Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets

Venice , Italy

Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets

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About this experience

Experience Venice on an exclusive small group guided tour, designed for a more personalized and enriching adventure.
Skip the lines with pre-reserved tickets and maximize your precious vacation time as you uncover the city's most iconic landmarks, including the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica and the legendary Doge’s Palace — all in just three unforgettable hours.
Let an expert local guide bring the city’s history, art, and hidden gems to life with insider stories you won’t find in any guidebook. Walk away with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to make the most of your journey through this one-of-a-kind Italian treasure.

Available options

Group Tour German

Choose this option for a guided group tour in German with pre-reserved tickets to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.

Group Tour English

What's included

Expert local guide with insider's knowledge

3-hour walking tour at a relaxed pace

Tickets for the Correr Museum

Admission to National Archeological Museum and Biblioteca Marciana

Pre-reserved tickets for Doge's Palace

Small group tour for a more personalized experience

Pre-reserved tickets for St. Mark's basilica

Detailed itinerary

Join a 3-hour guided tour in Venice to see the major highlights of the city led by an expert guide. The tour includes two must-see sites: Doge’s Palace and Basilica of St. Mark, both with pre-reserved tickets.

Stop 2

Meet your expert guide in famous St. Mark’s Square and start getting to know "the Floating City" and its origins.

Explore the most renowned public space in the city and, learn about its historical, social, and political importance.

Learn about the Clock Tower and the Marble Lions that both play an important role in St Mark’s history.

Stop 3

Continue on to the Basilica of St.Mark, and enter the cathedral with your pre-reserved tickets.
Take in its sheer size and the fascinating golden mosaics inside. Learn about the design of the monument, called the Church of Gold, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power.

Listen to the story of the life-size Horses of St Mark’s Basilica, said to be some of Europe’s finest creations.

Find out the answers to all of your questions and more as you accompany your guide on this well-planned walking tour in Venice.

Stop 4

Follow your guide at a relaxed pace to visit the Doge’s Palace. You'll walk straight into this opulent palazzo with our with pre-reserved tickets.

Learn about the supreme authority and wealth of the ruling Venetian Doges through the ornate Gothic architecture of the palace. Ask about the talented 14th-century sculptors that worked on the palace, and enjoy stunning views across the Lagoon as you explore this world-famous landmark.

Learn why the New Prisons were built, and understand the significance of the Bridge of Sighs, another highlight of Venice. Listen to the extraordinary story of the famous Casanova and his life in Venice.

Stop 6

Your admission ticket to the Doges Palace also includes entry to the Correr Museum in St. Mark's Square. The building was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy.

Generally, you can visit the Correr Museum after your tour has ended. You may also have tickets for the next morning, depending on the hour of the tour you book.

What's not included

Guided Tour of Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana

Transportation to/from the meeting point

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Bring your passport or ID card in order to prove your age if you have selected a discounted ticket.

Do not bring large bags or luggage. These items are not allowed and there is no place to leave them so you will be denied entry.

Acqua Alta (high tide) in Venice can cause delays in entering the Basilica.

Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, you will be contacted before your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.

Basilica is a holy place, both men and women must wear clothing that covers the belly, shoulders and knees.

Religious authorities may decide to suspend skip-the-line priority because of the high number of visitors. We are only allowed to stay inside the Basilica for 20 minutes.

In case of denied access, you will be provided with entrance tickets to visit the Basilica on your own at the assigned time.

If you take the 2:00 PM tour, the Correr Museum will be closed before your tour finishes. Therefore, you will have Correr tickets for the next day

Please note that carrying any type of weapon or sharp objects, such as a knife, is not allowed for this tour.

Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.

Tickets are timed and expire within 5 to 10 minutes.

Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.

Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

Meeting point

We meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.”

Important notes

• Bring your passport or ID card in order to prove your age if you have selected a discounted ticket
• Do not bring large bags or luggage. These items are not allowed and there is no place to leave them so you will be denied entry
• Acqua Alta (high tide) in Venice can cause delays in entering the Basilica
• Both sites can be subject to unforeseen closures due to liturgical celebrations. In such an event, your guides will give explanations from outside
• Basilica is a holy place, both men and women must wear clothing that covers the belly, shoulders and knees
• Religious authorities may decide to suspend skip-the-line priority because of the high number of visitors. We are only allowed to stay inside the Basilica for 20 minutes.
•In case of denied access, you will be provided with entrance tickets to visit the Basilica on your own at the assigned time.
• If you take the 2:00 PM tour, the Correr Museum will be closed before your tour finishes. Therefore, you will have Correr tickets for the next day

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