Summary:
This incredible private, fully escorted tour enables our Guests to explore the most famous areas and buildings of Venice. Your exclusive, English Speaking Licensed Tour Guide will lead you through Doge's Palace, over the famous Bridge of Sighs, throughout Saint Mark's Square, and into Saint Mark's Cathedral. This four hour exploration provides our Guests with extensive knowledge and facts of Venice as well as enabling our Guests to have photos and memories that last a lifetime. 
                                                                                      Overview:
Waiting on your ship's pier at the time of your preference will be your professional, private and exclusive, English speaking licensed Tour Guide. Holding a sign with your group's name, your Tour Guide will escort you to a boat which will transfer you to Saint Marks Square. Sit back and relax in comfort as you travel through the canals of Venice, admiring the astonishing archetecture and buildings. 

Doge's Palace is one of the most important buildings in Venice. This gothic palace was the former residence of the Doge of Venice.  During your fully escorted tour, our Guests are able to learn about and explore the history, art, and culture of the Venetian Republic. You will visit the former magnificent halls of the Venetian Government which is thoroughly decorated with the most influential and thriving artist of the 16th Century. Explore the private apartments of Doge's Palace and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs which connect the Palace to the old Prison of the Republic. It is here on the Bridge of Sighs that prisoners sighed as they took their last look at freedom through the lone window.

Saint Mark's Cathedral was once the private chapel of the Doge of Venice. Today, it is a historical and active Cathedral of Venice and in the Cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. Marvel at the interior of this beautiful and moving Cathedral which serves as a vivid reminder of the glorious days of the Venetian Republic. During your exploration of the Cathedral, our Guests become in awe of the bright gold and blue mosaics containing gold, bronze, and stones as well as the marble floor and statues.  

Saint Mark's Square or Piazza San Marco, is the main square of Venice. Known as "The Drawing Room of Europe," Saint Mark's Square is a peaceful retreat with birds chirping, music playing, and people talking. Completed in 1177, the square is a popular meeting place full of restaurants and shops. During your guided exploration of the Square, your private English Speaking and Licensed Tour Guide will show and explain to you the St. Mark's Clocktower, as well as other highlights of the square including St. Mark's Campanile, and Biblioteca Marciana.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, including your thorough and complete exploration of Venice, Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square and St. Mark's Cathedral. Upon the completion of your tour, some Guests prefer to stay in St. Marks Square and return to their cruiseship independently and at their own expense while other Guests prefer to return to their cruiseship with the boat transfer we have arranged. Whatever you choose to do, although the tour may have come to an end, you will always be a part of The Guest Planners Family. 

 

                                                                        Customize Your Tour:
Venice is a historical city with many small pathways. Therefore, all tours are guided by a licensed English Speaking Tour Guide. Highlights of this tour include:  
Boat transfer from the port to and from St. Mark's Square
Exploration of Doge's Palace
The Bridge of Sighs
Saint Mark's Cathedral
Saint Mark's Square


                                                                                       Notes:
The tour can be customized to your preference. The order of the tour may be modified to maximize your time and enjoyment. While we will make every attempt to include all parts of the tour as listed above, there is the slight possibility that for reasons beyond our control,  an aspect of the tour will need to be skipped, replaced, or modified. While we suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothing, please respect local customs of covering shoulders and knees when visiting a religious site. Guests will need to walk approximately 1 mile during this 4 hour tour. Please also limit your personal belongings as large bags, backpacks, and even jackets must be checked into the cloakroom before entering the venues for security reasons. Photography is not permitted inside Doge's Palace or St. Mark's Cathedral. Guides are not permitted to lecture inside of St. Marks Cathedral but will walk you throughout the site and point out the major aspects. On Sunday Mornings and church holiday's or sometimes for unexpected functions, tours cannot enter the Basilica. However, there is the possibility on these days that the church will allow you to enter on an individual basis. Tours or individuals will not be allowed inside the Cathedral during high tide as the main entrance will be blocked. Regardless of the day, you tour guide will provide a thorough explaination about the exterior of the Cathedral as well as what can be expected when you tour the interior. Depending on the berth in which your cruise ship is docked, a transfer by boat may not be needed due to its close proximity to the tour. If this is the case, your Guide will still meet you at the pier and as you walk to Doge's Palace, he or she will point out the major sites of Venice.

For your protection and convenience, payment must be made through credit card on The Guest Planners secure payment processing system. We will be happy to accept multiple credit cards for your group. During the tour, we suggest leaving valuables in your onboard safe and only carrying a minimal amount of cash. Our extremely competitive pricing is below. If you have any further questions or if The Guest Planners Team can be of any assistance, including making a reservation, or customizing a tour for your group, please call (305) 933 - 4888 or E-mail Reservations@TheGuestPlanners.com. We look forward to you joining our "Family." Thank you!