Doges Palace – Gondola Ride – Glass Showroom

Venice, Italy • May 20, 2016

🏛️ Palaces, Craftsmanship, and Canalways in the Floating City

Sailing into Venice was unlike any other port arrival. Our ship was pulled through the lagoon by a tugboat, weaving past historic buildings that appeared to emerge straight from the water’s edge. It was surreal to watch the canals come alive with activity—water taxis, delivery boats, and gondolas crisscrossed around us from every direction, creating a scene that felt both chaotic and choreographed.

Our scheduled excursion, Doge’s Palace, Gondola Ride and Glass Showroom, began in the late afternoon. To reach the starting point, we boarded a water taxi that transported us along the Grand Canal to a drop-off site located four bridges west of the Doge’s Palace. In Venice, bridge crossings serve as a common unit of local navigation—an approach that quickly makes sense once on foot. With more than 400 bridges connecting the city’s labyrinthine islands, directions often reference these landmarks rather than street names, many of which are narrow, unsigned, or difficult to distinguish.

Stop 1: Tour of Doge’s Palace

The first stop on our tour was Palazzo Ducale, or the Doge’s Palace, a prime example of Venetian Gothic architecture located adjacent to St. Mark’s Basilica in Piazza San Marco. Historically, the palace served as the official residence of the Doge—Venice’s elected leader—and functioned as the seat of government, housing the Great Council, Senate, and various magistrates of the Republic.

The visit began with a climb up the Scala d’Oro (Golden Staircase), a ceremonial marble stairway framed by vaulted ceilings elaborately decorated with gilded stucco and Renaissance frescoes. This grand ascent led into the main institutional chambers of the palace, which were designed to impress foreign envoys and dignitaries.

Our walking route continued through several architecturally and historically significant rooms. These included the Sala delle Quattro Porte (Hall of the Four Doors), used to receive high-profile guests; the Doge’s private chambers; the Sala del Senato (Senate Chamber); and the Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Hall of the Great Council), one of the largest civic halls in Europe. The latter hosted gatherings of up to 1,000 noblemen and features an expansive wall painting by Tintoretto, Paradise, considered among the largest oil paintings ever created.

The tour also covered the Council of Ten’s chambers, used by a powerful body responsible for state security, and concluded with a passage over the Bridge of Sighs, an enclosed limestone corridor linking the palace to the New Prison. The bridge earned its name from the idea that prisoners sighed at their final view of Venice before entering confinement.

We exited near the base of the Scala dei Giganti (Giant’s Staircase), located in the inner courtyard. This stairway was used for ceremonial functions, including the formal inauguration of each Doge in the presence of two towering statues representing Mars and Neptune.

Admission to Doge’s Palace includes access to several other affiliated museums in Venice—such as the Museo Correr, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Biblioteca Marciana—making it a valuable option for travelers spending more than a day in the city.

Stop 2: Murano Glassblowing Demonstration

The second stop on our excursion took us to Laguna Murano Glass, a workshop representing one of Venice’s most enduring artisanal traditions. Located on the island of Murano, just north of the main Venetian archipelago, this facility continues the centuries-old craft of decorative glassmaking.

During the visit, we attended a live demonstration led by a skilled Murano glassblower, who used hand tools and a blowpipe to shape molten silica into a decorative vase. The process—executed in a matter of minutes—showcased time-honored methods passed down through generations. These techniques are part of a regulated craft tradition that remains exclusive to the Murano name under Italian law.

Following the demonstration, we were invited into the adjoining showrooms, where a wide array of handcrafted glass items were on display. These included chandeliers, drinking glasses, sculptures, beads, and high-end decorative pieces. The showroom emphasized both the diversity and artistic refinement of Murano glass, a designation that has become internationally recognized for quality and authenticity.

Stop 3: Gondola Ride Through the Canals

The final stop on the itinerary brought us to a designated gondola station along Fondamenta de l’Anzolo, located in the San Marco district just steps from St. Mark’s Square. There, we boarded a traditional Venetian gondola, joining four other passengers in one of the city’s most iconic forms of transport. Shallow and asymmetrical by design, these vessels are specifically built for maneuvering through Venice’s narrow canals with expert precision.

Guided by an experienced gondolier, the vessel moved smoothly through a network of narrow side canals. Despite the confined space and close proximity to walls and passing boats, the ride was flawlessly executed—highlighting the gondolier’s ability to steer with minimal clearance using only a single oar.

The route offered a view of quieter residential areas and lesser-seen parts of the city, passing by narrow footbridges, secluded restaurants, and canal-facing windowsills draped with flower boxes. For a brief portion, the ride entered the Grand Canal, Venice’s main thoroughfare, offering a vantage point of historic palazzos and increased boat traffic.

The gondola eventually returned to the same station, concluding the final leg of the excursion. From there, the group made its way back to the cruise ship, bringing a structured and immersive exploration of Venice to a close.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

Tour Summary

• Tour Name: Doge’s Palace, Gondola Ride and Glass Showroom
• Offered By: Royal Caribbean
• Total Duration: 4 hours
• Main Stops: Doge’s Palace, Laguna Murano Glass, Gondola Station
• Drive-By Highlights: Grand Canal, Bridge of Sighs, Piazza San Marco

Activity Summary: Approx. 10,392 steps walked during the excursion.

Excursion Disclaimer: Descriptions of shore excursions on OceansAfoot reflect individual travel experiences and are not official representations of the cruise lines or tour providers mentioned. All information is based on personal participation, publicly available facts, or traveler observation.

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