The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) gets its name from sunlight passing through an underwater cavity and shining through the seawater to create a stunning blue reflection. Combine this wonder of nature with exploration of Capri’s “must-see” sights. You will take a 20-minute boat ride from the ship to the Grotto’s entrance where you board a small rowboat to enter the cavern. Then another 20-minute cruise to Marina Grande where a minibus awaits your arrival. During the ascent to Anacapri you’ll discover expansive views over the bay of Naples and Sorrento. In Anacapri you may choose to visit the Villa San Michele, the former home of the Swedish writer Axel Munthe which is now a museum, or ascend further up to Monte Solaro. Monte Solaro offers a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the Gulf of Naples framed by Mount Vesuvius in the background. Combine those with the Gulf of Salerno, Anacapri Plain, the Sorrentine Peninsula, Ischia Island, the offshore faraglioni (limestone rocks), and the deep blue of the sea to provide you with memories to last a lifetime. Following leisure time to stroll the narrow streets, you will sample local wines and cheeses before descending to the famous square and the famous Augustus Gardens. You will return by funicular railway to the yacht at Marina Grande.

Here’s an ideal opportunity to explore Capri’s highlights, to sample local wine and cheese, and to learn about Limoncello. After proceeding ashore by ship’s tender, you will board a minibus at Marina Grande. During the ascent to Anacapri you will see expansive views over the bay of Naples and Sorrento. On arrival in Anacapri you may choose one of two activities. Either visit the Villa San Michele, the former home of the Swedish writer Axel Munthe which is now a museum, or ascend further up to Monte Solaro where you will be rewarded with a 360° panoramic view over the Gulf of Naples framed by Mount Vesuvius in the background. Views of the Gulf of Salerno, Anacapri plain, the Sorrentine peninsula, Ischia Island, the offshore “faraglioni” limestone rocks and the deep blue of the sea will provide you with memories to last a lifetime. Following time at leisure to stroll the narrow streets you will be invited to sample local wine and cheese and taste the local Limoncello. Your guide will explain all the secrets about this famous drink. Descend to the famous square in the town of Capri before venturing on foot to the famous Augustus Gardens. You will return by cable car to the ship’s tender at Marina Grande.

Departing Port of Dubrovnik with a guide toward the newly open Cable Car Station situated in vicinity of the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Upon arrival to the Cable Car Station you will proceed with a cable car to a panoramic view of Dubrovnik from the surrounding Srd hill. From here you will be offered a bird’s – eye view of the greatness of the entire city and surroundings of the centuries – old Dubrovnik rooftops which you will never forget. Upon return ride to the main Station your tour guide will lead you by foot to the Old Town of Dubrovnik for the walking tour and free time. Walking tour will open the doors to you to one of the largest and most luxurious open – air museum towns in existence. The famous Croatian tourist centre awaits you, encircled by its monumental stone ramparts, which have preserved and enhanced Dubrovnik’s spirit of Renaissance. Stari Grad - the old city of Dubrovnik and its medieval walls have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Parts of the walls date from the 13th century. The walls were completed in the 13th century. The ramparts are intact and encircle the old city with a circumference of more than a mile and a half. Ascending the stairway at Pile Gate, you will soon reach the top of the wall where your guide will lead you on a walking tour along its entire length. You will see the gorgeous Minceta Fortress, St. John`s Fortress, Bokar Fortress and the Maritime Museum. Reaching the Stradun, you will come in the very centre of the Old Town and will have opportunity to explore the town on your own.

