Meet your professional guide in front of the Clock tower (not the bell tower) in Saint Marks square. Start your combination tour by discovering the buildings in the square. Enter the Doge's Palace "Palazzo Ducale", a magnificent combination of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the center of the Venetian Empire and the seat of the Venetian Government. Listen to your guide as you pass through its lavish chambers, which display masterpieces by Tintoretto, Titian, and Veronese. Hear about the different roles played by the Doge and his counselors, learn about the history of the Venetian legends as you walk through the passageways towards the prison cells whilst learning about the prisoners and Casanova, Venice's most intriguing escapee. Then continue into Saint Marks Basilica, which majestically symbolizes the lagoon and enshrines the city’s history and Saints relics. With its awe-inspiring gold mosaics, your talented guide will walk you through the church. At 1:00 PM, end the first part of the tour and you will enjoy 2 hours of free time to stroll around Saint Mark's square. You can have lunch (not included) or visit the Correr museum on your own (already included with the Doge's Palace ticket). Start the second part of your combined tour with a classic gondola ride at 3:00 PM or 5:15 PM. The appointment will be 15 minutes before the departure time behind the Correr museum in Saint Marks square (in front of the post office). On this unique exploration of the Venetian romantic canals, unwind and relax into the gentle rhythms and movements of the Grand Canal, appreciating the skill involved in steering the gondola through the intricate waterways of the city. As you sit back and take in the views, you will inevitably become involved in the friendly banter of the gondoliers, who are as much a part of Venetian culture as the gondola itself. ITINERARY Doge's Palace & Basilica departure at 10:45 AM From 1-3 PM 2 hours free time Gondola ride departure at 3:00 PM or 5.15 PM