Legendary Venice Express: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica
2 hours
Max 25 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Venice, Italy
About this activity
Uncover Venice’s power and history on this express tour of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Skip the lines and explore two iconic landmarks in just two hours.
Highlights
- Explore the Doge’s Palace and uncover its legendary history at the center of Venice's power.
- Walk across the Bridge of Sighs, following in the footsteps of Venetian prisoners to uncover the darker side of Venetian politics.
- Dive straight into the Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica without waiting in long lines.
- Gaze at the shimmering golden mosaic ceiling of Venice’s most famous church, St. Mark's Basilica.
- Maximize your time with a perfectly planned route that lets you see the best of Venice in just two hours.
Full description
Venice’s beauty and intrigue await you in just two hours, making the most of your time in the Floating City. On this expert-led express tour, you’ll uncover the secrets of two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks: the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Skip the lines and step directly into the heart of Venetian history, art, and politics. This is a seamless visit of the highlights without feeling rushed.
Experience the Best of Venice in Just 2 Hours at Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica
Start inside the stunning Doge’s Palace, where Venice’s power once pulsed through its grand chambers. Your guide will reveal the fascinating history of the Doge, the city’s ruling duke, and introduce you to some of Venice’s most celebrated artists, like Tintoretto and Veronese, whose paintings still decorate the palace today. Walk in the footsteps of legendary figures, including Casanova, as you cross the Bridge of Sighs, bound for the grim New Prisons.
From there, head next door to the awe-inspiring St. Mark’s Basilica. With your skip-the-line access, you’ll glide past the crowds and take in the breathtaking golden mosaics that tell the city’s legendary story. Your guide will share the thrilling tales of how the treasures of the basilica came to Venice, many under mysterious—and sometimes scandalous—circumstances.
This seamless experience is more than a tour. It’s a chance to feel Venice’s history, uncover its hidden stories, and see its most treasured landmarks with unparalleled insight. Through carefully planned timing and advanced ticketing reservations, you'll see Venice's two top attractions in two hours, leaving plenty of time to continue exploring the Floating City.
Important: You must provide the following details for every guests in your party at the time of booking: first and last name. All guests must bring ID on the day of their tour as it is required to visit the St. Mark's Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. Name changes are not permitted. This experience is refundable up to 7 days before your tour.
Start inside the stunning Doge’s Palace, where Venice’s power once pulsed through its grand chambers. Your guide will reveal the fascinating history of the Doge, the city’s ruling duke, and introduce you to some of Venice’s most celebrated artists, like Tintoretto and Veronese, whose paintings still decorate the palace today. Walk in the footsteps of legendary figures, including Casanova, as you cross the Bridge of Sighs, bound for the grim New Prisons.
From there, head next door to the awe-inspiring St. Mark’s Basilica. With your skip-the-line access, you’ll glide past the crowds and take in the breathtaking golden mosaics that tell the city’s legendary story. Your guide will share the thrilling tales of how the treasures of the basilica came to Venice, many under mysterious—and sometimes scandalous—circumstances.
This seamless experience is more than a tour. It’s a chance to feel Venice’s history, uncover its hidden stories, and see its most treasured landmarks with unparalleled insight. Through carefully planned timing and advanced ticketing reservations, you'll see Venice's two top attractions in two hours, leaving plenty of time to continue exploring the Floating City.
Important: You must provide the following details for every guests in your party at the time of booking: first and last name. All guests must bring ID on the day of their tour as it is required to visit the St. Mark's Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. Name changes are not permitted. This experience is refundable up to 7 days before your tour.
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (St. Mark's Basilica 12€)
- Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25€)
- Headset (when necessary)
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Meeting point
Start Location
Museo Correr, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Museo Correr, P.za San Marco, 52, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
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.
Get directions →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.
- All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
- 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
- All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
- 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 policy
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the activity starts
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.
Additional information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)