Basilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option
Description
Experience an exclusive guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, iconic landmarks of Piazza San Marco. Admire the grandeur of the Golden Staircase and stunning artworks in the Doge's Palace, and cross the Bridge of Sighs to explore the historic prisons where Casanova was held, reminiscent of Alcatraz’s mystique. Visit St. Mark's Basilica, known as the Golden Basilica, to marvel at its glittering mosaics, as dazzling as any European cathedral. Then, enjoy a virtual reality experience at the History Gallery of Venice. With a VR headset, see Piazza San Marco as it once was, imagining the Basilica as the Doge's private chapel and the Palace as a medieval fortress. Choose the St. Mark's Bell Tower option for panoramic views of Venice, much like viewing New York City from above. An elevator ride to the top offers breathtaking vistas of the domes, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. Enhance your visit with an audio guide and digital map for deeper insights.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Visit the imposing Doge’s Palace with its marvelous rooms rich of artistic artwork made by famous venetian artists. You will discover the halls of power where the Doge and the highest politicians decided the faith of the Venice Republic. In these rooms you will be stunned in front of the “Last Judgment” by Tintoretto, one of the largest paintings in the world. Then the guide will escort you down in the old venetian prisons, passing through the magnificent Bridge of Sighs!
The guided visit will proceed to the Basilica of Saint Mark, known also as the Golden Basilica, thanks to its uncountable mosaics made of pure gold! The guide will explain the history and meaning of the masterpieces that decorate the cathedral. (OUTSIDE TOUR IF THE BELL TOWER OPTION IS SELECTED)
The two symbols of Venice are in the middle of the marvelous Saint Mark's Square.
St. Mark's Bell Tower option for breathtaking views of Venice from above, including the domes of St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. An elevator ride takes you to the top, offering a unique panorama. Standing at 98 meters, the campanile is the tallest structure in Venice. (SELECTING THE BELL TOWER OPTION YOU WILL ENJOY THE ST. MARK'S BASILICA VISIT FROM OUTSIDE ONLY)
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
- A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
- Comfortable shoes suggested.
- On Sundays, feast days and in case of unplanned religious celebrations the Basilica tour foresees the visit with direct access to the Terrace and to St. Mark's Museum situated on the first floor.
- Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
- Please note that the Marciana Library is closed on Sundays
- 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
- Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
- For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
- 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.
Reviews(678)
Overall a good experience. It was crowded that day but the tour still seemed a bit slow and unnecessarily drawn out. We were disappointed the Basilica tour did not include the balcony. The gap of time between the guided tour and the self guided bell tower ticket was too long. 45-60 minutes between the tour completion and the bell tower ticket felt like a long time to wait around in Piazza di San Marco. But overall we’re glad we did the tour.
Wonderful experience! Guide was knowledgeable and energetic. The bell tower gave a wonderful view of Venice. Highly recommend.
This is a great way to experience the highlights of Venice if you don’t have a lot of time there.
Dear Guest, We appreciate you feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
If you’re really into art history, you will love this tour. Our guide really knew his stuff and was determined to share every detail. As a result, we found it a bit tedious.
Our guide did not show up for our tour. By the time they got us a guide we were over an hour late starting so put our day behind schedule and we missed another tour we had planned and paid for. Once we started the tour it was good but you could tell she was trying to make up time.
Very knowledgeable guide which made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
Very interesting visit and during which you take the time to stop and contemplate. Our guide Donatela spoke perfect French and gladly answered questions. Allow 2 good hours to do Basilica + Palace.
Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
Very interesting. Thank you very much à Donatella
Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
Interesting and engaged guide
Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
The guide has a lot of knowledge and is good at communicating it.
Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
