Legendary Venice St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace: An insightful journey into Venetian history
4.7
3,960 Ratings
Venezia
Embark on an insightful journey into Venetian history as you explore the legendary St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Skip the line and discover the stories behind these iconic structures with an expert guide.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Piazza San Marco - Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
  • Basilica di San Marco - Get special access into the pristine St. Mark’s Basilica, skipping past the long lines and straight into its opulent interior. Wander beneath the mosaics in the company of a local guide who’s especially skilled at reviving the past through storytelling and expert knowledge. Marvel at the mosaics and more of the basilica’s treasures, then take a walk out onto the balcony for a once-in-a-lifetime view overlooking Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and the Venetian lagoon.
  • Doge’s Palace - Weave your way through the Doge’s Palace, where pre-reserved tickets once again get you past the lines and inside what was once the political heart of the Venetian empire for hundreds of years. Walk through the Doge’s private apartments and learn how politics and crime went hand in hand—even in medieval Venice. Finally, like many other (unlucky) Venetians before you, you’ll wander over the Bridge of Sighs—and learn why this romantic icon is a little grimmer than you may have heard—before finishing your exploration in the New Prisons.
What's Included
  • Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge’s Palace (8 AM only)
  • Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge’s Palace
  • Headsets when necessary
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Embark on a historical journey in Venice, featuring a tour of its most celebrated landmarks—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—while a knowledgeable guide enlightens you on the tales associated with these signature sights. Avoid the crowd at the renowned St. Mark’s Basilica, take a tour inside its mosaic-covered interior and even gain exclusive access to the balcony offering a view of Piazza San Marco—a privilege only a handful gets! Afterwards, proceed to the Doge’s Palace and immerse yourself in the political core of a mighty dynasty.

  • Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour.
  • Backpacks are prohibited inside St. Mark’s Basilica.
  • Walks complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information.
  • Tour in English only
  • St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to unforeseen closures due to liturgical celebrations or high tides. In this event, your guide will give the tour from the exterior of the Basilica or we will contact clients as soon as possible to arrange a suitable alternative.
  • Due to the religious nature of the Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. A scarf or shawl is acceptable. The activity provider cannot be held responsible for those denied entry
  • On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Location
Museo Correr
Piazza San Marco
Correr Museum (Museo Correr) in Piazza San Marco. Meet under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum. Your guide will be holding a Walks sign. Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(3960 Ratings)
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Maria_s
Mar 16, 2024
This tour was a great way... - This tour was a great way to spend the morning in Venice. Nico, our host, was knowledgable and friendly. Our group of four (two adults & two teens) appreciated the pace of the tour and the details given.
Review provided by Viator
Susie_n
Mar 12, 2024
Unmissable tour - Guilliano was an incredible guide. His knowledge made this experience FABULOUS!! Highly recommend this tour - you see the Doge Palace, walk the Bridge of Sighs, see St Mark’s Basilica, climb to the terrace & get a great view of St Marks square
Review provided by Viator
Deborah_a
Feb 25, 2024
Excellent knowledgeable tour guide - Excellent tour guide Roberta, very knowledgeable and engaging the whole tour made the experience better
Review provided by Viator
Sonia_j
Jan 28, 2024
Great value for money - Excellent tour guide very knowledgeable spoke really good English. Made it interesting and fun gave us plenty of time to appreciate the views
Review provided by Viator
Alice_f
Jan 4, 2024
Great guide. Knowledgeable and humorous. Made tour memorable and fun - See below. Great guide. Did not know the history of the region. And given in a thorough but not overwhelming way. Guide able to answer our questions
Review provided by Viator
Simon_c
Nov 23, 2023
Eccelene - Martina gave a very intese ring tour - with a lot of wry humour. They knew a lot about Venice and the art of the two facilities and we gained much.
Review provided by Viator
Keith_l
Nov 1, 2023
St Mark's Basilicata and Doge Palace - Emanuele was an outstandimg tour guide. He was so knowledgeable about the history, the paintings and palace. One of the best tours and guides that there is.
Review provided by Viator
Thura_w
Jan 24, 2024
Good tour package - ....tour is well packaged. Tour guide is very professional. It should package better and more complete with other attractions.
Review provided by Viator
Danielle_k
Nov 15, 2023
Not bad but not our favorite tour. - The tour was nice but many of the paintings and sculptures were reproductions which made it not so authentic. Not a bad tour overall.
Review provided by Viator
Varun_p
Dec 4, 2023
Mixed experience! - The tour was a mixed experience - the Guide was amazing but the tour did not meet the description. The tour mentioned an exclusive access to Doge’s palace at 8 am. We were there by 7.30am only to meet the tour operator on the spot at 9.15am. We were told that there was no such access during Winters and Viator may have misguided us.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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