Your LivTour’s Private Venice in a Day Tour starts in St. Mark’s Square with amazing views of the 9th century St. Mark’s Basilica. In the company of your private LivTour guide, you will enjoy privileged access as you bypass the often long line of visitors waiting to gain access. This grand Basilica is covered in golden mosaics giving it the apt nickname of “Basilica d’Oro”, Basilica of Gold! This intriguing basilica dates back to the 9th century and has been playing a key role in the history of Venice since then. Venetians love to say: ‘When you’ve heard the stories about the Basilica, you know the story behind the city.’ Your LivTours private guide will make sure you have time to explore its numerous treasures.
Next is the see the Doge’s Palace, the political center of Venice. Conveniently connected to St Mark’s Basilica by a covered walkway, you will get privileged access here by skipping another potentially long line with your LivTours private guide. For seven centuries, this powerful palace has housed the Doge, the Duke. Not only has this been the luxurious home of the Doge, but also the government offices before Italy’s unification, as well as the prisons and courts. Your private guide will share with you the secret stories and the history of the Doge’s private, luxurious apartments, and the impressive halls such as the Hall of the Great Council. Your private tour continues, with the exploration of the spooky prison, the extensive private weapon collection, and a stop at the notorious Bridge of Sighs.
Upon leaving the Bridge of Sighs, the rest of your day will take place outdoors, but first, it is time to refuel by treating yourself to some Venetian delights. Your private guide will get you set up with some excellent suggestions for a quick, but authentic, lunch before continuing your tour.
Setting off on foot, your guide will lead you through windy, narrow streets, into unexpected squares and over bridges all the while sharing with you the history and anecdotes of this romantic city. You will see Marco Polo’s house, hear about his discoveries and the inside scoop on what Venetian thought of him, the picturesque Rialto Bridge, and your guide will say goodbye to you in Campo Santa Maria Formosa, but first they will make sure you are comfortable on your own private gondola. Your half-hour ride takes you through the narrow, picturesque canals in the style of the aristocratic of days gone by and no trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride!