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

Summary Description

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.
  • Description

    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.  

    Included / Excluded
    What's Included
    • Local English-speaking guide
    • Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 15€)
    • Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica
    • Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25€)
    • Headset (when necessary)
    What's Not Included
    • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
    • Lunch
    • Gratuities
    Start / End Locations

    Start Location: Correr Museum (Museo Correr), Piazza San Marco, 52, Venezia, IT

    Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.

    Start Location Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ggbKosvjgY1LVsz29

    Commentary

    Guide : English

    Important Information
    Know Before You Book
    • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
    • Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
    • 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. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
    • No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
    • If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
    • 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.
    • All guests must supply their full name and date of birth that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Name changes are not permitted.
    • This tour is fully refundable up to 7 days prior to the event. Within 7 days, this tour is 100% non-refundable.
    Know Before You Go
    • Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
    • 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.
    • 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. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
    • Large bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
    • No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
    • If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
    • Appropriate footwear recommended
    • 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.
    • All guests must supply their full name and date of birth that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Name changes are not permitted.
    • This tour is fully refundable up to 7 days prior to the event. Within 7 days, this tour is 100% non-refundable.
    • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
    Cancellation

    Cancellation Policy: custom

    Cancellation Cutoff: 7 days

    Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 7 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 7 days of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

    Options

    Legendary Venice Tour Price

    Prices may vary by time, day, or season.

    RETAIL PRICE
    Adult (13-64 years) €119.00
    Child (0-3 years) €99.00
    Points of interest
    • Metropolitan City of Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
    • 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
    • Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
    • Bridge of Sighs, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
    • Piazza San Marco, P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
    • Terms and Conditions

      Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.

      Redemption Information

      Tickets will be held at the box office

      FAQ

      Can I bring a bag into the Doge’s Palace?

      Toggle FAQ

      Although you are unable to carry large backpacks around the Doge’s Palace, there is a free bag check at the entrance. Feel free to leave handbags and purses here too and collect them after your tour.