Discover why George Bernard Shaw once wrote “Those who seek paradise on Earth, should come to Dubrovnik.” Despite the substantial war damage of the 1990s, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has now been restored as one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures. From the pier there’s a brief coach ride to the town’s southern viewpoint, where your 1¾- hour walking tour begins at the Pile Gate. While strolling the famous main street known as the Stradun, you visit several highlights such as the Dominican Monastery & Church. This noble building contains Dubrovnik’s finest collection of local and Italian Renaissance paintings including a masterpiece by Titian. The Cathedral is built on the remains of a former 12th century building which was destroyed by a disastrous earthquake in the 17th century. Today it contains one the finest collections of gold and silver in all Europe. Your walk then features exterior views of the Sponza Palace with its renowned colonnaded courtyard and elaborate stone carvings before passing the Church of Saint Blaise and Onofriou’s Fountain. After approximately 45 minutes at leisure for shopping or browsing, you take a 30-minute coach journey south to the Konavle region. First stop is at the Old Mill which is still operative to this day. A refreshing drink is served as your host demonstrates flour production using traditional methods reminiscent of yesteryear. Then take a brief riverside stroll to the Konavoski Dvori Restaurant, set within a charming old water mill beside the cascading waters of the Ljuta River. Lunch features a choice of tasty roast veal cooked with hot coals or freshly-caught grilled trout. Local wines and bottle water accompany this delicious repast. During the early afternoon you take the 45-minute return drive to the yacht.

Here’s a comprehensive opportunity to sample fine regional wines, gain insight into Croatia’s illustrious winemaking industry and to explore historic Dubrovnik. Your 45-minute scenic coach journey traces the spectacular Adriatic coast as you head south of the “Dubrovnik Riviera,” passing the charming Zupa Dubrovacka region with its numerous small coastal villages and resorts. Ahead lies the small village of Komaji and the Crvik family’s renowned vineyards and winery. Here you are invited to a wine tasting, delightfully enhanced by an informative presentation covering Croatian wines generally, as well as regional specialties. Light snacks of cheese, ham and seasonal salads are also offered for your enjoyment. Back aboard the coach you return to Dubrovnik’s Old Town for a walking tour accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. From the Pile Gate you stroll along the Stradun passing such historical sites as the Franciscan Monastery, St. Blasius Church, Onofriou’s Fountain and the Sponza Palace. Your guided orientation concludes with approximately 45 minutes free time in the Old Town before your return to the ship.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 2 guests. Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 6 guests your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 2 guests your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 6 guests Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Capture the essence of Kotor as you stroll its historic streets under the capable direction of an experienced guide. Old Kotor developed within a small triangular area enclosed by town walls extending to the Fort of St. John. Your guide will direct your attention to these structures which were built by the Venetians from the 15th to mid-18th centuries. They completely enclose the Old Town and form a unique fortification capable of resisting lengthy attacks and sieges. You then continue to the 12th century Cathedral of St. Triphon, which features a Romanesque basilica whose nave is separated from the aisles by alternating square pillars and antique columns. Next, a visit to the Maritime Museum, which showcases the rich maritime heritage of this area. At the conclusion of the guided tour, you have free time to explore Kotor independently, before returning to the yacht.

Journey along the same route as the famous Briton, Bernard Shaw did at the beginning of this century, when he was 73 years of age. Brimming with enthusiasm he said “I have heard that the road to Cetinje via Kotor is one of the most beautiful in the world, and that is the reason I have come”. From the port of Kotor you ascend steep slopes to Lovcen Mountain, through an area of powerful contrasts. The soaring Montenegrin mountains tower on one side, while opposite them is the sublime beauty of one of the world’s most attractive bays. The road takes you to the museum town of Cetinje, (formerly the center of Montenegrin rule) to visit the Museum of King Nikola. Then follow the scenic route ride through the popular summer resort of the Budva Riviera, as you head back to Kotor. Kotor’s Old Quarter developed within a small triangular area enclosed by town walls. Your experienced guide will direct your attention to these structures which were built by the Venetians from the 15th to mid-18th centuries. They completely enclose the Old Town and form a unique fortification capable of resisting lengthy attacks and sieges. You then continue to the 12th-century Cathedral of St. Triphon, which features a Romanesque basilica whose nave is separated from the aisles by alternating square pillars and antique columns. Your sightseeing concludes shortly thereafter, back at the yacht.

