Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour
Supplied by: City Experiences
Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—on an expertly guided tour complete with skip-the-line tickets and VIP access.
Highlights
- Skip the line at two of Venice’s most visited sights.
- Join a local Venetian guide for an incredible tour.
- Go behind the scenes of St. Mark's Basilica.
- Step out onto the basilica balcony for an exclusive view.
- Visit the opulent Doge's Palace & the bleak New Prisons.
- Admire spectacular frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto.
- Walk across the Bridge of Sighs from the inside.
What's included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica
- Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica
- Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace
- Headset (when necessary)
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Overview
Delve into Venetian history on a tour showcasing the city's most iconic structures—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—as an expert guide sheds light on the stories behind both iconic attractions. Skip the line into the legendary St. Mark's Basilica, where you’ll wander through the mosaic-clad interior and even step onto the balcony overlooking Piazza San Marco—reserved for only a select few! Then, continue to the Doge's Palace and step into the political heart of a powerful empire.
Combine the top two sights in Venice on one extraordinary tour led by an expert local guide. With pre-reserved tickets and skip-the-line access, you’ll head straight into St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace for an intimate small-group experience.
First, step inside Venice's most important church—St. Mark's Basilica—and gain a full appreciation for its east-meets-west architecture and breathtaking gold mosaics. In the company of a local expert, you’ll get up close with some of the basilica’s greatest treasures, such as the millennia-old Quadriga of four gold horses. You’ll even have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. At every step of the way, you’ll hear the fascinating story of how most of the basilica's prized possessions ended up here by less-than-honest means.
The second stop on your itinerary is no less beautiful. The Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, was home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. Skip the long line with pre-reserved tickets and walk straight inside to explore huge council chambers, incredible audience rooms, and a stunning ballroom with larger-than-life works by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. Hear the intriguing history of this building that housed the world's oldest republic—as well as its fascinating government and even an incarcerated Casanova.
To finish your morning of discovery, you’ll walk in the footsteps of many a less-fortunate Venetian from centuries past. Head over the Bridge of Sighs from the inside and into the grim New Prisons—a stark yet fascinating contrast to the opulent halls and galleries that lie within the palace just across the narrow canal.
Exclusive Early Entry to Doge's Palace: Stand alone and take a breath in the Doge's Palace having had the door opened exclusively for your group - an hour before the general public arrives! Note: This is only possible with the 8:00 AM booking time.
Points of interest :
Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Basilica di San Marco, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
St. Mark's Square, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy
Bridge of Sighs, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Know before you go
This tour is in English.
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. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
Photography is not permitted inside St. Mark's Basilica.
Backpacks are prohibited inside St. Mark's Basilica.
St. Mark's Basilica can be subject to unforeseen closures due to liturgical celebrations. In this event, your guide will give the tour from the exterior of the Basilica.
This tour runs rain or shine but St. Mark's and the Doge's Palace are subject to closure due to high tides. In this event, we will contact clients as soon as possible to arrange a suitable alternative.
Walks complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable.
