Meet your guide in calle larga de l'ascension next the post office behind Saint Mark's square.

Hear about the republic of the Serenissima and the city's origins to the present day. See all the most important monuments (from the outside) in the square.

Your guide will provide you with the perfect introduction to the origins, symbols and traditions regarding Saint Mark's Square, Saint Mark's Basilica the Doge's Palace, the bridge of Sighs, the bell tower and the Marciana area.

Immediately entering the Palace you will pass through the great courtyard and admire the wealth of detail on the famous Golden Staircase. Once inside the Palace, you will visit the halls where the Duke (Doge) and his Council controlled the fate of the Serene Republic, whilst surrounded by hundreds of artistic masterpieces and discover the political history of Venice and its people. You will be able to admire the paintings realised by some of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance, amongst them, the world's largest oil painting by Tintoretto.

Passing through the famous Bridge of Sighs, you will reach the new prisons. The bridge was given its name by the English poet Lord Byron, probably referring to the last breath of the prisoners, who had their last view of the lagoon and of Venice from the window of this bridge, before they were to be imprisioned.

This guided tour concludes in the courtyard of the Doge's Palace. Here it will be possible for you to stay longer inside the Palace absorbing the history and mystery of days gone by.