Adventure in Venice!

St. Mark"s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

Why Visit?

Adventure Itinerary: St. Mark"s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

Morning: Arrival and Ascend the Campanile

Start your day early by catching a vaporetto (water bus) to the bustling St. Mark’s Square. As you step off at the San Marco Vallaresso or San Zaccaria stop, the imposing structure of St. Mark’s Basilica unfolds before you, its intricate facades whispering tales from the past. Begin your adventure with a thrilling climb up the Campanile di San Marco. This bell tower offers a panoramic view of Venice from above – a perfect opportunity to scope out the city from a height of nearly 99 meters. It’s an elevator ride up but the view is worth every bit of the wait in line!

Mid-Morning: Explore the Basilica

Post your aerial adventure, head to the Basilica itself. Entry to the main hall is free, but adventure lovers should not miss the opportunity to explore the hidden gems: the Treasury and the Golden Altarpiece. The Treasury houses a collection of relics brought back from the Crusades, including ancient and mysterious artifacts. The Altarpiece, a stunning example of Byzantine artistry with its gold backdrop and precious gems, is a sight to behold.

Lunch Break: Local Delights

For lunch, indulge in some Venetian specialties at a nearby café. Try the sarde in saor - a tantalizing sardine dish, perfect for refueling after your morning explorations.

Afternoon: The Flooded Crypt and the Museum

Post-lunch, return to the Basilica to visit the often-overlooked flooded crypt, believed to be the final resting place of St. Mark. The sense of mystery and history is palpable as you navigate this rarely visited area. Conclude your visit at the Basilica’s museum, where original bronze horses from the façade are displayed, offering a close encounter with sublime artifacts of Venetian history.

Evening: Sunset Gondola Ride

Wrap up your adventure with a gondola ride at sunset, gliding through the serene canals of Venice, the perfect end to an exhilarating day of exploration and discovery in the heart of Venice.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Venice Islands

Why Visit?

Adventure Tour of the Venice Islands

Day 1: Historical Heartbeat - Venice Main Island

Begin your adventure at the historical core of Venice, St. Mark"s Square. Arrive early to ascend the Campanile di San Marco, where you"ll catch a breathtaking panoramic view of the city waking up. Next, explore the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of Venice’s maritime power and political history. Adventure through its secret passages and prisons, learning about the city’s intriguing past. Cap off your visit with a brisk kayak tour through the quieter canals, allowing a unique and intimate view of the city’s architecture, away from the bustling crowds.

Day 2: Murano’s Fiery Art - Murano

Take a morning vaporetto ride to Murano, known worldwide for its exquisite glassmaking. Visit the Glass Museum to understand its history before watching a thrilling live glassblowing demonstration, a fiery dance of craftsmanship. For the adventurous, several workshops offer hands-on glassmaking sessions where you can create your own souvenir.

Day 3: Colorful Exploration - Burano

Head to Burano, famous for its brightly colored fishermen’s houses and fine lace. Wander the kaleidoscopic streets and explore local shops featuring intricate lace products. Adventure seekers can join a lace-making workshop or tour the island on a rented bicycle, discovering hidden gems and enjoying local seafood delicacies.

Day 4: Wild Discovery - Torcello

A short boat trip brings you to Torcello, the cradle of Venetian civilization. This serene island offers a contrast to Venice’s buzz. Trek to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta to see stunning Byzantine mosaics. The island’s sparse population and rural landscape make it ideal for hiking and bird watching, providing a peaceful conclusion to your Venetian island adventure.

Each island offers its own slice of adventure, steeped in rich history and vibrant culture. Ensure you have a valid ACTV Tourist Travel Card for unlimited travel across the waterbuses to seamlessly hop between your island destinations.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

St. Mark"s Square (Piazza San Marco)

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling Venetian adventure centered around the majestic Piazza San Marco, the pulsating heart of Venice, steeped in history and grandeur. This tour isn"t just a walk around an ancient square; it"s a journey through time and beauty, designed for those who crave deeper understanding and active engagement with their surroundings.

Morning: Arrival and Ascend the Campanile

Begin your day early to avoid the crowds and experience the square bathed in soft morning light. Arrive at St. Mark"s Square by taking the Vaporetto (water bus) to the San Marco stop. Your first conquest is the Campanile di San Marco, the bell tower offering panoramic views of the city. The ascent, easily made by elevator, rewards you with a vista that stretches from the intricate maze of the city’s canals to the distant peaks of the Dolomites.

