Legendary Venice St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace: An insightful journey into Venetian history

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
(4346 Ratings)
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Joe_r
Aug 1, 2024
Venice .... Wow! - Our tour guide (Monica) was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and extremely personable. She took her time to answer every question, and was patient with those that moved slower. I would definitely go back.
Review provided by Viator
Cecilia_k
Jul 31, 2024
Insight on history, art and design - Moses provided great historical context, and insights into the art and design of Doges Palace and San Marco that I would have missed without the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Dan_b
Jul 30, 2024
Fantastic Tour: A+ - Alessandro was very knowledgeable and fantastic with both showing the tour and interacting with guests… even asking questions and quizzing the group to get us thinking. A+
Review provided by Viator
Sarah_h
Jul 30, 2024
Highly recommended - ask for Roberta! - This tour was brilliant. Our guide Roberta was so knowledgeable and lovely. I could listen to her for hours. I’ve done many guided tours and this was one of the best I have done. Doge’s Palace and the Basilica were spectacular. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Donna_j
Jul 28, 2024
Definitely book a skip the line experience! - The tour guide was easy to find. Skipping the lines was very necessary particularly since it was such a hot day! The guide provided interesting information and spoke English quite well. Would definitely recommend.!
Review provided by Viator
Laura
Jul 22, 2024
Excellent tour and worth the price!! - Our tour guide Matteo was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and took his time explaining everything to us. He answered any questions we had. I highly recommend taking this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julie_n
Jul 14, 2024
Amazing tour and guide - Elena Z was amazing at bringing these places to life with modern context and antidotes. I would thoroughly recommend this tour
Review provided by Viator
Bing676
Jul 12, 2024
A Must-Do for all Overseas Visitors to Venice! - This guided tour package combines the 2 most important tourist attractions in Venice, which most tourists queue up all day for! My Uncle & I were extremely grateful that we signed up for this guided tour package and we recommend everyone who wish to visit these 2 beautiful and significant landmarks to do the same. From the 1st floor terrace of the St. Mark's Basilica, you can get an awesome view of St. Mark's Square which most tourists will never gain access to! Our guide, Julia, shared so much important information about the history of the Venetian Republic, the other parts of Europe that the Venetians occupied centuries ago, the election of the Doge, and so much more! If you are visiting Venice for the first time, please do yourself a favour and sign up for this guided tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Girtsc
Jul 11, 2024
Must do this one! - Very good! Perfectly took back to foundation of Venice! The tour walked through of system of Dodges and rulling system of Venice Empire. Discovered how it was built and other states they had under rulling. The guide Roberta was super!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carlos_f
Jul 20, 2024
A good guided tour of the Basilica and Doge palace. - Knowledgeable tour guide. Basilica was impressive; spent a lot of time at the Doge palace. But, tour would be better at 2 hours vs 3.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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