Meet up with your guide on board. The tour will begin with a historical and artistic introduction to Venice with St Mark's Square, after which you will be able to admire the exteriors of St Mark's Cathedral. The Byzantine facades of the Cathedral (one of the most magnificent in the world) will immediately draw your attention. It was built in the 9th century to hold the body of St Mark, Patron Saint of Venice. Only a few pieces of the original structure remain and the present day Cathedral dates back from the 12th, 14th and 15th centuries. The exterior, with its domes, pinnacles and wooden horses, contrasts with the shining golden mosaics of the interior. The tour continues with the Doge's Palace, the residence of the Dukes of Venice and seat of the Venetian government from the 9th century until the Republic fell in 1797. Although there are no longer any traces of the 9th century Byzantine structures, the Palace as we see it today, richly decorated both on the outside and inside, dates back from the 14th century and is considered by many to be the finest in the world. You will then be able to admire the paintings of Tintoretto and Veronese from the top of the famous Golden Staircase before walking through the Grand Council Chamber and out onto the balcony with its fantastic view over the city. You will cross the famous decorated Bridge of Sighs which leads to the prison. The bridge, known in the past as the symbol of the destiny that awaited the prisoners, has more romantic connotations nowadays. Return to the boat on foot.
PLEASE NOTE
- The commentary on St Mark's cathedral will be given outside, as it is not authorised inside.
- Passengers will be able to enter the Cathedral during their free time. Modest clothing required. A long queue can be expected.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes: the tour is entirely on foot.
- There are a lot of steps to climb at the Doge's Palace.
- With your tickets for the Doges' Palace, you will have free entry to the Correr Museum and library.
- Depending on where the vessel is moored, we will arrange for shuttle boats if necessary to provide access to the Doges' Palace.
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Meet up with your guide on board. The tour will begin with a historical and artistic introduction to Venice with St Mark's Square, after which you will be able to admire the exteriors of St Mark's Cathedral. The Byzantine facades of the Cathedral (one of the most magnificent in the world) will immediately draw your attention. It was built in the 9th century to hold the body of St Mark, Patron Saint of Venice. Only a few pieces of the original structure remain and the present day Cathedral dates back from the 12th, 14th and 15th centuries. The exterior, with its domes, pinnacles and wooden horses, contrasts with the shining golden mosaics of the interior. The tour continues with the Doge's Palace, the residence of the Dukes of Venice and seat of the Venetian government from the 9th century until the Republic fell in 1797. Although there are no longer any traces of the 9th century Byzantine structures, the Palace as we see it today, richly decorated both on the outside and inside, dates back from the 14th century and is considered by many to be the finest in the world. You will then be able to admire the paintings of Tintoretto and Veronese from the top of the famous Golden Staircase before walking through the Grand Council Chamber and out onto the balcony with its fantastic view over the city. You will cross the famous decorated Bridge of Sighs which leads to the prison. The bridge, known in the past as the symbol of the destiny that awaited the prisoners, has more romantic connotations nowadays. Return to the boat on foot.
PLEASE NOTE
- The commentary on St Mark's cathedral will be given outside, as it is not authorised inside.
- Passengers will be able to enter the Cathedral during their free time. Modest clothing required. A long queue can be expected.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes: the tour is entirely on foot.
- There are a lot of steps to climb at the Doge's Palace.
- With your tickets for the Doges' Palace, you will have free entry to the Correr Museum and library.
- Depending on where the vessel is moored, we will arrange for shuttle boats if necessary to provide access to the Doges' Palace.
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Cruises
This shore excursion is available for one or several cruises
Florence, Tuscany and the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua
Florence - VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - PORTO VIRO - Padua - CANDA - OSTIGLIA - Verona - MANTUA - Venice
From Venice to Mantua, enjoy a unique cruise. The region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua.
From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua & Milan and Lake Como Extended Stay (port-to-port cruise)
VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - PORTO VIRO - Padua(1) - CANDA - OSTIGLIA - Verona(1) - MANTUA - Milan - Lake Como - Milan
From Venice to Mantua, enjoy a unique cruise through the heart of three Italian regions. The region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua. Wrap up your Italian adventure with an enchanting stay in Milan and Lake Como.
Milan and Lake Como & cruise from Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice
Milan - Lake Como - Milan - MANTUA - VALDARO - Verona - OSTIGLIA - ROVIGO - PORTO VIRO - Padua - CHIOGGIA - VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE
Stop off in Milan, the fashion capital, to explore the city and nearby Lake Como before setting off on your cruise. From Mantua to Venice, enjoy a unique cruise through the heart of three Italian regions. Your trip starts with the region of Emilia-Romagna and its traditional cuisine. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua. Finally, the region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes.
From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua
VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - PORTO VIRO - Padua(1) - CANDA - OSTIGLIA - Verona(1) - MANTUA - Venice
From Venice to Mantua, enjoy a unique cruise. The region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes. Lombardy welcomes you next with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua.
From Renaissance-infused Mantua to the Canals of Venice
Venice - MANTUA - VALDARO - Verona(1) - OSTIGLIA - ROVIGO - PORTO VIRO - Padua(1) - CHIOGGIA - VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE
From Mantua to Venice, enjoy a unique cruise. Lombardy welcomes you with its breathtaking and varied panoramas. You'll visit unique cities such as romantic Mantua. Finally, the region of Veneto opens its doors and invites you to discover Venice, famous Saint Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, the official residence of Venetian dukes.
Timeless Venice (port-to-port package)
VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - VENICE
Set off on a cruise to experience quintessential Venice. Dive into the art of gondola and mask making. Indulge in fine Venetian cuisine and enjoy authentic cicchetti at the edge of the Grand Canal. Find some respite from bustling Venetian life on the charming island of Burano. To top it all off, discover hillside villa masterpieces from the Renaissance.
Venetian Treasures (port-to-port cruise)
VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE - CHIOGGIA - VENICE
If you have dreamed of admiring Venice from a gondola, standing in Saint Mark’s Square, or indulging in the fine food found on almost every corner, join CroisiEurope for a cruise through the calm waters and enchanting panoramas in the Venetian Lagoon. This history-filled cruise includes a side trip to Padua.