Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour

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.  

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.  

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! 

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 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. 

Please Note: - Should access to the terrace at St. Mark's Basilica be unavailable due to limited terrace ticket availability, access to the Pala d'Oro (Golden Altar) will be offered on select dates instead. This adjustment ensures you avoid long queues and still enjoy the basilica’s most treasured highlights during peak seasons.