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

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.

Summary

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.  

Tour info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
20
Pricing (From)
Adult (15+): (15-99 years)
€98.00
Child (2-14): (2-14 years)
€94.00
Infant (0-1): (0-1 years)
€0.00
See all pricing
Commentary
English

Why take this tour?

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.  

What’s included?

  • Local English-speaking guide

  • Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica

  • Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica

  • Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace

  • Headset (when necessary)

  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

  • Lunch

  • Gratuities

Things to 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.

  • This tour is in English.

  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

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.

  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

  • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.

  • Appropriate footwear recommended

  • Photography and filming are prohibited

Cancellation Policy

    Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours 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.

Redemption information

    Mobile tickets will be accepted


    Tickets will be held at the box office

Pricing

LEGENDARY VENICE - 9:30AM, 11AM AND 2PM DEPARTURES

Adult (15+): (15-99 years)
€105.00
Child (2-14): (2-14 years)
€100.00
Infant (0-1): (0-1 years)
€0.00

LEGENDARY VENICE - 8.00 AM DEPARTURE TIME

Adult (15+): (15-99 years)
€114.00
Child (2-14): (2-14 years)
€109.00
Infant (0-1): (0-1 years)
€0.00

PRICING FOR LEGENDARY VENICE VALID ONLY FROM 1ST NOV 2024 UNTIL 31ST MAR 2025

Adult (15+): (15-99 years)
€98.00
Child (2-14): (2-14 years)
€94.00
Infant (0-1): (0-1 years)
€0.00

About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.