Explore Venice:Guided Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace

Venice , Italy

Explore Venice:Guided Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace

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About this experience

Step into the heart of Venice on a guided tour that brings its most celebrated landmarks to life. Skip the lines at St. Mark’s Basilica and marvel at its golden mosaics before stepping onto the exclusive terrace for breathtaking views over the square. Continue to the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venetian power, where grand chambers and masterpieces reveal the city’s rich past. Conclude your journey by crossing the Bridge of Sighs into the historic New Prisons, experiencing both the splendor and secrets of Venice in one unforgettable visit.

✔ Skip the lines at two of Venice’s most popular landmarks
✔ Enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access at St. Mark's Basilica
✔ Step onto the basilica’s balcony for breathtaking panoramic views

Available options

English Guided Tour

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Duration: 2 hours

What's included

Local English-speaking guide

Skip-the-Line Ticket: Doge’s Palace

Exclusive access to St. Mark’s Basilica balcony

Headsets (when needed)

Skip-the-line admission to St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica + Museum entry: €24)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Begin your tour at Museo Correr with your expert local guide. This is where your journey into the heart of Venice’s history and art begins, setting the stage for a memorable morning exploring the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Stop 2

Take a guided walk through the famous Piazza San Marco, Venice’s vibrant central square. Learn about its rich history and architecture as you soak in the lively atmosphere and stunning surroundings.

Step inside Venice’s most important church with skip-the-line access and a knowledgeable guide. Marvel at its breathtaking gold mosaics and east-meets-west architectural style, and get an up-close look at treasures such as the millennia-old Quadriga of four gold horses. Enjoy exclusive access to the basilica’s balcony, offering spectacular views over St. Mark’s Square, while hearing fascinating stories about the history and treasures of this iconic landmark.

Stop 4

Enter the Doge’s Palace with pre-reserved tickets and skip the line. Explore the grand council chambers, audience rooms, and the stunning ballroom featuring masterpieces by Venetian masters like Veronese and Tintoretto. Learn about the palace’s rich history as the seat of Venice’s government and discover intriguing tales, including that of Casanova. Conclude your visit by walking across the Bridge of Sighs into the historic New Prisons, offering a striking contrast to the opulence of the palace.

Stop 5 Pass by

End your tour with drop-off at either St. Mark’s Square or back at Museo Correr, completing a full morning of discovery through Venice’s most celebrated landmarks.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Lunch

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All participants are required to present a valid passport or identification card, including for children.

Attire should include long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs or strollers, or for individuals with mobility impairments.

Shorts, backpacks, sleeveless tops, and mini skirts are not permitted.

Oversized bags and large luggage are not allowed.

Please note that some sites on this tour may occasionally be closed due to religious observances, tidal conditions, or flooding. In such cases, your guide will provide an insightful exterior tour of the location instead.

We recommend that guests wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

If high tide restricts access to certain areas of the tour, no refunds will be issued; however, the route will be adjusted to ensure client safety.

Please note that in the event of restricted access to St. Mark’s Basilica and/or the Doge’s Palace due to private functions, we cannot be held liable. In such cases, refunds will not be provided.

All guests are required to provide their full name exactly as it appears on a valid ID when making a booking. Reservations without this information will be canceled. A photo ID is mandatory for entry to the Basilica, and name modifications are not allowed.

Normally, travellers receive the final voucher 3–5 days before the tour date. It includes the exact meeting point and important instructions.

Meeting point

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.

Important notes

Your ticket (s) will be e-mailed to you very soon (based on travel date).

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