Giorgio Cini Foundation

Escape the crowds of central Venice and explore the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, "the pearl of Venice." It is a perfect, quiet area to enjoy the beauty of Venice and to immerse yourself in history. With this 1-hour tour, you will admire the most important places in the monumental complex of Giorgio Cini Foundation or discover the exceptional art heritage of the Vatican Chapels, outside the usual tourist areas. Just a few minutes by bus-boat from Piazza San Marco, you will experience the fascinating atmosphere of the complex as you listen to your video guide (included in the admission cost and available in Italian, English, French, German, and Spanish). Your small tour group (25 people maximum) will be escorted through the areas of the complex by a multi-lingual staff member. If you choose to visit the Giorgio Cini Foundation, you will be able to admire the main places in the complex, including: • Cloister of Palladio, completed after Andrea Palladio’s death in the 17th century • Cloister of the Buora family, an example of early Renaissance architecture designed by Giovanni and Andrea Buora • Palladian cenacle, an ancient Benedictine refectory where Paolo Veronese painted the Wedding in Cana, the original artwork is now on display in the Louvre • Longhena's Grand Staircase, completed in 1671 to provide access to the library and abbots’ apartments the staircase is positioned between two cloisters and furnished with magnificent wooden bookcases by Franz Pauc • Nuova Manica Lunga, the old dormitory of the Benedictine fathers, transformed into a stupendous, light-filled library If you choose the Vatican Chapels tour, your audio guide experience will take you through the "wood" of the island. You will see the 10 Vatican Chapels, which were designed by 10 internationally-renowned architects. Hear an introduction from H. Em. Gianfranco Ravasi and admire the drawings and models of the "chapel in the wood" by Asplund. Learn about the 10 chapels and the architects who designed them.