Your excursion begins with a short drive to Perast, small, peaceful baroque village near to Kotor. Your experience begins with a walking tour exploring Perast as it is a pedestrian only village. The center of the town is an amazing sight thanks to the huge proportions of the cathedral of St. Nicholas. During your tour, you'll see numerous monuments, including the Parish Church and 12th-century Sveti Djordje Church, located on the island in front of Perast. You'll also view the Sveti Nikola Church, built between the 15th and 17th centuries . In a local restaurant, you’ll taste some of typical sweets, made from an original recipe used during the Baroque period. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 30 minutes of free time before board private motor boat for journey to Gospa od Skrpjela, from the Italian Madonna dello Scarpello, a Baroque-style church situated on one of two islets in the Bay of Kotor, across from Perast. The islet is man-made, and its original church was built in 1452. You'll view the stunning present church, built in 1632 and enlarged in 1722. According to legend, seamen once laid a rock in the Bay of Kotor upon returning from each successful voyage, thus creating the islet that gradually emerged from the sea. At Our Lady of the Rocks Church, you'll see 68 magnificent paintings by Tripo Kokolja, a famous 17th-century Baroque artist from Perast. His most important painting, The Death of the Virgin, is nearly 33 feet long. You'll also view paintings by Italian artists, along with the classic, mid-15th-century masterpiece, Our Lady of the Rocks, by Lovro Dobricevic of Kotor. Following your tour, you'll rejoin your bus for the return drive back to Town of Kotor for a city tour. Take a walk through ancient Greek history during this picturesque walking tour through Old Kotor. Once in Kotor, you'll have a panoramic sightseeing walk through the UNESCO protected Old town Kotor before returning to the ship. At the end of guided portion, you will have free time for shopping and the opportunity to explore the town of Kotor on your own before returning independently to the ship.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 2 guests. Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 6 guests your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 2 guests your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 6 guests Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Depart from Messina on a scenic drive to one of the famous estates of the Etna region. This region is characterized by a micro-climate with rigid winters and temperate summers, abundant rainfall and a wide temperature range. These conditions are in contrast with those of the rest of Sicily which is generally drier and hotter. These climatic conditions influence the maturation of the grapes and flavor, in the local wines, the conservation of primary bouquets and total acidity. The particular taste of Etna wine is due to the lava soil, rich in potassium and mineral salts. You'll visit the San Michele Estate – The winery and the cellars are situated in an ancient, typical Etna style building. The vineyards are in a single area, distributed on large terraces. All around is the wonderful panorama that goes from Taormina promontory to Capo Mulini. Mt. Etna dominates this magnificent scene towering up to its summit at 3,300 meters. The vineyards cover 25 hectares. The density ranges from 3,000 to 5,200 vines per hectare. The method of cultivation is the "espalier" system with "hooded cordon" pruning. There is no irrigation except during initial planting. The varieties cultivated are those typical of the region: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Mantellato, Caricante and the Cataratto. After your tasting, return to Messina and your Windstar ship.

Taormina perches on a terrace overlooking the sea and epitomizes the legendary beauty of Sicily. A one-hour drive brings you to the outskirts of this picturesque site which was founded in the 3rd century B.C. Although later almost completely renovated by the Romans, it now reflects a medieval character that is truly captivating. After arriving near Taormina’s center, your guide accompanies you on foot along cobblestone streets to Palazzo Corvaja, a 15th-century building whose arched windows and doorways reflect its strong Arabic influence. Next, you stroll to the 3rd-century Greco-Roman Theater, spectacularly situated overlooking Mt. Etna and Naxos Bay. Renowned for its expansive size and unique acoustic qualities, it is still used for open-air concerts. After free time to stroll or shop along the famous Corso Umberto, you rejoin the coach for the 60-minute journey back to the yacht.

