Family Club - Timeless Venice (port-to-port package)

The Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo is located in the Castello District, a bastion of tranquility offering poignant insights into Venetian daily life. It is one of the largest and most important churches in the city.
Known as San Zanipolo in the Venetian dialect, the basilica is a major monument in terms of its size and historical and artistic significance. Construction on the Italian-Gothic style church began in 1246 and was completed in the mid-14th century. Outside, the majestic facade adorned with sculpted doorways and an impressive rose window are simply divine to see. Inside, the large nave, side chapels, and rib vaults are just as amazing. The basilica is also famous for housing the tombs of numerous doges and Venetian personalities—earning it the nickname "The Pantheon of Venice." Works of art by masters such as Giovanni Bellini and Paolo Veronese make it a major historical and artistic treasure in La Serenissima. The Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo remains living testimony to Venice's past grandeur and a place where architecture, art, and history come together in spectacular fashion.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

When we think of Venice, we also think of its impressive military and commercial fleets. Whether you know a little or a lot about the subject, the four floors of impressive ship models have something for everyone to enjoy. From the bucentaur ceremonial barge destroyed by Napoleon in 1798 to its famous galleys and gondolas (including Peggy Guggenheim's private, lavish gondola), learning all about the various boats throughout Venetian history is a veritable thrill. Further along, the Ship Pavilion houses all sorts of historical boats that contributed to Venetian grandeur on the sea, including some of the latest military vessels.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the small island of Burano is known for its colorful homes and traditional lace. Photographers flock to this small paradise to capture its singular charm. Set out with your tour guide and stroll the island's quaint, picturesque streets and discover Bepi Suà's house, Gianfranco Rosso's house, the adorable Ponte dei Tre Ponti, the crooked belfry, and so much more.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Departure on foot with the BAFA activity leaders towards the pier. Board a local boat and enjoy a fantastic excursion through the canals and the Chioggia Lagoon. Return on foot to the boat.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• By pre-booking only.

Best known in Christianity as the Saint Antoine of Padua city, it is also famous for its art. Giotto (1267-1337, painter, sculptor and Italian architect) gifted the city of Padua some of his masterpieces, enriching the artistic scenery of the city. We'll start off with a guided tour of the city by coach before visiting the basilica which holds the vault of Saint Antoine. You'll be able to admire Donatello's bronze statue from the 15th century in the square before the basilica. This art piece was a major influence on sculptors of the Italian Renaissance. A guided tour on foot will take you to the Piazza delle Erbe and the Piazza dei Frutti which holds a fresh produce market every day. You'll then see the Palazzo della Ragione (exteriors only) and the Torre dell'Orologio with its astronomical clock dating back to 1344. You'll enjoy some free time to discover this charming city on your own.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Commentaries inside the Saint Antoine church are forbidden so they would be given before getting in.
• Please dress appropriately to visit the Saint Antoine church.
• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• The departure and return of the excursion are adjusted based on the direction of the cruise:
  • VEN: departure from Chioggia / return to Venice
  • VMA + VMM: departure from Chioggia / return to Porto Viro
  • MAV + MMV: departure from Porto Viro / return to Chioggia
    

The area around Saint Mark's Square is the smallest and oldest neighborhood in Venice.The square is named after the city's patron saint. Children will adore this offbeat stroll focusing on the canals and bridges, all within a car-free environment.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Meet up with your guide on board. The tour will begin with a historical and artistic introduction to Venice with St Mark's Square, after which you will be able to admire the exteriors of St Mark's Cathedral. The Byzantine facades of the Cathedral (one of the most magnificent in the world) will immediately draw your attention. It was built in the 9th century to hold the body of St Mark, Patron Saint of Venice. Only a few pieces of the original structure remain and the present day Cathedral dates back from the 12th, 14th and 15th centuries. The exterior, with its domes, pinnacles and wooden horses, contrasts with the shining golden mosaics of the interior. The tour continues with the Doge's Palace, the residence of the Dukes of Venice and seat of the Venetian government from the 9th century until the Republic fell in 1797. Although there are no longer any traces of the 9th century Byzantine structures, the Palace as we see it today, richly decorated both on the outside and inside, dates back from the 14th century and is considered by many to be the finest in the world. You will then be able to admire the paintings of Tintoretto and Veronese from the top of the famous Golden Staircase before walking through the Grand Council Chamber and out onto the balcony with its fantastic view over the city. You will cross the famous decorated Bridge of Sighs which leads to the prison. The bridge, known in the past as the symbol of the destiny that awaited the prisoners, has more romantic connotations nowadays. Return to the boat on foot.

PLEASE NOTE

• The commentary on St Mark's cathedral will be given outside, as it is not authorised inside.
• Passengers will be able to enter the Cathedral during their free time. Modest clothing required. A long queue can be expected.
• Wear sturdy walking shoes: the tour is entirely on foot.
• There are a lot of steps to climb at the Doge's Palace.
• With your tickets for the Doges' Palace, you will have free entry to the Correr Museum and library.
• Depending on where the vessel is moored, we will arrange for shuttle boats if necessary to provide access to the Doges' Palace.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.