Venice Landmarks: Walking Tour Plus St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Tours

Venice , Italy

Venice Landmarks: Walking Tour Plus St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Tours

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If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the best of Venice on this complete half-day tour: guided walk between St Mark’s Square and the Rialto area, avoid the long lines to enter St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace and enjoy a fascinating visit of the most famous attractions of Venice.

Available options

09:00 English commentary

09:00 French commentary

09:00 Spanish commentary

09:00 German commentary

What's included

Guided walking tour

Skip the line access and guided visit to St Mark’s Basilica

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco is the principal public square of Venice and since 1987 UNESCO world heritage.

Stop 2

The Golden Basilica, a perfect blend of Byzantine and Gothic art

Stop 3

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge’s Palace is one of the symbols of Venice

Stop 4 Pass by

Near the church of St. Giovanni Crisostomo there is Marco Polo's house, he was an Italian traveller, writer, ambassador and merchant.

Stop 5 Pass by

The basilica of Saints John and Paul is one of the most impressive medieval religious buildings in Venice, together with the basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. It is considered the pantheon of Venice due to the large number of Venetian doges and other important figures who have been buried there since the 13th century.

Stop 6 Pass by

Campo Santa Maria Formosa is a campo in Venice, located in the Castello district.

It is one of the largest squares in the city: a total of nine calli and eleven bridges branch off from it.

What's not included

Gratuities

Entry ticket to the Treasure

Entry ticket to the Pala d’Oro

Entry ticket and access to the Museum and the Terrace

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

20 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a collective tour, which means there might be other participants going on the tour with you.

In cases of religious ceremonies, exceptionally high tides or other special occasions, access to St Mark's Basilica may not be permitted.

To visit St Mark's Basilica it is necessary to dress appropriately (no shorts or vest or tops) and backpacks are not allowed for safety reasons.

Please note that, due to the particular morphological structure of Venice and the logistic problems resulting from it, we cannot guarantee that the whole tour is accessible to people with limited mobility. This means that people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users could not be able to access some parts of the itinerary

Please note that this tour combines different activities. Therefore, the second part of the tour may not take place immediately after the end of the first part of the tour. At the meeting point you will be notified of the exact starting time.

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay up to 10 € access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Please note: For now, the tour only covers the ground floor of St. Mark’s Basilica. Museum and Terrace are not included.

Meeting point

The meeting point is ten to fifteen minutes before the start of the tour at the TURIVE meeting point, located on Calle larga de l' Ascension, near the post office, behind Correr museum.

Important notes

• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 MINUTES BEFORE THE DEPARTURE TIME
• At the departure point you will meet a TURIVE STAFF MEMBER who will check your vouchers and give you further information.
• The Procuratoria di San Marco reserves the right to PROHIBIT VISITS and access to the basilica at any time, without notice for reasons of force majeure (e.g. high water), safety reasons, religious services not specified on the calendar, state visits. When possible, you will be immediately notified of such changes together with other ways to use the service. Access to the Basilica is only permitted to visitors with suitable attire: shorts, sleeveless dresses, low-cut and skimpy clothes are not allowed; suitcases, backpacks, bulky bags are not allowed for safety reasons: if necessary you will be instructed about the luggage storage directly on the spot
• COLLECTIVE TOUR there might be other participants going on the tour with you
• COMBINED TOUR
• Due to the particular morphological structure of Venice, we cannot guarantee that people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users could access the whole tour
• No credit or refunds will be given in the case of a NO SHOW if you don't show up at the meeting point at the time indicated on your voucher

For emergencies on site, please contact us at +39 041 8877441 or customersupport@insidecom.it or chat with us on Venetoinside Facebook Messenger from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm CET.

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly