Our family of four (which includes 2 9yr-old boys) will be visiting Venice in July. I think the kids would enjoy Doge's Palace and think a guide would help us understand the history and have stories to go along to make it interesting for the kids. Also, do you recommend that we include St. Mark's Basilica?
There's so many different touring companies (Avventure Bellissimo, Viator, Livitaly, Walks of Italy, Dark Rome, etc.). Since they're pretty pricey, I'd like to make sure I'm making the right decision on the right company to use that's the best value.
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
927 posts
The Doge's Palace offers tours through their website that will be cheaper than through a consolidator like Viator, Dark Rome, etc. Here is a link to the Secret Itineraries tour which many folks on this web site recommend. They have other tours so be sure to peruse the web site for other options.
http://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/the-museum/layout-and-collections/secret-itineraries/
You can tour St. Mark's on your own as well for free or you can get a reservation online to skip the line. The mosaics are stunning.
Posted by
Houston, TX
487 posts
In St. Marks's, make sure to go to the second level. There is a staircase on the right as you enter to the museum and gift shop. I think there may be a 2 euro entry fee but it was worth the small price. You can see the original horses, get a little closer to some of the golden mosaics on the ceiling and walk out onto the balcony/roof. The view from the balcony was great!
I found the Secret Intineraries tour interesting but I have seen some comments that it was really hot and stuffy in some of the rooms. I can imagine this would be true in July!
Posted by
San Jose, CA
99 posts
We were just in Venice and were a bit disappointed with the Doges palace. (Family of 4, 2 teen girls). It is pretty pricey--€20 adults and €13 kids.) However the prison and being able to walk across the bridge of sighs was cool.
IMHO walking the streets and alleys of Venice is the best part of the city. Other highlights for us were Rick Steves grand canal cruise (vaporetto #1 slow boat with audio tour) and don't miss a gondola ride. Pricey but worth it.
Posted by
US
131 posts
I will be traveling with my family of five with three kids ages 9, 14 and 16. We will be in Venice the second week of July. We are doing a tour with Walks Inside Italy that came highly recommended: http://www.walksinsideitaly.com/walk/2017/02/22/venice-with-the-kids/