Explore Pula, which was developed by the Romans as a town for the "pleasure of the rich" before venturing out to a Croatian village renowned for its top quality olive oils. From our ship’s pier, there is a 45-minute drive to Pula, which lies on the southernmost region of the Istrian peninsula. This ancient city is perhaps best known for its many surviving ancient Roman buildings. Your 1½-hour walking tour features the most famous of these, the well-preserved 1st century amphitheater, which is the world’s sixth largest and is still used for summer film festivals. Your stroll continues past other notable and well preserved ancient Roman structures including the Sergius Arch and the temple to the God Apollo, built to honor the 1st-century Roman emperor Caesar Augustus. Other sites include the Roman city gates/walls and a Byzantine chapel. After one hour at leisure, you take a 15-minute drive to the village of Vodnjan, renowned for its olive oil production. The Chiavalon family farm specializes in growing olives and producing top quality extra virgin olive oils. Their product is listed among the world’s top fifteen and has won numerous awards, sometimes even surpassing many world famous brands. Back aboard the coach, you return to the ship at Pula in just 30 minutes.

The hilly Istrian inland is romantic, mystical and simply beautiful. Medieval whispers of charming hilltop towns and flavors of wine and traditional homemade food are an unforgettable experience. From Rovinj port drive by coach to Motovun, an astonishing architectural landmark. This hilltop town has preserved its medieval ambience in its narrow streets within the town walls which have been preserved in their entire lenght.Walk along Romanesque, Gothic and Renneisance buildings to the main square dominated by the 13th century belfry of St. Stephen's church. Free time in Motovun followed by a scenic uphill drive to Village of Vrh. Enjoy the view of surrounding deep valleys, proud towers, vineyards, hilltops and the beautiful Mount Ucka. At nearly 1,300 feet above sea level,Vrh was once known as the “Istrian Lookout”. It is said you can see the Alps’ borders of Italy, Austria and Slovenia from the church's bell tower. Lunch in traditional Istrian "konoba". After lunch drive through rolling hills to Draguc, the hidden pearl of Istrian medieval inheritance. Visit St. Rocco's church and its greatest value ; glagolithic writings and fresco paintings from the 16th century, works of Antun from Padua. Board the coach once again and enjoy the sights of the picturesque countryside as you make your way back to the ship.

By international standards, Porec as a site is a specific cultural and historical jewel. Today’s town plan dates from the Roman times at about 50 BC. Following the common Roman town model, Porec has two main intersecting streets Cardo and Decumanus, even today being the backbone of the old town. Sightseeing of this town is including Episcopal complex of the Euphrasian Basilica – built in the 6th century, is the most valuable monument in Porec, which is inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. Marafor – oldest part of the town with remains of two Roman temples, The House of Two Saints, The Istrian Parliament Building, Leoni and Zuccato Palaces . You will have some free time to explore this charming little town on your own prior to scenic drive to Istra Hinterland. You will enjoy a short drive through the Istrian country-side to the village of Sveti Lovrec, where you visit the wine cellar of MATOSEVIC Family – one of the most known Croatian Wine Producers. You will be invited to sample some of their finest wines----White, Red and Sweet, accompanied by some home-made cheese, Istrian Pršut. This half day excursion is a lovely way to spend a day around Istra. After visiting Matosevic Winery continue with a tour toward Pula to board a yacht.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 2 guests. Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private van, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 6 guests Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 2 guests your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 6 guests Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

For Rafting one needs some adventure spirit and love for the untouched nature. Rafting is a discipline specially designed for the adventurers. It requires physical strength, strong willpower and swimming skills to raft down the foaming wild river. This is the best way to discover the magnificent river Cetina and its canyons, waterfalls and the lush vegetation surrounding it. During the whole time you will be accompanied by our experienced skippers – they will make sure everything runs smoothly. By obeying skipper's instructions on how, when and how hard you need to paddle, or when do you have to throw yourself at the raft and hold tight, you will experience an adventure tour that will stay in your memory for long time. After a lot of excitement you will arrive to the Radmanove Mlinice restaurant where you will have some refreshments and a nice lunch. After lunch re-board your motor coach for the return transfer back to Split.

