TOUR A - TOUR OF ST MARK'S
Excursions
- 55-65
- 4.5 hours
We start with a visit to the 14th century Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale). Once the seat of the Venetian government and the Court of Justice, the original palace was built in the Byzantine style during the 9th century, and was destroyed by fire many times throughout its history. The present building was rebuilt in the Gothic style during the 14th century. Today it houses an impressive collection of paintings, including works by Titian, Tiepolo, Tintoretto, Carpaccio and Veronese, and its richly-decorated rooms present sensational examples of the city’s former power and glory. During our tour, we will learn about 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 over power to the French.
After leaving the Hall of Magistrates, we will walk over the Bridge of Sighs, a covered passageway that connects the palace and the ancient prison across the canal. The passageway was supposedly named after the noise prisoners used to make when they had their final view of Venice, before they were led to the dark and damp cells.
Next we proceed to the magnificent St Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Romanesque-Byzantine architecture, built as a fitting resting place for the remains of Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of the city. The Basilica’s rich marble decoration and mosaics earned it the name ‘Golden Church’. Inside the Basilica we can admire the famous mosaics. The bones of St Mark were smuggled out of Alexandria by a group of Venetian merchants, who wanted to give the city a prestigious saint as its benefactor, and are entombed beneath the main altar.
We can then enjoy some free time to explore the area independently or explore the shops, before re-boarding our motor launch for the return journey to our ship.
TOUR NOTES: Please note that although passengers can visit these sites independently, this tour is for those of us who appreciate the services of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking. After disembarking our ship, there may be quite a walk to reach our private motor launches; there are also steps to embark and disembark the launches. There will be walking over uneven ground, and also four bridges to climb (there are approximately 30 steps to negotiate per bridge). There are also 50 steps to negotiate at Doge Palace. Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Walking during the period of free time is at the discretion of the individual. Passengers are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Religious practice requires shoulders and knees to be covered when entering St Mark’s Basilica (i.e. no vests or shorts). The use of ‘whispers’ (headsets) is compulsory in Doge’s Palace. It is not possible to take large bags into the Basilica or the Palace. Video cameras are also forbidden inside the Palace. Should our call fall on a Sunday, the tour will be provided in the afternoon where available so that guests can visit the Basilica. Should we be unable to run this tour on a Sunday afternoon, the guide will give an explanation outside.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2011 CANARIES & MED SEASON.
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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