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Venice Immersion: Explore Doge's Palace & Basilica
4.6
139 Ratings
Venezia
Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Venice with a walking tour, skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace, and a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica. Explore hidden corners, learn about Venice’s past, and marvel at the city’s iconic landmarks.
Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Venice with a walking tour, skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace, and a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica. Explore hidden corners, learn about Venice’s past, and marvel at the city’s iconic landmarks.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
72 hours
Highlights
- Campo Santa Maria Formosa - Escape the crowds and arrive at Santa Maria Formosa, a delightful and genuine square in Venice, encircled by historic palaces and a stunning church crafted during the Renaissance era.
- Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo - Proceed to Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, one of Venice’s largest squares, featuring the grand church…
- Campo Santa Maria Formosa - Escape the crowds and arrive at Santa Maria Formosa, a delightful and genuine square in Venice, encircled by historic palaces and a stunning church crafted during the Renaissance era.
- Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo - Proceed to Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, one of Venice’s largest squares, featuring the grand church known as the resting place for many Venetian Doges, often referred to as the “Pantheon of Venice.”
- Teatro Malibran - Walk past the historic Malibran Theater, named after the renowned opera singer Maria Malibran, and delve into the city’s rich musical and theatrical heritage.
- Venice - Conclude with a stroll along the bustling Mercerie, Venice’s ancient commercial streets filled with shops and boutiques, historically linking Rialto Bridge to St. Mark’s Square, and still regarded as the core of Venetian daily life.
- Basilica di San Marco - The tour proceeds with a guided exploration inside St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Marvel at its extraordinary golden mosaics, marble floors, Byzantine masterpieces, and the unique ambiance that has made the basilica a symbol of Venice’s prosperity and spiritual influence.
Your visit also grants access to the St. Mark’s Basilica Museum, which houses valuable artworks and treasures from the basilica’s history, including the renowned original Horses of St. Mark. Continue to the Basilica Terrace, where a breathtaking panoramic view over St. Mark’s Square and the Venetian lagoon awaits.
- Doge’s Palace - Finally, step into the splendid Doge’s Palace, the political center of the Venetian Republic for centuries. Discover its lavishly adorned halls, grand institutional chambers, and masterpieces by artists like Tintoretto and Veronese. Cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs and explore the prisons, while uncovering the intriguing history of Venetian justice and governance.
What's Included
- St. Mark’s Basilica ticket with Museum and Terrace
- 1-hour guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
- Doge’s Palace entrance ticket
- 1.5-hour guided tour of the Doge’s Palace
- 1.5-hour guided exterior walking tour
- Qualified tour guide
- Audio devices
- St. Mark’s Basilica ticket with Museum and Terrace
- 1-hour guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
- Doge’s Palace entrance ticket
- 1.5-hour guided tour of the Doge’s Palace
- 1.5-hour guided exterior walking tour
- Qualified tour guide
- Audio devices
What's Not Included
- Hotel Pick-up and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Hotel Pick-up and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Additional Information
This tour package is perfect for those seeking a complete immersion into Venice and its timeless icons. It offers not just a chance to see Venice, but to truly experience the city through its rich history and illustrious past, which continue to shine through its historic sites and legendary figures.
Embark on a walking tour to discover the city’s hidden…
This tour package is perfect for those seeking a complete immersion into Venice and its timeless icons. It offers not just a chance to see Venice, but to truly experience the city through its rich history and illustrious past, which continue to shine through its historic sites and legendary figures.
Embark on a walking tour to discover the city’s hidden gems and uncover fascinating insights about life in a city built on water and the history of Venice. Visit the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of Venice and an architectural marvel. Explore the Basilica, renowned as one of the most stunning cathedrals in the world.
- For security reasons large backpacks and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica.
- Please wear appropriate clothes to enter the Basilica (no bare knees or shoulders)
- Please note that no refund will be accepted for no shows or late arrivals. The tour will take place also with rain, in the event of exceptional high tide it might be cancelled and refund will be provided
- Due to increased safety measures, security checkpoints will have a short wait
- Please be aware that on certain dates, registration and payment of an access contribution will be necessary to visit the city of Venice. We encourage you to check all the information and procedures for registration or payment on the dedicated website of Comune di Venezia.
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
- Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to St.Mark’s Basilica
- Basilica entry with Museum is €24. Doge’s Palace €35. Remaining value covers operational costs, hosting services, app content, and licensed guides with audio systems
- This tour is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility due to the long walking route and the presence of several bridges and steps along the itinerary.
Location
Campo S. Zaccaria, 4683g
Campo San Zaccaria
Meet our staff at Campo San Zaccaria, in front of the shop opposite to the Church.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(139 Ratings)
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Cjr2407
Jun 12, 2025
Great 4-hour walking tour providing essential information about Venice - The name of the tour was the Absolute Venice Tour. It is a 2-part, 4-hour walking tour. Because the tour took us through Basilica San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica), we were required to wear appropriate clothing – no bare knees or shoulders. We met our guide near the Church of San Zaccaria which was built between 1458 and 1515. It is a small but picturesque church. We were provided with earphones so that we could easily hear the guides. Our first guide took us on a vigorous walk through many Venice streets and alleys, across several bridges, through several of the 6 districts of historic Venice, and back to the Church of San Zaccaria. She spoke English quite well. She stopped regularly and explained the history of the city, the architecture, the establishment of settlements on the islands, the construction of the foundations supporting the buildings, and many more fascinating facts. She answered our questions thoroughly.
