Venice in a Day: St. Mark’s, Doge’s Palace, Murano & Burano with Gondola Ride

Discover Venice's charms

Immerse yourself in the splendor of Venice with this all-encompassing day tour. Your day begins in the company of an English-speaking guide at St. Mark's Basilica, an architectural marvel adorned with 8,000 sqm of luminous gold mosaics. Skip the line and step into its hallowed halls, where you'll be awed by the Pala d'Oro, a Byzantine altarpiece studded with 1,900 gems. Don't miss the Quadriga of St. Marks, a set of Roman bronze statues so precious they were looted during the Fourth Crusade! Next, continue to the Gothic-style Doge's Palace, once the political and judicial hub of Venice. Cross the infamous 'Bridge of Sighs' and imagine the sighs of prisoners catching their last glimpse of the city.

After admiring Venice’s architectural gems, relish a serene gondola ride through the city’s charming canals.

Experience true craftsmanship

Post this quintessential Venetian experience, you can choose to extend your adventure and visit the world-renowned islands of Murano and Burano. Witness the magical transformation of molten glass into intricate forms during a glass-blowing demonstration in Murano, known for this ancient artistry since the 13th century. Later, travel to Burano, a kaleidoscope of brightly colored fishermen's houses. Here, absorb the intricate craft of lace-making, passed from generation to generation. This tour, limited to a small group, ensures an intimate and personalized Venetian journey.

Itinerary

Half-day tour

• St Marks Basilica

• Doge's Palace

• 30-minute gondola ride

Full-day tour

• St Marks Basilica

• Doge's Palace

• 30-minute gondola ride

• Glass-blowing demonstration at Murano Island

• Lace-making demonstration at Burano Island

Venice in a Day: St. Mark’s, Doge’s Palace, Murano & Burano with Gondola Ride

Discover Venice's iconic landmarks on this immersive sightseeing tour that includes visits to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, among other must-see attractions like Murano for glass-making workshops and Burano for lace-making demonstrations. The day begins early in the morning with a guided exploration of San Marco Square, followed by a 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s intricate canal network. Tourists can enjoy skip-the-line access at St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace, ensuring a stress-free experience. With audio guides available in English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese, this tour caters to an international audience. The full-day package allows you to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture with ease. Key highlights include 10 hours of guided sightseeing across Venice's historic center, Murano Island, and Burano Island.

Explore St. Mark's Basilica

Your tour stops at St. Mark's Basilica where you will marvel at its Byzantine architecture built in the early 9th century. Covering an area of approximately 8,000 square meters, this basilica is renowned for its golden mosaics and intricate marble decorations. Notable features include Pala d'Oro, a stunning altarpiece dating back to the 12th century, and the Basilica's famous horses from Constantinople that were brought here in 1254. Visitors typically spend about an hour inside the basilica, exploring its vast collection of religious artifacts and artwork. Unlike other cathedrals, St. Mark’s stands out due to its unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in medieval history and art.

Admire Doge's Palace

Your tour continues at the magnificent Doge's Palace where you will witness the grandeur of Venetian governance. Constructed between 1309 and 1424, this palace covers an area of approximately 25,000 square meters with its most notable feature being the Bridge of Sighs connecting it to the New Prison. The interior showcases stunning Gothic architecture and intricate frescoes from artists like Titian and Tintoretto. Visitors typically spend around two hours exploring the various chambers and courtyards that depict Venetian history, including the Hall of the Great Council with its impressive ceiling paintings. Unlike other palaces, Doge's Palace is unique for its role as both a residence and administrative center, providing unparalleled insight into Venice’s political past.

Experience Murano Glass

The tour takes you to Murano Island where artisans demonstrate their glass-blowing techniques dating back over 700 years. Covering an area of roughly 12 square kilometers, the island is renowned for its intricate glassware and colorful decorations. Visitors typically spend about two hours here, visiting several workshops and learning how each piece is meticulously crafted by hand. Unlike other tourist destinations, Murano’s glass-making tradition has been preserved through generations, making it a unique cultural experience that showcases Venice's artistic heritage.

Discover Burano Lace

The tour concludes on the picturesque island of Burano where visitors can explore its vibrant houses and learn about traditional lace-making. Established in the 16th century, this small island covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometers and is famous for its colorful facades and intricate lace designs. Tourists typically spend around two hours here, visiting local shops and workshops to see how lace is meticulously crafted by hand using age-old techniques. Unlike other craft destinations, Burano’s lace-making tradition has been passed down through generations, providing a unique glimpse into Venice's cultural history.

Tour Highlights

• Explore St. Mark's Basilica with skip-the-line access
• 2-hour tour of Doge's Palace with English-speaking guide
• 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s historic canals
• Audio guides available in 8 languages including English and Italian
• Full-day trip to Murano Island for glass-blowing demonstrations
• Two hours exploring Burano Island's lace-making workshops
• Access to all major landmarks in Venice, Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Square
• Convenience of round-trip transportation from central Venice

Perfect for history enthusiasts, culture buffs, and first-time visitors, this full-day tour provides an unparalleled glimpse into Venice's rich cultural heritage through its iconic sites and traditions. The immersive experience allows you to explore the intricate details of St. Mark’s Basilica, delve into Venetian politics at Doge’s Palace, marvel at Murano glass-making techniques, and appreciate Burano lace craftsmanship.