Private Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's Basilica Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace
- Explore Saint Mark's Basilica's mosaics
- Visit the Bridge of Sighs
- Admire the Golden Staircase
- Learn from an expert guide
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica
- Expert guide providing historical insights
- Visit to the Bridge of Sighs and the Golden Staircase
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
Your Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Tour will begin in beautiful Piazza San Marco, where you will meet your Private Tour Guide. Begin your adventure into two of Venice's most famous sites in this most iconic and picture perfect square, learning all about its architecture, history and anecdotes.
Your first official stop will be Saint Mark's Basilica. Enjoy exclusive and privileged skip the (long) line access, and enter straight into what is also known as the Golden Basilica. Here, your Private guide will show you and guide you through the interior of this incredible church, musing on its history, anecdotes, and the many eras it has seen in its hundreds of years of existence. You will surely be stunned by the thousands and thousands of square feet of pure golden mosaics that completely cover the basilica's interior. There is quite literally no other place like this! An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
Exit the Basilica, and continue your tour by enjoying once again exclusive skip the line access to the Doge's Palace, the seat of Venice's government for centuries. You will be amazed by the secret stories your guide shares as you walk through the Doge’s private, luxurious apartments and powerful halls, such as the Hall of the Great Council. Then, continue to explore the palace with a visit to the scary, dark and gory prison. After seeing the impressive collection of weapons, you will stop at the notorious Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy the view and snap some perfect pictures for your album at home.
After seeing the impressive collection of weapons, you will stop at the notorious Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy the view and snap some perfect pictures for your album at home.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; please ensure you understand the language.
- Children under 6 years old can join for free; however, they must be accompanied by an adult.
- The tour operates rain or shine; please dress appropriately for the weather.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces.
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Photography is allowed in most areas; however, flash photography may be restricted.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
- An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
- The ticket includes a cost to enter St. Mark’s Basilica valued at 30 EUR per person.
Traveler reviews
Great tour with an awesome guide!
Nico is an awesome guide. We learned a lot from him. We very much appreciated his knowledge and expertise in the sites of the city. Mahalo nui, thank you very much for sharing Venice with us and for a very enjoyable pace. I would book with Nico again not only for his wealth of knowledge of Venitian history, but also for his friendly and light humored demeanor. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Venice tour of St. Marks Square
Nico was fantastic! His passion and knowledge of Venice is very evident. He made this experience for us very fun, light hearted, and intriguing!! Highly recommend Nico for your next tour!
Good tour
Great experience had a good time
Informative and insightful
Our guide, Francesca was very informative, and kept the full family engaged (including our teenage boys). She is full of knowledge and pointed out things we would have never even noticed otherwise.
Excellent tour!
Filippo provided such a wonderfully interesting and engaging private tour of the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica. The tour was supposed to include access to the secret passages and rooms, but they were closed last minute due to the heat wave. We were a little concerned it would feel lacking without them for our teen and tween, but there was no need. We saw so much and Filippo tied everything together throughout. As far as the two sites, Doge’s Palace had so much architectural and historical intrigue while Saint Mark’s was incredibly beautiful. I could’ve looked at the floor mosaics all day! (There was time to stop for a water/snack and use the bathroom at the palace. Be sure to cover knees and shoulders for the church.) Thank you to Filippo. Highly recommend.