• Piazza San Marco - Learning about the past of this charming city while walking along the historical streets of Venice!

Walk through the Piazza San Marco with a qualified and experienced guide in order to learn Venetian history before the viewing of the main monuments in this area, including the Basilica San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Bell Tower, Clock Tower and Procuratie. You will admire Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo (the “Pantheon” of Venice), the Great School of Charity before viewing Marco Polo’s House and the Malibran Theatre. Visit the stunning Rialto Bridge with its traditional market.

Coming back to San Marco through the main shopping area known as Mercerie!

• Doge’s Palace - The Palazzo Ducale has been for centuries the seat of the Venetian political power. In its splendid rooms, plastered and immersed in hundreds of painting masterpieces, the Duke and his Council controlled the fate for thousand-years in the old Republic. You’ll live it together with a guide who will show you the halls of power, plunging you into a very special historical context: the European Middle Ages. You’ll be surprised by the details of the gold staircase and of the realism of the scenes depicted by many artists who have decorated this building.
• Ponte dei Sospiri - Relive the anguish of the prisoners crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, and entering the Venetian prisons, famous for hosting Giacomo Casanova.
• Basilica di San Marco - Follow a tour guide through St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the most majestic cathedrals in the world. Learning about byzantine art and its religious background while taking a glimpse at the gold mosaics and marble floors.

After the visit of the Basilica you will have the opportunity to visit a Glass Factory close to Saint Mark’s Square where you can see a Glass Craftsman at work. Please note this is a free of charge optional tour of approximately 20 minutes and it is not a part of the tour.

• Museo Correr - You may visit by yourself the other magnificent palaces around St. Mark’s Square as known as Procuratie. You will discover the Venetian way of life, Venetian paintings, library, coinage, sculpture. You will go back directly to the secrets of Venetian Empire and you will visit the area built by Napoleon and the rooms restored for Sissi Empress Austria

• Mobile audio guide for a self-guided tour of Venice’s 5 districts
• Skip-the-line access to Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica
• Entrance included to San Marco Museum and Basilica Terrace
• Ticket for independent visits to Palaces in St. Mark’s Square
• Guided walking tour of Piazza San Marco and Venice
• Expert-led tours of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica
• Access to the iconic Bridge of Sighs and the Piombi Prisons

• Hotel pickup

Join our half-day excursion in the heart of Venice, featuring a guided exploration of Piazza San Marco and tours of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

We kick off in Piazza San Marco, offering a rich history of its major attractions, before making our way to the Rialto bridge. Enjoying the scenic locations and enchanting spots such as Campo Santa Maria Formosa and the Basilica of S. Giovanni and Paolo.

The journey continues as our guide leads you inside the magnificent Doge’s Palace, showcasing its intricately adorned halls of authority, the Golden Staircase, and renowned Tiepolo masterpieces. Experience the notorious Bridge of Sighs as we make our way to the ancient prisons where Casanova was the only one to evade captivity!

The capstone of our tour is the awe-inspiring St. Mark’s Basilica. Step into this grandiose church to marvel at its golden mosaics! Uncover its mysteries, history, and behold the remarkable artworks, including the five domes laced with gold.

Immerse yourself in more than 200 notable Venice landmarks with our accompanying audio guide for a self-guided exploration!

• Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unexpected religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed the days after otherwise it will be refunded)
• For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
• You must download the audio guide with digital map on your mobile phone.
• You will receive the audio guide with digital map by e-mail. If you have any problems with this, please come to Venice Tours office (San Marco 1093/B) for assistance.
• Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
• Admire mosaics, the San Marco Museum and enjoy a breathtaking overview of St. Mark’s Square from the Terrace.
• 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

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