Is there a more magical place to start a cruise than the City of Masks? Probably not. Gondolas, canals, stunning buildings and the unmistakable air of romance. Stroll around St Mark’s Square, visit the Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco, cross the Rialto Bridge, explore the maze of winding alleys and hidden narrow backstreets and have lunch by the Grand Canal. This is epic grandeur.
From the ship, you walk a short distance along the quayside to join the local escort at the motor launch. You then be taken along the canals to St. Mark’s Basin. Regarded as one of the most impressive locations in Venice, St. Mark’s Square was the political and religious centre of the city when La Serenissima (the Republic of Venice) ruled an empire. Here, you meet with your guide who will take you on a visit to Doge’s Palace that housed the private residence of the Doge, the seat of government and the Court of Justice. The original palace was started in the Byzantine style during the 9th century and has been destroyed by fire several times during its history. The present palace was rebuilt in the Gothic style during the 14th century. Your guide will accompany you through the beautiful rooms and point out the most important ceiling decorations and famous paintings by the likes of Titian, Tiepolo, Tintoretto, Carpaccio and Veronese. You will also learn something of the history of Venice from the Barbarian invasion during the 5th century when the Veneto inhabitants were forced to take refuge among the lagoon islands until 1797, when the last Doge, Ludovico Manin, handed power over to the French. After leaving the Hall of Magistrates, you’ll walk over the Bridge of Sighs, a covered passageway over the canal which connects the palace and the ancient prison where Casanova bragged he escaped from. You will then stop in front of St. Mark’s Cathedral, a magnificent building with the plan of a Greek cross. The Cathedral façade shows the different architectural styles incorporated into the building. Above the main entrance are the Four Horses, bronze copies of those taken from the Byzantine Empire when the Crusaders sacked Constantinople in 1204. You will then have some free leisure time to do as you please before re-joining the motor launch and returning to the ship.
This tour gives you an opportunity to explore two of the islands surrounding Venice. Leaving the pier by motor launch, you will cruise along the idyllic Giudecca Canal and the enigmatic lagoon to reach Murano, a glass manufacturing Mecca since 1291. The island became a sanctuary for glassmakers after furnaces were banned from Venice as a precaution against fire. It is here that you will witness masters of this delicate craft in action during a visit to a working factory. You will then proceed to Burano, a picturesque island dotted with brightly painted houses. Its fame is due to traditional lace making, an art still practised by many of the local women. Following your visit to the island of Burano, you will re-board the motor launch for the return journey.
No visit to Venice would be complete without a ride on a gondola: you will ride through the magical canals of Venice and look at the light reflections glistening on the water. After reaching St Mark’s by motor launch, a short walk will take you to the gondola station; here you will board the gondola for a short ride along the narrow canals. The ride does not include the Canal Grande. After the gondola ride you will have time to explore the streets of Venice at your own pace. At the stated time, you will rejoin your escort at the motor launch waiting for the return trip to the port.