From Doges to Domes Self Guided Tour of Venice with App

In 832 AD, two merchants smuggled a saint’s body out of Egypt, hidden in barrels of pork meat to get past the guards. That relic changed Venice forever — and the basilica built to house it still dominates the city’s most famous square. This audio walking tour takes you through stories like this across 13 stops in the heart of Venice, from the Bridge of Sighs to a 14th-century tavern still serving wine near the Rialto. Along the way, you’ll hear how Casanova pulled off the only escape from the Doge’s Palace prison, why a three-ton bronze lion may have traveled the Silk Road from China, and where to find a spiral staircase hidden behind an ordinary Venetian façade. Walk at your own pace through Venice’s maze of alleys and canals. Pause for a spritz or coffee whenever you want. Available in 9 languages, this tour is the perfect orientation for those who are first time visitors to Venice and want to view the main attractions and hear the stories behind them at their own pace

1. 1

   Stop 1

   10 min

   The name sounds romantic, but the truth is darker. Start off by learning about the famous gondolas and taking in a view of the bridge of sighs

2. 2

   Palazzo Ducale

   Pass by

   A palace, a courtroom, and a prison — all in one building. Get an overview of this building...

3. 3

   Piazza San Marco

   30 min

   Hear about all the distinct buildings that make up this famous square and why Napoleon called it Europe’s finest drawing room.

4. 4

   Teatro La Fenice

   Pass by

   Discover hidden gems like an Italian theatre, named “The Phoenix” because it keeps burning down and rising again and a spiral staircase like no other

5. 5

   Ponte di Rialto

   15 min

   End near the Rialto bridge, explore the shopping area and discover a historical tavern

6. 6

   St. Mark's Basilica

   Pass by

   Hear how it was built to house a saint’s body smuggled from Egypt in barrels of pork.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   Once the headquarters of Venice’s German merchant colony, now a luxury shopping centre.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The total tour duration includes the time spent at the stop, listening to audios and time required to walk through all the stops.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.