Skip the ticket lines on a guided tour of St. Mark's Golden Basilica and the Gothic Doge's Palace, featuring 1,000 years of history. Discover the Prisons, Bridge of Sighs, and the History Gallery.
Venice: St Mark's Basilica, Doge Palace, & Bell Tower Option
Summary Description
Highlights
- Skip the line to Saint Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace with your guide
- Admire the Basilica's marvelous golden mosaics and learn about its art
- Discover the grand halls of the Doge's Palace and its Renaissance masterpieces.
- Cross the Bridge of Sighs to visit the Prisons
- Travel back in time with a unique VR journey through historic St. Mark’s Square
Description
Enjoy the best of Venice on a small group guided tour and visit three of the city's most iconic monuments, the St. Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Doge's Palace. Skip the long lines outside with our skip-the-line tickets to save precious time.
Discover the imposing Doge's Palace with its splendid rooms and hundreds of masterpieces. Here, the Doge and his Council controlled the fate of a thousand-year history Republic. Live it together with a guide that shows you the halls of power, plunging you into a very particular historical context: the European Middle Ages and the immediately following centuries.
Then, cross the world-famous Bridge of Sighs and visit the humid and dark Piombi Prisons. Its name comes from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells.
Your expert local guide will unveil the main hall and the shining golden naves of St. Mark's Basilica. Learn about the history of the artworks decorating the church, and if included in the visit option you chose, reach the Basilica museum. Admire the breathtaking view of St. Mark's Square, the heart of Venice, from the Basilica's terrace.
(if option is selected) The History Gallery is a window through the past, where historical photographs reveal how Venice’s legendary landmarks have evolved over the centuries, offering a powerful visual journey through time. Continue your experience with a thrilling VR adventure that brings history to life: watch Piazza San Marco transform through the ages, see the Basilica as the Doge’s private chapel, explore the Doge’s Palace as a medieval fortress, and discover how the iconic Rialto Bridge was once a wooden drawbridge.
If you choose the option, after visiting the Doge's Palace and Basilica, you can take the elevator up St. Mark's Campanile, the highest point in the city, offering breathtaking views over Venice, the Grand Canal, the islands, and the lagoon.
You'll receive our exclusive virtual assistant, Marco Polo, with an audio guide and digital map of Venice to download on your phone, always at your fingertips. This AI-powered guide, trained with local Venice insights, will assist you throughout your stay, helping you explore the city like a true Venetian.
Included / Excluded
- Local guide
- St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line ticket
- Doge's Palace skip-the-line ticket with Bridge of Sighs and Prisons
- Access to the Basilica's errace and St. Mark's Museum (if option selected)
- Museo Correr, Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library skip-the-line ticket
- VR experience at the Venice History Gallery (if option selected)
- Audio receivers for groups of 10 or more
- Bell Tower entry (if option selected)
- Gondola ride (if option selected)
- Lunch (if option selected)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Guided tour of Museo Correr, Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library
- Guided tour of the Bell Tower
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
- A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
- PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BELL TOWER OPTIONS MAY INCLUDE EITHER AN EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL SAN MARCO BASILICA GUIDED VISIT (it depends on the selected by you option)
- Pala D'Oro is not included in the tour
- The Marciana Library is closed on Sundays
- The dress code must be followed to enter the basilica
- During some days of high turnout or for other unforeseen reasons, the waiting time to access St. Mark's Basilica might be longer than expected
- The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
- A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
- PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BELL TOWER OPTIONS MAY INCLUDE EITHER AN EXTERNAL OR INTERNAL SAN MARCO BASILICA GUIDED VISIT (it depends on the selected by you option)
- Pala D'Oro is not included in the tour
- The Marciana Library is closed on Sundays
- The dress code must be followed to enter the basilica
- During some days of high turnout or for other unforeseen reasons, the waiting time to access St. Mark's Basilica might be longer than expected
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
About operator:
Venice Tours is a local Venetian company specializing in authentic, high-quality travel experiences in Venice. With over 100 curated tours and more than 500,000 customers annually, we’re a trusted name for anyone looking to discover Venice from the inside.
From historic walking tours to magical gondola rides, Venice Tours offers a diverse portfolio of experiences, available on major platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, TripAdvisor, Tiqets, and directly on our official website.
Why Choose Us
Local Expertise: Born and based in Venice, we guide visitors through its romantic alleys, majestic palaces, and lively squares with true insider knowledge.
Ongoing Experience: Thanks to our exclusive mobile apps, the experience continues even after the tour ends—offering hidden tips, exclusive deals, and local insights.
Strategic Presence: Our offices are open 365 days a year and located in Piazza San Marco, Rialto and Piazzale Roma, with multilingual staff always ready to assist.
Tech-Driven: We leverage cutting-edge technology for seamless operations and an enhanced customer journey.
From historic walking tours to magical gondola rides, Venice Tours offers a diverse portfolio of experiences, available on major platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, TripAdvisor, Tiqets, and directly on our official website.
Why Choose Us
Local Expertise: Born and based in Venice, we guide visitors through its romantic alleys, majestic palaces, and lively squares with true insider knowledge.
Ongoing Experience: Thanks to our exclusive mobile apps, the experience continues even after the tour ends—offering hidden tips, exclusive deals, and local insights.
Strategic Presence: Our offices are open 365 days a year and located in Piazza San Marco, Rialto and Piazzale Roma, with multilingual staff always ready to assist.
Tech-Driven: We leverage cutting-edge technology for seamless operations and an enhanced customer journey.
Basic Information
- Duration:
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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