A true open-air museum, Venice is a historic city full of treasures, sometimes hidden in its basilicas, nestled on neighboring islands or exhibited in sumptuous palaces that have found a second life.
A rich heritage that can be discovered along the Grand Canal, on foot, by vaporetto or by gondola.
To discover
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Marvel at the Doge's Palace and cross its Bridge of Sighs
View of the Doge's Palace from a gondola.
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As soon as you arrive in Piazza San Marco, it is impossible not to notice the splendor of the Doge's Palace.
Erected in 1340, the Ducal Palace was once the seat of power and grandeur of the lagoon city.
Admire its Gothic architecture and take the Scala d'Oro, the golden staircase that leads upstairs.
We go through the Sala del Maggior Consiglio with its sublime fresco The Paradise, the Apartment of the Doge and we finish by crossing the Bridge of Sighs, which served as a link with the prisons.
From now on, the famous bridge has restored its reputation since it has become a symbol of romance for the couples who sail below.
GUIDED TOUR OF THE DOGES PALACE
Discover the treasures of Saint Mark's Basilica
Located in the square of the same name, Saint Mark's Basilica is a jewel of Italian heritage.
Ekaterina Belova
Adjoining a few meters from the palace, Saint Mark's Basilica is a jewel of Italian heritage, the center of religious but also public life in the city.
We admire its exterior facades with Byzantine influences, before entering and contemplating the golden mosaics that cover the interiors.
Behind the altar and its columns stands the Pala d'Oro, an altarpiece in gold and precious stones.
We end the visit by accessing the Loggia del Cavalli, a balcony that offers a breathtaking view of Piazza San Marco, which in February is adorned with its most beautiful colors at the time of the Carnival of Venice.
DISCOVER SAINT MARK'S BASILICA
Cross the Grand Canal on the Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest in Venice.
AlexAnton
From Piazza San Marco, you reach the district of San Polo by crossing the Rialto Bridge, the oldest in Venice.
Formerly, it was the only bridge that spanned the Grand Canal and thus allowed the city to have a commercial activity.
We take the time to breathe the fragrant air of the nearby Rialto Market, and we watch the gondolas sail on the calm waters of the lagoon.
PRIVATE TOUR WITH FRANCOPHONE GUIDE
Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is a splendid religious building.
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Located in the Dorsoduro district, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is a splendid religious building, a symbol of hope.
And for good reason, it was built in the 17th century to celebrate the deliverance from the plague.
Once inside the octagonal basilica, you set foot on a noble marble floor with geometric patterns and look up at paintings by Titian and Tintoretto, as well as a remarkable sculpture representing a Virgin with the 'child.
BOOK THE VENICE TRANSPORT CARD
Discover contemporary works at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Palazzo Venier dei Leoni houses the works of the greatest artists of the 20th century such as Picasso, Dali, Kandisky and Magritte.
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We take the direction of the Accademia bridge and on the way discover the impressive art collection contained in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, in the heart of the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.
The former home of the American patron converted into a museum, houses the works of the greatest artists of the 20th century such as Picasso, Dali, Kandisky and Magritte.
The collection continues outdoors with, in particular, the Angelo della Città, a sculpture by Marino Marini, placed near the Grand Canal.
DISCOVER THE PEGGY GUGGENHEIM COLLECTION
Combine culture and history at Palazzo Grassi and Punta Della Dogana
Nestled in the old customs of the city, the Punta Della Dogana will delight lovers of contemporary art.
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Across the bridge from the Accademia in the San Marco district, Palazzo Grassi - closed on Tuesdays - is a former palace that now houses collections of modern and contemporary art.
Another property of the Pinault Foundation accessible with the same ticket, the Punta Della Dogana is a high place of contemporary art, nestled in the old customs of the city.
After its visit, we take advantage of its romantic location overlooking the San Marco basin.
COMMENTED WALK ON THE GRAND CANAL
Marvel at Bellini's Madonna at the Galleria dell'Accademia
The Galleria dell'Accademia brings together works by great Italian painters such as Bellini, Giorgione or Titian.
Guido
Formerly a church, convent and school, the Galleria dell'Accademia retraces the history of the city through an impressive collection of pictorial works, which stretches from the 14th to the 18th century.
We admire the talent of the greatest Venetian and Italian masters such as Bellini, Veronese, Giorgione, Titian or even Tintoretto, who influenced European art for centuries.
BOOK TRANSFERS IN VENICE
Stroll through the Giardini della Biennale and intrude on the Arsenal
The city's Arsenal exceptionally opens its doors to the public each year during the Biennale.
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Considered the green lung of the city, the Giardini della Biennale, nestled in the Castello district, are public gardens in which it is good to recharge your batteries.
Commissioned by Napoleon, this huge park is also an exhibition space for the prestigious Venice Biennale.
During the contemporary art event, the city's Arsenal, a few meters away, exceptionally opens its doors to the public and exhibits works for a few months.
DINNER CRUISE ON A VENITIAN GALLEON
Discover “The Last Supper” in the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore
On the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the basilica houses the famous painting by Tintoretto: The Last Supper.
Yudai Ibusuki
After a vaporetto ride, we travel to the small island of San Giorgio Maggiore, which faces Piazza San Marco.
The islet essentially consists of an imposing basilica where you can admire the most famous painting of Tintor and The Last Supper, among other works of the time.
The Campanile of the church offers a breathtaking view of Venice and its lagoon, bathed in the late afternoon sun.
CAPE TO THE ISLAND OF SAN GIORGIO MAGGIORE
Set sail for the Murano and Burano islands
The islands with colorful houses of Murano and Burano can be reached by vaporetto from Venice.
Yamagiwa
Jewels of the Venetian lagoon, Murano and Burano are two picturesque islands accessible by vaporetto.
The first is famous for its art of blown glass, still perpetuated by craftsmen for generations.
The Museo del Vetro precisely retraces the history of this secular tradition and exhibits a myriad of precious pieces.
The second is famous for its artisanal lace, which can be seen in a museum dedicated to it, Museo del Merletto.
We stroll along its rainbow-coloured banks and contemplate the rays of the sun caressing the facades of the fishermen's houses, which have become a symbol immortalized many times in the city.
PLAN AN EXCURSION TO MURANO AND BURANO
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