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: 24 hours
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
  • If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). The guide will modify the itinerary to include alternate dry paths whenever possible.
  • No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
  • If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark’s Basilica and/or Doge’s Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
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
(4467 Ratings)
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Michael_b
Sep 26, 2024
Enjoyable and informative tour - Our guide spoke perfect English, despite the fact that she is a native of Venice. Tour exceeded the alloted time.
Review provided by Viator
Amanda_y
Sep 9, 2024
Amazing tour and knowledgeable guide! - Our guide Alessandro was phenomenal! He was very passionate and knowledgeable. This tour was wonderful and it was great we were able to skip the line and get inside before anyone else. This allowed us to take a picture in the doge palace in an empty room, which is very rare. I would highly recommend this tour and Alessandro!
Review provided by Viator
Cupcake_gardens
Sep 5, 2024
6 Stars - AMAZING !!! - Absolutely the BEST walking tour experience of Venezia! We have 2 kids - 9 and 11 - and I was kinda apprehensive about a 3 hrs walking tour. Our guide Sabrina was entertaining and highly knowledgeable and make the art and history come alive, our kids were enthralled. Now I feel as if I really know Venice, awesome job team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glennb752
Sep 4, 2024
Great review of Venetian History and beauty. - Meet up location was in the shade on a very hot day. Well chosen. The guide was easy to hear and explained things well. The tour was fascinating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shaila_y
Sep 1, 2024
The Basilica and Doge’s Palace in Venice - It’s a 3 hour walking trip. The Doge’s Palace and Basilica are in the same complex but it’s a detailed 3 hour walking trip and it was hot even end of August!
Review provided by Viator
Hannahji8534oq
Aug 23, 2024
Amazing Tour! - Our tour guide Georgia was phenomenal, funny and very knowledgeable! We really enjoyed our tour of Doge’s Palace and the Basilica. We also appreciated being able to skip the lines and head straight into locations, which already had huge lines early in the morning! Just under 3 hours, this tour taught us the history of Venice, and details about Doge’s Palace and the Basilica that we would not have know, or would have missed, without it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Geary_m
Aug 15, 2024
Breathtaking - Such a beautiful tour, full of amazing stories and rich with history. Our guide, Moses, was exceptional! He was so knowledgeable and had a great presentation.
Review provided by Viator
Sarahg
Aug 3, 2024
Well rounded tour - Our tour guide was so informative and shared interesting information on the architecture, history and some current local knowledge.
Review provided by Viator
Rhys_m
Sep 4, 2024
Interesting, but far too long - Interesting history of both Doges Palace and the basilica but far too long. Our guide had a significant knowledge of the history of both places and Venice itself which was fantastic but this tour (even for us as the youngest of the group) got tiring quick in the humidity.
Review provided by Viator
David_a
Aug 18, 2024
Lots to see - Sensory overload - Nice being in a small group and able to skip the lines. That’s worth it! Tour was actually in reverse as described with visiting Doge Palace first. There is so much to see we wanted time on our own for the dungeon and prison area, less on the paintings but had to stay with the group to get into St. Marks. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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