrounding the Square are several very significant and spectacular buildings. You'll take a short walk to your tour's first stop -the magnificent 13th century Doge's Palace.

Not only the home of the Doge, Venice's elected ruler, the Palace was also the city's seat of government for centuries, and where some of the most important decisions for Venice's, and even Europe's destiny took place. Transgressions were taken very seriously. Thus, the Bridge of Sighs was built in the 16th century to link the Palace directly to the city's prison dungeons. When you look at the bridge, you'll notice two small windows. They provided prisoners their last look at Venice before being locked up. The name comes from their sighs of despair.

Constructed more like a castle than a palace, the Palace's ornate façade is a classic example of Venetian gothic architecture. As you tour its stunning interior, you will get to see the famous Golden Staircase, the Great Council Chamber, and paintings by such masters as Tintoretto and Veronese.

After your visit, your knowledgeable guide will give you a brief talk explaining more about the history and importance of the area before escorting you to spectacular St. Mark's Basilica.

A breath-taking landmark, this famous basilica is unlike any other. A testament to Byzantium's influence on Venice, it's adorned with golden facade mosaics, marble and bronze statues, and five domes, reminiscent of St. Sophia in Istanbul. You'll have an inside-view of the splendor that reflects not only Christian devotion, but also the wealth and success of this great city.

You'll then depart St. Mark's Square for an unguided ride on Venice's celebrated Grand Canal to the beautiful Ca' Rezzonico. The Grand Canal was once considered the "high rent" district of Venice. Looking along the canal banks, you'll notice them lined with ornate buildings dating from the 13th to 18th century and demonstrating the wealth and art of the times. Ca' Rezzonico is a perfect example.

Completed in 1756, with a rich history (that includes a Pope and poet Robert Browning), today the Palazzo is a museum dedicated to 18th century Venice. Once inside it is easy to imagine life as a Venetian aristocrat surrounded by antique furnishings and rare artwork. Climb the ceremonial staircase to the magnificent ballroom with its frescoed ceiling, and then continue to the Long Gallery and the other glorious rooms.

Your historic adventure comes to end as your water launch transports back to your ship, and back to the marvels of present-day Venice.

Special Notes:

This tour is not available to passengers beginning or ending their voyage in Venice.

The order of sites visited may vary.

In order to access the Doge's Palace and in compliance to safety and security measures manual metal detector controls are mandatory for each single Guest.

This tour will not operate on Tuesdays as Ca' Rezzonico is closed.

On Sunday mornings, church holidays or during services, tour groups are not allowed inside St. Mark's Basilica. However, time permitting and if the church permits, entry may be allowed on an individual basis to view the interior quietly and reverently; your guide will not be able to enter with you.

The journey on the Grand Canal will be partial, not all canal will be sailed.

Tours are also not allowed inside the Cathedral during high tide in which case the main entrance will be blocked.

As this excursion involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces, it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.
The venues are not accessible to wheelchairs.

Photography is not permitted inside the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and Ca' Rezzonico.

Please be aware that ongoing restoration work is often being carried out at the various venues visited.

Crowds and delays may be encountered at the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Cathedral.

No lecturing is permitted inside the cathedral therefore the explanation will be provided from the outside. The guide will then lead the group along a set course inside the cathedral.

Proper attire that covers shoulders and knees must be worn by both men and women in St. Mark's Basilica.

For security reasons, large bags, backpacks, etc, must be checked before entering the venues. It is recommended to not bring such items during this tour in order to avoid long waits at the checkroom.

Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.

Details

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship for a visit to St. Mark's Square

Transport type:
Motorized Vessel
Transport Capacity:
75
Travel time:
00:20
Time at site:
00:20
Inside visit:
No
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
547
Steps:
160
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No

Visit of the Doge's Palace

Transport type:
Walking
Time at site:
01:10
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
547
Steps:
200
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
Yes

St. Mark's Basilica

Transport type:
Walking
Travel time:
00:20
Time at site:
00:10
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
110
Steps:
10
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
Yes

Walk back to the motor launch and unguided transfer along a part of the Grand Canal

Transport type:
Motorized Vessel
Travel time:
00:20
Time at site:
00:20
Inside visit:
No
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
164
Steps:
30
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Guided tour of Ca' Rezzonico

Transport type:
Walking
Time at site:
01:10
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
273
Steps:
100
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
Yes

Re-board your vessel and return to Marittima Pier

Transport type:
Motorized Vessel
Transport Capacity:
75
Travel time:
00:20
Inside visit:
No
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
656
Steps:
90
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No