St Mark's Square and Doge's Palace

Acquaint yourself with the key attractions of Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on this introduction to the transcendent buildings surrounding Piazza San Marco. You’ll delve into Venice’s warren of streets and cross over several photogenic bridges before reaching colonnaded Piazza San Marco. Gaze in awe at the Basilica San Marco, one of the world’s finest examples of Byzantine architecture. You’ll learn it was built in the late 11th century as a venue for state ceremonies led by the doge, the Republic of Venice’s ruler, and that it only became the city’s cathedral in 1807

Proceed to the Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s Palace, for centuries residence of Venice’s leaders, and climb the impressive Stairway of the Giants. Walk through the Gothic 14th-century building, which is graced by gorgeous rooms with astonishing decorative ceilings and well-known paintings by Titian, Tiepolo, Tintoretto, Carpaccio and Veronese. Cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs into the ancient prison on the other side, where notorious inmates included Casanova, infamous citizen of this endlessly inspiring city.

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Dress appropriately for a religious venue; shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.