VENICE, DOGE'S PALACE & TIME ON YOUR OWN
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Doge's Palace
Built in 1424, the former seat of Venetian government is heralded as one of the city's most memorable landmarks. 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. An interesting feature is the Bridge of Sighs built 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.
St. Mark's Square
Called Piazza San Marco by the locals, Venice's largest and most important piazza holds some of the city's most iconic landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica. A testament to Byzantium's influence on Venice, it's reminiscent of St. Sophia in Istanbul and is adorned with golden mosaics, marble and bronze statues, and five domes. Other sights to see include the 15th century Clock Tower and 100-meter-high Bell Tower.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
The entire city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site acclaimed for its "unique historical, archaeological, urban and artistic heritage" so every photo will sure to impress.
SNACKS
If you choose to purchase a treat, popular street food includes scartosso de pesse frito (fried fish in a paper cone) and creamy and cold gelato.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Departing from your ship, you will board a water transport for a scenic ride along the Giudecca canal to St. Mark's Square, the center of Venice and Venetian Life.
Schedule
Special Notes
Note: The drive between Trieste and Venice is approximately 2 ½ hours each way. A restroom stop will be made on the way. Entrance fees and meals are not included. Please bring along credit cards of local currency. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. 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. 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. 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. Not recommended for passengers using wheelchairs, scooters or with mobility difficulties.
Local regulations require that visitors pay an access fee to visit the ancient city of Venice for selected dates, including your visit on May 1, 2025. This access fee is not included in the cost of the tour and each guest is responsible for paying their own fee prior to entry into Venice. Guests who have not paid the access fee prior to the shore excursion departure time will not be permitted to participate in this tour.The access fee can be paid through the website of the Comune di Venezia (Venice Municipality) at this link: https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en/access-fee.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Doge's Palace
Built in 1424, the former seat of Venetian government is heralded as one of the city's most memorable landmarks. 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. An interesting feature is the Bridge of Sighs built 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.
St. Mark's Square
Called Piazza San Marco by the locals, Venice's largest and most important piazza holds some of the city's most iconic landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica. A testament to Byzantium's influence on Venice, it's reminiscent of St. Sophia in Istanbul and is adorned with golden mosaics, marble and bronze statues, and five domes. Other sights to see include the 15th century Clock Tower and 100-meter-high Bell Tower.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
The entire city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site acclaimed for its "unique historical, archaeological, urban and artistic heritage" so every photo will sure to impress.
SNACKS
If you choose to purchase a treat, popular street food includes scartosso de pesse frito (fried fish in a paper cone) and creamy and cold gelato.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Departing from your ship, you will board a water transport for a scenic ride along the Giudecca canal to St. Mark's Square, the center of Venice and Venetian Life.
Schedule
Special Notes
Note: The drive between Trieste and Venice is approximately 2 ½ hours each way. A restroom stop will be made on the way. Entrance fees and meals are not included. Please bring along credit cards of local currency. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. 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. 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. 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. Not recommended for passengers using wheelchairs, scooters or with mobility difficulties.
Local regulations require that visitors pay an access fee to visit the ancient city of Venice for selected dates, including your visit on May 1, 2025. This access fee is not included in the cost of the tour and each guest is responsible for paying their own fee prior to entry into Venice. Guests who have not paid the access fee prior to the shore excursion departure time will not be permitted to participate in this tour.The access fee can be paid through the website of the Comune di Venezia (Venice Municipality) at this link: https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en/access-fee.