This was a little early and for reasons unknown our transfer was brought forward by 25 minutes. This was a good transfer, less bumpy that our arrival transfer. We were fortunate as we were picked up from our hotel on Guidecca Island and had a very pleasant tour of Venice outer islands on the trip to pick up the other family on our transfer. We were all treated to going down the canal at Murano Island.

This was the best of all the tours. Entry was before general admission so it was a great opportunity for taking photos which would have been impossible later. The tour really takes you to the parts of the building not accessible with a general ticket. We went right up into the roof space as the structure explains the absence of pillars in room below. Our guide was very good although by the time we got to main parts of the building think she had run out of things to say. Another trip to explain the main parts of the building would have been helpful as do not feel there was sufficient time to fully appreciate some of the art works but really recommend.

Had to really press our guide to explain more details about the square and explain the history of the architecture. Our guide was friendly but things felt a little rushed. That said, going back to San Marco a second time as very helpful especially after doing the walking tour. If I have one criticism it is that St Marks really deserves a tour in its own right along the lines of that to the Doges Palace. Although we could have done this on our own, we found the observations of a guide a better investment.

This was a good introduction to Venice and would be a good starter tour before embarking on more specialist tours such as Doges. There is a lot of walking on this tour, it is not stop not even time for a comfort break as it goes at a pace.

There were 4 of us on this transfer. The other couple were staying at the same hotel as ourselves. Absolutely recommend pre-booking. An American group of 4 ahead of us when at the airport were quoted 300 Euros for a transfer which was just a mind numbing amount.