Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour
Highlights
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Enjoy a truly VIP experience in and around the famed St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco)
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Acquire pre-reserved, skip-the-line entry into St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace
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Take in the surrounding views over Venice with exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica
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Let an expert local guide lead you through Venice's oppulent history and culture - subjects they truly have a passion for
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Greet mosaics of gold, frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto, and masterpieces at every turn
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Traverese the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's apartments, the Armory, and the New Prision
Summary
Tour info
Piazza San Marco, Correr Museum (Museo Correr), Venice, IT, 30124, IT
Piazza San Marco, 52, Venice, IT, 30124, IT
Why take this tour?
From the moment of your arrival, a local expert will engross you in tales of power, war, greed, love, beauty, and art - setting the stage for each and pointing out stories hidden in the exterior of the Basilica. Navigate across the square, descending into the interior chambers of St. Mark's Basilica, bypassing the extensive lines to get in. You are VIP while in our care.
Opulence awaits; under your feet, over your head, and just at the tips of your fingers. 26,000 sq ft of gold mosaics gleam from the ceiling above. As you maneuver through, your local guide will share the angelic prophecy of St. Mark's and sinister actions taken. With special access, get to see pieces of the Basilica's most coveted treasures. See the famed bronzed quadriga (chariot of four horses) before stepping out onto the balcony of the church for one inspiring view across St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Venetian lagoon lapping nearby.
Head to the Doge's Palace, walking right through the palace doors (skipping the line) into the political heart of an Empire. Explore the more common rooms filled with frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto. (Not an art history buff? You will still be inspired by their importance and beauty!) Your guide will share all the stories of backstabbing and skullduggery that went on behind the scenes here. Head into the palace armory, the New Prisons, and walk onto the famed Bridge of Sighs. By the end of your time with us, Venice - with all its trials, tribulations, and luxury will seal your affections forever.
Sites Visited:
- St. Mark's Basilica
- St. Mark’s Square
- Bell Tower & Marciana Library (exterior)
- Terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica
- Doge’s Palace (general access rooms)
- New Prisons
- Bridge of Sighs
What’s included?
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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
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Lunch
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Gratuities
Frequently asked questions
Things to know
Before you book
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Sections of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. Therefore, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour.
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Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
Before you go
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The Basilica is a holy place and attire must be appropriate. All men, women, and children are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress.
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The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.
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Photography is not permitted inside St. Mark's Basilica.
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Backpacks are prohibited inside St. Mark's Basilica.
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St. Mark's Basilica can be subject to unforeseen closures due to liturgical celebrations. In this event, your guide will give the tour from the exterior of the Basilica.
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This tour runs rain or shine. Occasionally St. Mark's and the Doge's Palace close without previous notice due to high tides. In this event, we will contact clients as soon as possible to arrange a suitable alternative.
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Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
Covid Policy
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
Cancellation Policy
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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
Operated by:
About operator:
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.