Midmorning: Basilica di San Marco

Next, delve into the Basilica di San Marco, a masterpiece of Byzantine art. The queues can be long, so consider booking a “Skip-the-Line” tour to enhance your experience. Inside, be mesmerized by the shimmering golden mosaics and the intricate Pala d"Oro, an exquisite example of Byzantine craftsmanship with thousands of gems and precious stones.

Afternoon: Secret Itineraries Tour at Doge’s Palace

After a quick lunch at a nearby café, head to the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) and embark on the "Secret Itineraries" tour, which must be booked in advance. This fascinating tour offers a glimpse into the hidden passageways, secret chambers, and the attic prison cells, providing a vivid narrative of Venice’s political and judicial past intertwined with tales of intrigue and betrayal.

Late Afternoon: Libreria Acqua Alta

Conclude your adventure with a visit to the quirky Libreria Acqua Alta, a short walk from the square. This unique bookstore is famous for its gondola filled with books and charming views over the canals, perfect for adventure lovers looking to uncover Venice"s eccentric charms.

Throughout your tour, take time to absorb the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza San Marco, where the past meets the present, and every corner tells a story. This adventure through Venice’s iconic square will leave you spellbound and rich with stories to tell.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Murano

Why Visit?

Welcome to Murano, the Venetian archipelago where the art of glassblowing transforms into vivid reality! A splinter of Venice but with a more laid-back vibe, Murano offers adventure not just through physical exertion but through deep cultural immersion and hands-on experiences.

Morning: Arrival and Glass Furnace Tour

Kick off your Murano adventure by catching a vaporetto (water bus) from Fondamente Nove in Venice. Opt for line 12, which swiftly brings you to Murano within 10 minutes. Start at the Murano Colonna stop, ideally timed in the early morning to beat the rush.

First up, head over to the Museo del Vetro, which chronicles the art of glassmaking from its Egyptian and Phoenician roots to contemporary artistic expressions. This early visit will give you a foundational appreciation of why Murano’s glass is world-renowned.

Midday: Live Glassblowing and Workshop

Post-museum, take a short walk to a nearby furnace for a live glassblowing demonstration. Watch master artisans at work, shaping molten glass with breath and skill. Adventure lovers can turn up the heat by participating in a glass-making workshop (book in advance), where you can create your own glass memento—a thrilling exercise in concentration and craft.

Afternoon: Explore and Lunch

After your creative exertions, stroll through Murano’s vibrant canals and alleyways. Each corner of this island brims with galleries and shops showcasing exquisite glass art. For lunch, settle at a local trattoria to relish fresh seafood, a staple here.

Late Afternoon: Church of San Pietro Martire

Wrap up your visit with a stop at the Church of San Pietro Martire. Inside, find stunning glass chandeliers and artworks, including paintings by Veronese, tying together your experience of art and history in Murano.

Departure

Catch a vaporetto back to Venice from the Murano Faro stop, reflecting on a day well-spent amidst the fire and sand of Murano’s glassmaking legacy.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)

Why Visit?

Day 1: Venetian Adventure Begins - Rialto Bridge and Beyond

Morning - Arrival and Esploration

Welcome to Venice, the city of intricate waterways and timeless beauty! Start your day at the bustling Rialto Market, where locals shop for fresh seafood and produce. It’s a short walk from the Venice St. Lucia train station - hop on the vaporetto (water bus) line 1 and alight at the Rialto stop. As you wander through the market, soak in the vibrant atmosphere and maybe grab some fruit or cicchetti (Venetian snacks) to fuel your adventure.

Midday - Conquer the Rialto Bridge

Next, make your way to the iconic Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s oldest bridges over the Grand Canal. Built in the late 16th century, this architectural marvel was once the only pedestrian crossing over the canal. The bridge"s robust design and busy shops make it a perfect blend of form and function. Climb up to the central point for a panoramic view of the grand canal, and don’t forget your camera - the views are quintessentially Venetian.

Afternoon - Hidden Corners by Kayak

For an adrenaline spike, join a guided kayak tour from a nearby operator. Paddle through Venice’s lesser-known canals, away from the throng of tourists. It’s an exhilarating way to discover the city’s hidden gems and understand why Venice is a marvel of engineering.

Evening - Sunset Aperitivo

Conclude your day back near the Rialto Bridge. Settle in at a canal-side bar with an outdoor terrace overlooking the bridge. Order a spritz, watch the colors of the sky change, and reflect on your Venetian adventure.

Night - Stroll and Dream

As night falls, take a leisurely walk along the Grand Canal; the illuminated Rialto Bridge provides a spectacular backdrop for ending your day on a high note.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.