Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

The Floating City is really a series of 117 small islands linked by the famous canals, together making up an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Departing from your ship, you will board a water transport for a scenic ride along the Giudecca canal to city center. Here you will enjoy the quintessential Venetian experience, a 30 minute gondola ride along some of Venice's inner canals.

For centuries, gondolas and the traditionally clad gondoliers have been fixtures cruising the water roadways to the city. Until very recently, the role of the gondolier was a guild-trade passed down from father to son. (Venice got its first guild-approved female gondolier in 2009.) This is a truly unique experience filled with scenery that speaks for itself.

After your gondola ride, you'll walk with your guide to the famed St. Mark's Square, or Piazza San Marco. This breath-taking piazza is considered to be among the most beautiful in the world. You'll know you've arrived as the air is filled with music, and the square is crowded with people and pigeons. Within the Square is the spectacular St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, your next stop.

Not only the home of the Doge, Venice's elected ruler, the Palace was also the city's seat of government for centuries, and where some of the most important decisions for Venice's, and even Europe's destiny took place. Transgressions were taken very seriously. Thus, the Bridge of Sighs was 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.

Built more like a castle than a palace, the Palace's ornate façade is a classic example of Venetian gothic architecture. 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.

As if the Palace wasn't dazzling enough, your next stop is truly sparkling. You will leave the Doge's Palace and take a short walk to the Murano Glass Showroom (located in St. Mark's area). The unique beauty of Venetian glass has been in demand worldwide since 1291. Here, in the heart of Venice, you will get to see a demonstration of the ancient craft of glass blowing as well as shop for pieces for your own collection.

After a day filled with incredible experiences and lifetime memories, you will re-board your motor launch for a scenic return to your ship.

Special Notes:

This tour is not available to passengers beginning or ending their voyage in Venice.

The order of sites visited may vary.

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.

In order to access the Doge's Palace and in compliance to safety and security measures manual metal detector controls are mandatory for each single Guest.

At the gondola landing stage Guests will be divided in groups of six people per gondola.

Guests have to be able to negotiate 5 steps in and out of the Gondola that sits low in the water. Guests are kindly requested to carefully follow the gondolier's instructions when boarding the gondola.

Seats are assigned to Guests by gondolier himself to guarantee gondola balance and safety.
Please note that the gondola ride cannot operate in rainy weather, strong wind or during exceptionally high/low tidal conditions.

Gondola ride is unguided and without narration.

Photography is not permitted inside the Doge's Palace.

Please be aware 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.