Private Venice Family Tour with Saint Mark’s & Doge’s Palace

Venice , Italy

Private Venice Family Tour with Saint Mark’s & Doge’s Palace

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(48 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an exciting journey through Venice's most prominent landmarks with a private, child-friendly guide and interactive scavenger hunt! Visit St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace with skip-the-line access - no waiting in lines - essential when traveling with potentially impatient little ones! Your private expert guide will provide you with entertaining stories, fun facts and century-old mysteries. The tour has been specifically crafted for everyone in the family to get involved and learn!

At the beginning of the tour, each child will receive a scavenger hunt booklet with a map, colorful pens, riddles to solve, and a prize at the end of the tour. Along the way, explore the 'Golden Basilica' of St Mark's with it's gorgeous golden mosaics, then visit the grand courtrooms and prison of the Doge's Palace, and cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs. Listen carefully and keep your eyes open to find the clues and solve the riddles as you make your way through this enchanting city!

Available options

Private Venice Family Tour with Saint Mark’s & Doge’s Palace

What's included

Armory of the Doge's Palace

Saint Mark's Basilica main floor

Prison of the Doge's Palace

LivTour's exclusive activity booklet and prizes

Major Halls and paintings of the Doge's Palace

Skip-the-line access to St Mark's Basilica

Bridge of Sighs

Skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The fun begins inside St Mark's Basilica where you and your family can enjoy the gorgeous golden mosaics that adorn the Basilica as your guide provides you with historic anecdotes and clues to the children's treasure hunt! To enter you will also enjoy skip-the-line access

An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.

Stop 2

Skip-the-line into the Doge's Palace. The Doge was similar to a Duke or ruler that was elected by a committee of wealthy merchants, and the Doge's Palace is a symbol of it's importance, and the wealth of the city of Venice. As you and your family continue along the treasure hunt journey, visit the courtrooms, the prison, the armory and more!

What's not included

Tips or gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

46 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

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

Please note that tour starting times are subject to change based on ticket availability

The interactive children’s booklets are only made in English.

This activity booklet is designed for children from ages 5 – 10 years old and is perfect for mixed age families; if older children are also present, our guides are capable and ready to adapt material and the tour’s content

Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.

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 Grand Canal. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign.

Important notes

An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.

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