Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour
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At a glance
- Duration
- 2h 30min
- Price from
- $68 / person
- Location
- Venice, Italy
- Rating
- 4.0 / 5 · 62 reviews
- Languages
- DE, PT, EN, IT
- Group
- Small group, up to 25
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Journey Tours
- Meeting point
- Meet your host and your guide under the blue Clock Tower at the corner of St. Mark's Basilica, next to Bar Americano. The host will be holding a blue flag.
Description
Maximize time in Venice on this guided tour featuring skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica (If option with Basilica it's selected) and Doge's Palace. Begin at St. Mark's Basilica, one of Venice's most iconic landmarks, and admire its dazzling golden mosaics, rich history, and remarkable Byzantine architecture with an expert guide. Continue to Doge's Palace, the former seat of the Venetian Republic, where you'll explore magnificent halls, historic chambers, and impressive artworks while uncovering centuries of Venetian power and intrigue. Complete your experience with a visit to a traditional Murano glass workshop, where master artisans demonstrate the centuries-old craft that has made Murano glass famous worldwide. A perfect Venice highlights tour for first-time visitors.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 33 times a day, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Next available
- Fri, Oct 9
- Adult (ages 15+)
- $68
- Child (ages 6–14)
- $56
- Infant (ages 0–5)
- Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Out at sunset: the 4:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:15 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 658 of the next 990 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 8.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Piazza San Marco
Meet your expert guide in famous St. Mark’s Square and start getting to know "the Floating City" and its origins. Explore the most renowned public space in the city and, learn about its historical, social, and political importance. Learn about the Clock Tower and the Marble Lions that both play an important role in St Mark’s history.
Basilica di San Marco
St. Mark's Basilica, located in the enchanting city of Venice, Italy, captivates visitors from afar with its breathtaking exterior. The basilica's façade, adorned with intricate marble carvings, elegant arches, and majestic bronze doors, stands as a testament to the city's architectural brilliance and historical significance.
Palazzo Ducale
The Doge's Palace, located in St. Mark's Square, is an iconic monument of Venice and the former home of the Doge, the ruler of the Republic of Venice. This Gothic palace, with Renaissance and Baroque elements, offers a fascinating look into the city's history. Visitors can explore rooms decorated with masterpieces by artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese and the famous Bridge of Sighs that connects to the former prisons. It is a must-see stop to understand the rich history and culture of Venice.
Ponte dei Sospiri
We will pass by the Bridge of Sighs whose name came from the lamentations of the prisoners before being condemned to death, that is linked with the Doge Palace.
Vecchia Murano
We will conclude our experience with a visit to one of the oldest glass factories in Murano, La Vecchia Murano, where you will discover the centuries-old tradition that has made this island famous around the world. During the visit, you will enjoy a fascinating live demonstration by master glassmakers, showcasing the traditional techniques used to blow and shape authentic Murano glass, a craft passed down through generations. After the demonstration, you will have time to explore the factory’s elegant showrooms, featuring unique glass artworks, sculptures, chandeliers, decorative pieces, and exquisite handcrafted jewelry. This is an excellent opportunity to admire the wide variety of colors, styles, and techniques that make Murano glass so distinctive. For those interested, there will be an opportunity to purchase authentic Murano glass creations, internationally recognized for their exceptional quality, beauty, and craftsmanship.
What's included
Included
Pre-reserved tickets for St. Mark's basilica, euros 12(If option with Basilica it's selected)
Tickets for the Correr Museum
Headset to hear the guide (groups more than 9 people)
Small group tour for a more personalized experience
Pre-reserved tickets for Doge's Palace (euros 35)
Expert Certified Guide
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Access to Pala d'Oro and Terrace
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.0
62 reviews
How it compares in Venice
- Starting price $68 is 41% below the typical $115 for tours of similar length in Venice
Excurgo comparison of 1,965 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The visit inside St. Mark’s Basilica lasts about 15–20 minutes, according to local regulations.
- The tour runs even in light rain. Please note that during certain time of the year, high tide may occur. In that case, raised walkways are set up to allow access and disposable shoe covers can be purchased in front of the entrance.
- We kindly ask you to arrive on time, as late arrivals can’t be accommodated or refunded.
- Please dress appropriately for a place of worship: shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Please make sure to provide a valid e-mail address and phone number including your country code, so we can send you confirmations and updates.
- Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person. Doge's Palace tickets are priced at €35 per adult. All additional charges are considered administrative costs.
- Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the Basilica. For security reasons, large bags and backpacks cannot be taken inside.
- 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.
- Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to St.Mark’s Basilica.
- Please note that the itinerary for our tours may differ from the advertised order of destinations. We assure you that any changes made to the tour itinerary are carefully planned and intended to enhance your overall experience.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $68 per person for this Venice experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 10 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 33 departures a day between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 6–14 pay from $56, adults from $68. Infants go free.
Does this tour sell out?
It can: 658 of the next 990 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet your host and your guide under the blue Clock Tower at the corner of St. Mark's Basilica, next to Bar Americano. The host will be holding a blue flag. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, PT, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 25 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.0 out of 5 across 62 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Journey Tours.
Reviews(62)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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from$68
4.0(62) Free cancellation