Explore Venice:Guided Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace
Description
Step into the heart of Venice on a guided tour that brings its most celebrated landmarks to life. Skip the lines at St. Mark’s Basilica and marvel at its golden mosaics before stepping onto the exclusive terrace for breathtaking views over the square. Continue to the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venetian power, where grand chambers and masterpieces reveal the city’s rich past. Conclude your journey by crossing the Bridge of Sighs into the historic New Prisons, experiencing both the splendor and secrets of Venice in one unforgettable visit. ✔ Skip the lines at two of Venice’s most popular landmarks ✔ Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access at St. Mark's Basilica ✔ Step onto the basilica’s balcony for breathtaking panoramic views
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your tour at Museo Correr with your expert local guide. This is where your journey into the heart of Venice’s history and art begins, setting the stage for a memorable morning exploring the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Take a guided walk through the famous Piazza San Marco, Venice’s vibrant central square. Learn about its rich history and architecture as you soak in the lively atmosphere and stunning surroundings.
Step inside Venice’s most important church with skip-the-line access and a knowledgeable guide. Marvel at its breathtaking gold mosaics and east-meets-west architectural style, and get an up-close look at treasures such as the millennia-old Quadriga of four gold horses. Enjoy exclusive access to the basilica’s balcony, offering spectacular views over St. Mark’s Square, while hearing fascinating stories about the history and treasures of this iconic landmark.
Enter the Doge’s Palace with pre-reserved tickets and skip the line. Explore the grand council chambers, audience rooms, and the stunning ballroom featuring masterpieces by Venetian masters like Veronese and Tintoretto. Learn about the palace’s rich history as the seat of Venice’s government and discover intriguing tales, including that of Casanova. Conclude your visit by walking across the Bridge of Sighs into the historic New Prisons, offering a striking contrast to the opulence of the palace.
End your tour with drop-off at either St. Mark’s Square or back at Museo Correr, completing a full morning of discovery through Venice’s most celebrated landmarks.
Highlights
What's included
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- All participants are required to present a valid passport or identification card, including for children.
- Attire should include long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs or strollers, or for individuals with mobility impairments.
- Shorts, backpacks, sleeveless tops, and mini skirts are not permitted.
- Oversized bags and large luggage are not allowed.
- Please note that some sites on this tour may occasionally be closed due to religious observances, tidal conditions, or flooding. In such cases, your guide will provide an insightful exterior tour of the location instead.
- We recommend that guests wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- If high tide restricts access to certain areas of the tour, no refunds will be issued; however, the route will be adjusted to ensure client safety.
- Please note that in the event of restricted access to St. Mark’s Basilica and/or the Doge’s Palace due to private functions, we cannot be held liable. In such cases, refunds will not be provided.
- All guests are required to provide their full name exactly as it appears on a valid ID when making a booking. Reservations without this information will be canceled. A photo ID is mandatory for entry to the Basilica, and name modifications are not allowed.
- Normally, travellers receive the final voucher 3–5 days before the tour date. It includes the exact meeting point and important instructions.
