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Best Of Venice: St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Guided Tour

4(59 reviews)Venice, Italy
2h30DurationGerman, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, SpanishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

This guided tour in Venice allows travelers to visit St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace with skip-the-line access (if the option with the Basilica is selected). The tour starts at St. Mark's Basilica, known for its golden mosaics and Byzantine architecture, led by an expert guide. Afterward, participants will explore Doge's Palace, the historical seat of the Venetian Republic, visiting its grand halls and chambers while learning about the city's history. The tour also includes a visit to a Murano glass workshop, where artisans showcase traditional glass-making techniques. This experience is suitable for first-time visitors but may not be ideal for those seeking an in-depth exploration of Venice's lesser-known sites.

Itinerary

1

Piazza San Marco

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.

2

Basilica di San Marco

St. Mark's Basilica, located in the enchanting city of Venice, Italy, captivates visitors from afar with its breathtaking exterior. The basilica's façade, adorned with intricate marble carvings, elegant arches, and majestic bronze doors, stands as a testament to the city's architectural brilliance and historical significance.

3

Palazzo Ducale

The Doge's Palace, located in St. Mark's Square, is an iconic monument of Venice and the former home of the Doge, the ruler of the Republic of Venice. This Gothic palace, with Renaissance and Baroque elements, offers a fascinating look into the city's history. Visitors can explore rooms decorated with masterpieces by artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese and the famous Bridge of Sighs that connects to the former prisons. It is a must-see stop to understand the rich history and culture of Venice.

4

Ponte dei Sospiri

We will pass by the Bridge of Sighs whose name came from the lamentations of the prisoners before being condemned to death, that is linked with the Doge Palace.

5

Vecchia Murano

We will conclude our experience with a visit to one of the oldest glass factories in Murano, La Vecchia Murano, where you will discover the centuries-old tradition that has made this island famous around the world. During the visit, you will enjoy a fascinating live demonstration by master glassmakers, showcasing the traditional techniques used to blow and shape authentic Murano glass, a craft passed down through generations. After the demonstration, you will have time to explore the factory’s elegant showrooms, featuring unique glass artworks, sculptures, chandeliers, decorative pieces, and exquisite handcrafted jewelry. This is an excellent opportunity to admire the wide variety of colors, styles, and techniques that make Murano glass so distinctive. For those interested, there will be an opportunity to purchase authentic Murano glass creations, internationally recognized for their exceptional quality, beauty, and craftsmanship.

What's included / not included

Pre-reserved tickets for St. Mark's basilica, euros 12(If option with Basilica it's selected)Tickets for the Correr MuseumHeadset to hear the guide (groups more than 9 people)Small group tour for a more personalized experiencePre-reserved tickets for Doge's Palace (euros 35)Expert Certified Guide
Hotel pickup and drop-offAccess to Pala d'Oro and Terrace

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • The visit inside St. Mark’s Basilica lasts about 15–20 minutes, according to local regulations.
  • The tour runs even in light rain. Please note that during certain time of the year, high tide may occur. In that case, raised walkways are set up to allow access and disposable shoe covers can be purchased in front of the entrance.
  • We kindly ask you to arrive on time, as late arrivals can’t be accommodated or refunded.
  • Please dress appropriately for a place of worship: shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Please make sure to provide a valid e-mail address and phone number including your country code, so we can send you confirmations and updates.
  • Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person. Doge's Palace tickets are priced at €35 per adult. All additional charges are considered administrative costs.
  • Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the Basilica. For security reasons, large bags and backpacks cannot be taken inside.
  • Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
  • Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to St.Mark’s Basilica.
  • Please note that the itinerary for our tours may differ from the advertised order of destinations. We assure you that any changes made to the tour itinerary are carefully planned and intended to enhance your overall experience.

Traveller reviews

459 reviews

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