4. Venice: The Discover Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
First, experience a lesser-known Venice, wandering through its back streets and small hidden squares starting from St. Mark's Square and reaching Rialto Bridge. Then, board a gondola and learn a little about what its like living in this unique city. Meet your local guide in front of the Clock Tower in St. Mark's Square, and let yourself be led through the labyrinth of alleyways, squares or campi and hear about the history, stories and the local Venetian dialect.
On leaving the square, you will stop in front of Fenice Theatre, one of the most famous opera houses in Europe. Learn about its glorious but also troubled history. Passing through other hidden corners of the city, you will be able to discover the history of Venice through its prominent architectural sights. Admire the Bovolo Staircase, a Renaissance masterpiece, and one of Venice's finest architectural jewels. This fascinating and complex spiral staircase is part of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and dates from 1499. It is tucked away in a small courtyard close to Campo Manin. Before heading back towards St. Mark's Square, you will make a stop close to the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal and discover what made it the historical center of the commercial area of the city.
The walking tour will finish in Saint Moisè Square, the landing stage of the famous Venetian transportation, the gondola. Relax aboard this historic vessel, enjoying the thrills of both the Grand Canal and minor canals. Admire Venice from this amazing point of view, witness its magnificent architecture and whilst gliding under its bridges, discover secret entrances to the elegant palaces and hidden corners.