Start the tour next to the Colonna di San Marco e San Teodoro as you look over Venice’s beautiful waterfront. Begin to learn about this strange city's long and complex history, a story that involves the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of the Byzantium, waves of refugees, sea-faring bandits and a whole lot of salt!

Explore the Doge's Palace, or Palazzon Ducale, and learn about Venice's Republic. Admire the stunning architecture that mixes Eastern and Western designs, a combination of Moorish-Spanish, Byzantine influences and Italian gothic styles.

Visit the Basilica di San Marco, a treasure trove of religious and imperial relics. A long time ago, the Venetians had power, trade, but they didn’t have the sacred glory bestowed on their city by an important patron saint. Listen to the story of how they went out to find one…

Take in the atmosphere of Piazza San Marco and marvel at the campanile, or bell tower. Take in the unique atmosphere of grand cafes, the smell of spices brought in along the Silk Road, the merchants hawking, the waltzes from a string quartet. Romance, drama and the opulent fashion of the time!

Poke your head inside the Casino Venier, an inconspicuous building hiding a mischievous history. Gambling, discussions of popular ideas of enlightenment, dancing, drinking, partying, good eating, extravagance… Venice was known around the continent as the most decadent place in Europe.

One of only four ‘inhabited’ bridges left in Europe today, the Rialto Bridge offers the best view of the Grand Canal. Learn how this was originally a wooden bridge and more about how Venice has dealt with its life on the ocean.

Home to the Venetian public bank, Campo San Giacomo is home to the oldest church in Venice. Hear about the legend about the hunchback, Gobbo di Rialto.

Head into Mercato di Rialto, a market where chefs, families and tourists browse shoulder to shoulder. A place where chefs, families and tourists browse shoulder to shoulder through the very best produce the lagoon has to offer, the way it has been since 1097. Look over the canal at a wonderful art museum with faded frescoes from Titian and works by Carpaccio. This area gives a real sense of the grandeur of my home city back in its golden era. It stands in the sestiere or district of Cannareggio, one of the six districts in Venice. Go and have an explore once this tour has finished.