Split is the product of 17 centuries of building, renovating and remodelling so that the new of today meshes with the old of yesterday. At the core of this sprawling cityscape is the palace Emperor Diocletian built for his golden years at the turn of the 4th century. What began as an imperial residence and fortified camp is today an intriguing labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, where pre-Romanesque churches live alongside Gothic chapels, history-filled museums abut galleries of contemporary art and delicious-smelling restaurants. Guided by a knowledgeable local expert, your walking tour starts with Cathedral of St. Duje (patron saint of the city). The Cathedral is built on the remains of an ancient shrine and is supposed to be the oldest in the world. Following, you will visit the charming Temple of Jupiter and then the Split City Museum which occupies a set of buildings from the Middle Ages in the northeast portion of Diocletian’s palace. Other sights such as the Golden Gate, the Silver Gate, and the Peristyle Square will be viewed and explained from the outside.

Leaving town of Split ride by coach through the karst Sibenik hinterland to the famous “Krka” river waterfalls. Located in the lovely Krka National Park, the falls cascade over 17 natural barriers. Krka is one of the 7 National Parks in Croatia and it covers an area of 14222 Ha with it´s specific characteristics of natural, human and cultural values, particularly geological, geomorphologic, hydrological, biological and landscape elements. The Krka river is a distinctive phenomenon also due its specific biocenosis and formation of gypsum barriers. The whole area is rich with endemic species-vegetation as well as birds and fish. Due to very strong laws on natural preservation this extraordinary area has been preserved in its original form. This tour will take you to the most attractive part of the Park – the Skradinski Buk waterfalls. The highest fall is 46 meters high which makes it the highest gypsum barrier in Europe. Above the falls there is a large plateau that offers spectacular views. There will be possibility to visit small ethnological exhibition and the old mill which is still in function so the people can see how they used them for grinding. Around the falls there is a path so those who wish to explore further can do so as well.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 2 guests. Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 6 guests your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 2 guests your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own van. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sights of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own. Capacity: 6 guests Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. Private vans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the heart and soul of Venice, with palatial arcades and charming cafés, and it is the city’s widest open area. Transfer by motor-launch from the pier to St. Mark’s Square, where your guided walking tour begins. Your guide will point out the major landmarks, which includes the Campanile (bell tower), the Clock Tower from the 15th century and St. Mark’s Cathedral. The Byzantine façade of St. Mark’s Cathedral, one of the world’s most magnificent churches, will immediately claim your attention. It was originally constructed in the 9th century to shelter the body of St. Mark, the Patron Saint of Venice. Only traces of the original structure remain, as the present building dates from the end of the 11th century. The exterior’s domes, pinnacles and bronze horses contrast with a glowing interior of gold mosaics, elaborate carvings and graceful statues. Your tour continues, passing by the exquisite Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Duke of Venice, and the seat of the Venetian government from the 9th century until 1797. Crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, you will arrive at the prison across from the Rio De Palazzo to view the cells. The bridge was named for the hopeless sighs of the prisoners crossing it, but today its name has a romantic connotation. In the square below there are small workshops of glass manufacturers and you will stop here to browse. Upon completion of the tour, you will proceed to the airport. No entrance fees are included.

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the heart and soul of Venice, with palatial arcades and charming cafés, and it is the city’s widest open area. Transfer by motor-launch from the pier to St. Mark’s Square, where your guided walking tour begins. Your guide will point out the major landmarks, which includes the Campanile (bell tower), the Clock Tower from the 15th century and St. Mark’s Cathedral. The Byzantine façade of St. Mark’s Cathedral, one of the world’s most magnificent churches, will immediately claim your attention. It was originally constructed in the 9th century to shelter the body of St. Mark, the Patron Saint of Venice. Only traces of the original structure remain, as the present building dates from the end of the 11th century. The exterior’s domes, pinnacles and bronze horses contrast with a glowing interior of gold mosaics, elaborate carvings and graceful statues. Your tour continues past the exquisite Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Duke of Venice, and the seat of the Venetian government from the 9th century until 1797. Crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, you will arrive at the prison across from the Rio De Palazzo to view the cells. The bridge was named for the hopeless sighs of the prisoners crossing it, but today its name has a romantic connotation. In the square below there are small workshops of glass manufacturers and you will stop here to browse. No entrance fees are included.