We will be in Venice mid May, arriving Friday afternoon and leaving Sunday morning. I am trying to get an idea on what we will try to see on Saturday and what time of the day. Was thinking of doing Doge Secret Itineraries Tour, has anyone done this? St Mark's Basilica, should I make a reservation or is there a good time to go? In RS book he talks about the lighting and the mosaic's best time around 1130 but I am sure it will be crowded at this time. Was thinking of skipping Correr Museum (so no combo ticket) and going to Accadmia. Also planning on going to Frari church. Is there any other church you recommend? Is this possible to do in one day?
When we get there Friday we are doing a cicchetti and wine tour and then end with canal cruise.
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
711 posts
Last Easter we were in Venice (not our first time). We did the Secret Itineraries tour and really liked it. After that we went on to St Mark's. Loved the mosaics.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I also recommend booking the Secret Itineraries Tour. They're all in the morning, so I'd try to book the first one (at 9:55) to have the rest of the day free and/or the best shot at getting to St. Mark's before the lights go off at 12:30.
You can go into the Doge's Palace when they open, from 8:30 on, and see the public rooms first, then meet the tour guide at the appointed spot in the courtyard. The Secret Itineraries Tour takes 1h 15m, so it would be a bit tight to see all the public rooms after that and get out by noon. Last time I was there, they also had an interesting special exhibit.
The €2 Basilica reservation is a small investment. No need to be there right at 11:30 if they have a noon reservation available. You only get limited time in the main portion of St. Mark's, since they keep the line moving through and you can't sit down. After that, you can go into the museum section.
Then, I assume you'd get some lunch after 1:00 and would have the afternoon free for a different activity.
Posted by
278 posts
We arrive end of April in Venice. I picked a tour that gave me two things I wanted . Time savings by combining Doges Palace and St MarksBasilica in one tour in the evening. It gives me the time in the evening to enjoy the palace and mosaics of the basilica lit up and frees the daytime for other things. Plus fewer people. It is really expensive and is with Walks Of Italy. But mosaics are something I am willing to spend on. Not necessary for many, just something I like to do.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
Here is information from the official website on visiting hours. Try to visit when the mosaics are illuminated. It's worth visiting the museum since on the way you get a different (bird's-eye) view of the church and some of the mosaics, plus access to the balcony overlooking the Piazza.
I really enjoyed the Secret Itineraries tour (in May it will probably be hot under the roof, take water with you - and try to book the earliest tour time). I enjoyed the Corer collections more than the Academia - depends on what you like.