The second guide also spoke English very well. This part of the tour started with a brisk walk from the Church of San Zaccaria to St. Mark’s Square. During this walk, the guide described what we were seeing. She gave interesting information about the regular flooding of the area and the efforts to keep certain areas from sinking. Once inside St. Mark’s Square, the guide described the various buildings and their uses over the years.
We entered the Basilica San Marco after going through metal detectors. The present structure is the third church at this location and began construction around 1063. It is a beautiful display of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture and has some Islamic influences. The interior is fabulously decorated. Many of the columns, reliefs, and sculptures were stripped from other churches, palaces, and public monuments in other cities and countries. Among the plundered artefacts brought to Venice were four ancient bronze horses. The horses are now located in the Basilica’s Museum and replicas are placed prominently over the Basilica's entrance. The horses were originally located in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey), which was sacked and looted in 1204. The guide took us through the Basilica’s Museum and provided details about several of the items we saw on display. She also led us to a balcony over the entrance to the Basilica where the replica horses are. The view of St. Mark’s Square from this location location is breathtaking.
From there, we were taken to the Doge’s Palace. The guide led us through several of the chambers and gave details about the primary functions of each area including the politics and legal systems used throughout the history of these chambers. She took us through the court chambers and then over to the old prison. We also crossed the Bridge of Sighs which spans the narrow canal between the Doge’s Palace and the prison. The Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment.
We enjoyed the historic details provided by both of our guides and highly recommend this tour. Please note that you should wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes. This tour covers quite a bit of area and includes walking on uneven surfaces and up and down stairs. We are a healthy 70+ year old couple and we didn't have any trouble keeping up with the guides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Almar717
May 16, 2024
A marvel - If you go to Gandia on vacation or tourism, be sure to see this palace of this family, one of the most powerful in medieval times. They were close to becoming the owners of all of Italy. They had three dads. This family of Spanish origin from Gandia left this palace. which reflects the power they had, be sure to see it, you have either for eight euros entry and for something more, visit, visit with guide "IMPRESSIVE"
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rod_c
Apr 29, 2024
Memorable tour. Great tour guide! - Great tour and very informative tour. Our tour guide was excellent. It was very crowded and she did a wonderful job of getting us around and very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Viator
Ross_g
Apr 28, 2024
A devoted Italian Art Historian! - Our guide was an OUTSTANDING woman (art historian) with years of experience, who had recently sprained her ankle. But that didn't stop her, as she was walking with a cane and moving quickly! We loved her use of a laser pointer to direct us to interesting details in the ceiling and wall art. She was refreshingly proud of Italy's cultural heritage, and she expressed this in her desire to share St. Mark's beauty with us!
Review provided by Viator
Kirby_l
Oct 25, 2023
Outstanding Central Venice highlights tour - Really excellent, informative, well paced tour of the main center points of interest in Venice. Guide did an excellent job, despite pouring rain, flooding and difficult crowds; very well done!!
Review provided by Viator
Jacob_a
Sep 26, 2023
Beautiful views, history, and efficient - Starting with the walking tour provided great historical and cultural context to enjoy the rest of the city throughoutnthe day. Our tour guide provided great insight and she was very helpful.
Getting to skip the lines at the basicila and palace was extremely beneficial and were great key sites to see while in Venice
Review provided by Viator
Fredrick_k
Jul 22, 2023
Great tour- guide was... - Great tour- guide was excellent. We’ll informed, humorous, and did a good job keeping track of everyone.
Review provided by Viator
Sherry_b
Jun 30, 2023
Great Information and Fn - My husband and adult daughter and I took this tour. The first 2 hours was a private tour and we learned so much history about Venice, the city, the people, the way all the islands are connected by over 400 bridges, and so much more. After this part we joined up with a group of about 20 for the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. You wear headsets and this works great. If you didn’t have a tour guide you wouldn’t know what you are looking at. I highly recommend doing a guided tour and especially when you can skip the lines!!
Review provided by Viator
Asuka
Apr 1, 2023
Great tour - This was an awesome tour... we started with the walking tour of the City. Then we cut the line to St. Marks. This includes both the down stairs tour and upstairs. Finally, we went to the Doge's Palace. The tour guide knew a lot and answered several questions.
Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Neyla_b
Mar 26, 2025
Be sure you understand... - Be sure you understand what is included in the tires of St. Mark and Doge before you book. Spent most time outside of basilica on balcony when I would have liked to pray at St. Marks tomb or at least have 5 minutes to visit to pray. Martina who led us in walking tour in an was 5 star! Donato was ok.
Review provided by Viator
