HistoricalCultureHiking

Basilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option

4.8(683 reviews)Venice, Italy
2h30DurationEnglish, FrenchOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

Join a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in Piazza San Marco. Explore the Golden Staircase and the artworks in the Doge's Palace, and walk across the Bridge of Sighs to see the historic prisons associated with Casanova. Visit St. Mark's Basilica, noted for its intricate mosaics. Experience a virtual reality tour at the History Gallery of Venice, where you can see historical depictions of Piazza San Marco. The tour includes an option to visit St. Mark's Bell Tower for panoramic views of Venice. An elevator will take you to the top for views of the domes, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. An audio guide and digital map are provided for additional context. This tour lasts several hours and is suitable for individuals interested in history and architecture.

Itinerary

1

Palazzo Ducale

Visit the imposing Doge’s Palace with its marvelous rooms rich of artistic artwork made by famous venetian artists. You will discover the halls of power where the Doge and the highest politicians decided the faith of the Venice Republic. In these rooms you will be stunned in front of the “Last Judgment” by Tintoretto, one of the largest paintings in the world. Then the guide will escort you down in the old venetian prisons, passing through the magnificent Bridge of Sighs!

2

Basilica di San Marco

The guided visit will proceed to the Basilica of Saint Mark, known also as the Golden Basilica, thanks to its uncountable mosaics made of pure gold! The guide will explain the history and meaning of the masterpieces that decorate the cathedral. (OUTSIDE TOUR IF THE BELL TOWER OPTION IS SELECTED)

3

Piazza San Marco

The two symbols of Venice are in the middle of the marvelous Saint Mark's Square.

4

Campanile di San Marco

St. Mark's Bell Tower option for breathtaking views of Venice from above, including the domes of St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. An elevator ride takes you to the top, offering a unique panorama. Standing at 98 meters, the campanile is the tallest structure in Venice. (SELECTING THE BELL TOWER OPTION YOU WILL ENJOY THE ST. MARK'S BASILICA VISIT FROM OUTSIDE ONLY)

What's included / not included

Rialto Bridge Visit (if option is selected)Bell Tower Priority Ticket (if the option is selected)Bridge of Sighs EntranceSkip the line ticket to Marciana Library (Closed on Sundays)Skip the Line Ticket to Doge's PalaceGuided tour by a qualified guide to Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Cathedral (if option is selected)Skip the line Ticket to the St. Mark's CathedralSkip the line ticket to Archeological MuseumSt. Mark's Cathedral Terrace Entrance Ticket (if option is selected)History Gallery - Venice in the past VR ExperienceSkip the line Ticket to Royal Palace - Correr Museum (Empress Sissi Rooms & Napoleon Dancing Hall)
Hotel pickup & Drop OffFood & DrinksGuided Tour to Royal Palace - Correr MuseumGuided Tour to Marciana LibraryGuided Tour to Archeological Museum

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
  • A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
  • Comfortable shoes suggested.
  • On Sundays, feast days and in case of unplanned religious celebrations the Basilica tour foresees the visit with direct access to the Terrace and to St. Mark's Museum situated on the first floor.
  • Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
  • Please note that the Marciana Library is closed on Sundays
  • 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
  • Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
  • For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
  • 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.

Traveller reviews

4.8683 reviews

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