Venice Guided Tour of Saint Mark Basilica and Doge Palace

Venice , Italy

Venice Guided Tour of Saint Mark Basilica and Doge Palace

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About this experience

Embark on a captivating guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Marvel at the stunning mosaics inside St. Mark’s Basilica, explore the impressive St. Mark’s Museum, and enjoy exclusive access to the terrace with breathtaking panoramic views over the iconic St. Mark’s Square.

Continue your journey through Venice’s history with a visit to the magnificent Doge’s Palace. Wander through its grand halls, cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, and uncover the secrets of the ancient prisons.

Your tour includes an official expert guide and priority access to both the Basilica and the Palace, ensuring you experience Venice’s most iconic landmarks without the wait.

Available options

French Tour

Doge's Palace & Basilica

Spanish tour

English tour

Doge's Palace & Basilica: Chose this option to have your guided tour in English

What's included

Your priority tickets for both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace included in the guided tour

Enjoy access to the Basilica’s Terrace and museum with the panoramic view of St. Mark’s Square.

Your expert guide will share the history and secrets of these extraordinary landmarks

Guided Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge's Palace

Access to the prisons and walk through the iconic Bridge of Sighs

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Explore both the exterior and interior of Venice’s most iconic church. Admire the breathtaking golden mosaics that adorn the walls and ceilings, and uncover the fascinating history behind each detail. Your visit also includes access to the St. Mark’s Museum, where you’ll see the famous bronze horses—the Quadriga of St. Mark—up close.
Step out onto the stunning terrace for a panoramic view over the majestic St. Mark’s Square, a perfect spot to capture unforgettable photos.

Stop 2

Step inside the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of Venice’s political power. Wander through its magnificent halls and rooms, each more impressive than the last, as you learn about the fascinating history of the Venetian Republic.
As part of your visit, you’ll also pass through the iconic Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners took their final glimpse of Venice before being sent to the prison cells. You’ll then discover the ancient prisons, where some of Venice’s most infamous prisoners were held.
This is a journey through both beauty and history, where every corner holds a story waiting to be told.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Upon arrival, please check in at the reception desk inside "The Tour Shop", where you’ll be given your entrance tickets and radio receiver for the guided tour.

Important notes

At check-in at "The Tour Shop", you’ll receive your priority entry tickets, along with headsets and receivers to fully enjoy the guided tour.

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