The Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore tours cover two destinations that the hit-and-run tourist often overlooks, either because of time constraints or a lack of information. Venice in Italy has a lot to offer, and San Giorgio and Giudecca are no less.
Depart from your hotel. Take the vaporetto and reach the island of San Giorgio, which is opposite the famous Piazza San Marco. Line 2 and Line N connect the island with the rest of the Venetian lagoon complex.
The attraction of the island is the Basilica of San Giorgio. The Basilica, designed by Andrea Palladio, is a feast of classical Renaissance art. Another enjoyable activity to delight in is walking to the lighthouse of San Giorgio Maggiore. If you want to stay a little longer, visit the glass rooms as well.
Once you have visited San Giorgio Maggiore as part of your Venice itinerary, take the vaporetto line 2, and after a few minutes, get off at the Zitelle stop. You will be on the island of Giudecca, or Zudega, as the Venetians call it. With the help of our Venice map, go to the Zitelle, or Church of Santa Maria della Presentazione. The church of the Zitelle has such a colourful name because poor girls were raised here by nuns. Many of these had no dowry for marriage and died as spinsters or turned to prostitution. Today, part of the church has become a hotel. From there, head to the Casa dei Tre Oci, the neo-Gothic house of painter Mario de Maria. The name comes from the structure's windows, which resemble three eyes. You will be struck by the architectural complexity, it is truly a jewel that stands out on the Giudecca Canal.
Continuing our itinerary on Fondamenta Croce, you will reach one of the most majestic Venetian churches, the Basilica del Redentore. Also designed by Palladio, it contains many works by painters such as Tintoretto, Veronese, and many others. If you're hungry, look for a small restaurant overlooking the Giudecca Canal, you won't be disappointed. After lunch, if you want to go shopping, we suggest you look for the many artisans, tailors, and upholsterers who live on the Giudecca.
Using our Venice map on your mobile phone, continue along the various calle or walk along Fondamenta Sant'Eufemia and reach the church of the same name. The Venice Church of Sant'Eufemia is marvellous inside, especially for its frescoed ceilings.
At the end of the tour treat yourself to some relaxation. We recommend an aperitif at the Skyline Rooftop Bar, a very pleasant place to sip a prosecco or bellini. Before returning to your hotel, take a photo of the Molino Stucky, a majestic industrial gothic building, now converted into a hotel.
Take the vaporetto from Giudecca Palanca back to your hotel. The Hilton stop is served by ferry B, a seasonal ferry that does not always operate.