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Venice Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tour

4(270 reviews)Venice, Italy
2h30DurationEnglish, Italian, French, SpanishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

This tour involves visiting St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace in Venice. Participants will explore the Basilica, which features Byzantine architecture, golden mosaics, and marble floors. The tour includes a visit to the St. Mark's Museum, where the original Horses of St. Mark are displayed, and offers views of St. Mark's Square and the Venetian Lagoon from the terrace. Following this, the group will proceed to the Doge's Palace, discovering its grand halls and the Bridge of Sighs, before entering the New Prisons to learn about Venetian justice and the escape of Giacomo Casanova. The tour is suitable for history and architecture enthusiasts but may not be ideal for those who have difficulty walking or prefer less structured activities. It is important to consider potential crowds at these popular sites before booking.

Itinerary

1

Piazza San Marco

Your journey begins in the heart of Venice, the magnificent St. Mark's Square, often described by Napoleon as "the finest drawing room in Europe." Surrounded by elegant arcades and some of the city's most iconic monuments, the square has been the political, religious, and social center of Venice for over a thousand years. As you stroll through this extraordinary setting, discover the stories behind the Republic of Venice, its powerful Doges, and the architectural masterpieces that transformed this square into one of the world's most celebrated landmarks.

2

Basilica di San Marco

Mark the Evangelist, the Basilica reflects centuries of artistic influences brought to Venice through its maritime trade with the East. Admire the shimmering golden mosaics covering over 8,000 square meters, the magnificent marble floors, and the rich decorations that earned this monument the nickname "The Golden Basilica." Continue your visit to the St. Mark's Museum, where you'll discover remarkable treasures linked to the Basilica's history, including the famous original Horses of St. Mark, masterpieces of classical antiquity that once stood proudly above the main façade. The experience culminates on the Basilica's panoramic terrace, offering breathtaking views over St. Mark's Square and the Venetian Lagoon. From this privileged vantage point, admire the square from above while appreciating the architectural details of the Basilica and the timeless beauty of Venice's most iconic landmarks.

3

Palazzo Ducale

Continue your visit inside the spectacular Doge's Palace, the former residence of the Doge and the political heart of the Venetian Republic. This remarkable Gothic palace was far more than a royal residence: it housed the government, the courts, and the administrative offices of one of the longest-lasting republics in history. Wander through magnificent chambers adorned with masterpieces by artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese, climb the grand ceremonial staircases, and discover how Venice became one of Europe's most influential maritime powers.

4

Ponte dei Sospiri

Walk across the legendary Bridge of Sighs, one of Venice's most iconic symbols. Built in the early 17th century, this enclosed limestone bridge connected the interrogation rooms inside the Doge's Palace with the New Prisons. According to tradition, it takes its name from the sighs of prisoners who caught their final glimpse of Venice through its small stone windows before facing imprisonment. Today, it remains one of the city's most photographed landmarks, rich in history, legend, and emotion.

5

Palazzo Delle Prigioni Nuove

Conclude your experience by exploring the historic New Prisons, among the first purpose-built prison complexes in Europe. Walk through the austere corridors and narrow cells where justice was administered during the Venetian Republic, and learn about the lives of those imprisoned here, from common criminals to famous figures such as Giacomo Casanova, whose daring escape became legendary. This final stop offers a fascinating insight into the judicial system of Venice and provides a striking contrast to the splendour and opulence of the Doge's Palace.

What's included / not included

Professional guideHeadsets to hear the guide clearly (for groups larger than 10 people)2.5 hours tourGuaranteed to skip the long lines
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • Because of security checks you might experience a line to get inside the Doge Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. You will skip the line for non-reserved tickets but security check is mandatory.
  • Maximum of 25 people on each tour
  • 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 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 MACHES THE NAME PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF BOOKING FOR SUCCESSFUL ENTRY TO ST. MARK'S BASILICA.
  • St Mark’s Basilica entry tickets are priced at €12 per person

Traveller reviews

4270 reviews

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