Private or Semi Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's Basilica Guided Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
With this Exclusive Experience you will enjoy a comprehensive and engaging Tour of Venice's two most famous sites, Saint Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, and all of it in your very own Private Group with your very own Private Guide!
Savor the privileges of an intimate and personalized tour, which affords you the possibility of going at your own pace, and asking all the questions you wish! Enjoy Skip-the-line access to one of the world's most famous basilicas and to Venice's most important and historical Palazzo.
Highlights include the tens of thousands square feet of Golden Mosaics adorning the interior of the Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the scary prisons of the Doge's Palace, its impressive Gun Room and magnificent Hall of Great Council.
Available options
Private Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica Walking Tour
Private Tour: Enjoy the tour with your very own private tour guide.
Semi-Private Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: You will enjoy the luxury of a semi-private group of no more than six people allowing you to interact with your expert guide.
What's included
Private Tour Guide
Exclusive Skip the Line Access to Doge's Palace
Exclusive Skip the Line Access into Saint Mark's Basilica
Admission to Palace Great Halls, Prisons and Weapon Collections and Bridge of Sighs
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
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.
2
Stop 2
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.
3
Stop 3
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.
4
Stop 4
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.
What's not included
Food and Drink
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
84 reviews
5★
82
4★
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2
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Tripadvisor
5.0
227 reviews
5★
223
4★
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2★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Meeting point
The meeting point is under the winged lion's column in Saint Mark's Square, closest side to the Grand Canal. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign.
Important notes
• Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes prior tour start time
• An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
• Please note: Saint Mark's Basilica is a Holy Site and as such it requires all visitors to cover knees and shoulders upon entry. Failure to comply may result in denied access to the Basilica.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
