HistoricalCity toursHiking

Venice Highlights: Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, Walking Tour

3.8(13 reviews)Venice, Italy
4hDurationEnglish, SpanishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

This 4-hour walking tour of Venice includes visits to St. Mark’s Square, Santa Maria Formosa, Santi Giovanni e Paolo, the area associated with Marco Polo, and Teatro Malibran. Participants will walk through the Mercerie to reach Rialto, the historic center of Venice. The tour features skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica, known for its golden mosaics, and the Doge’s Palace, which was the center of Venetian governance. It is suitable for first-time visitors looking to learn about Venice's art and history through guided storytelling. The group size is not specified, and it is important to note the duration and specific landmarks included in the itinerary.

Itinerary

1

Piazza San Marco

The Heart of Venice - Begin your journey in the magnificent St. Mark's Square, the city's most famous landmark and the political, religious, and social center of Venice for centuries. Admire the elegant Procuratie, the soaring Bell Tower, the iconic Clock Tower, and the magnificent façade of St. Mark's Basilica while your guide reveals the fascinating stories behind this extraordinary square

2

Campo Santa Maria Formosa

Continue through the charming Venetian streets to Campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the city's oldest and most picturesque squares. Discover the beautiful church designed by the famous Renaissance architect Mauro Codussi and learn about the legends and traditions that have shaped this peaceful corner of Venice.

3

Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Reach one of Venice's largest and most impressive squares, home to the magnificent Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, often called the "Pantheon of Venice" because many Venetian Doges are buried here. Admire the impressive monuments, the historic Scuola Grande di San Marco, and hear stories of Venice's powerful rulers and noble families.

4

Casa di Marco Polo

Walk through narrow streets rich in history until you reach the area traditionally associated with Marco Polo's House, where the famous explorer is believed to have lived.

5

Teatro Malibran

Nearby Marco Polo's house, admire the elegant Teatro Malibran, one of Venice's oldest opera houses, and discover its connection to the city's rich artistic and musical heritage.

6

Merceria

Follow the lively Mercerie, Venice's historic shopping streets connecting St. Mark's Square with the Rialto district. Stroll among elegant boutiques, artisan shops, and hidden alleyways before arriving in the vibrant Rialto area, the commercial heart of Venice for over a thousand years, famous for its colorful atmosphere and fascinating history.

7

Basilica di San Marco

After the walking tour, skip the line and enter the spectacular St. Mark's Basilica, one of the world's most breathtaking churches. Admire its dazzling golden mosaics, precious marble floors, magnificent Byzantine architecture, and centuries of priceless treasures. Your guide will explain the history, symbolism, and artistic masterpieces that have made this extraordinary basilica the spiritual heart of Venice.

8

Palazzo Ducale

Complete your experience with a guided visit to the magnificent Doge's Palace, the former residence of the Doge and the seat of the Venetian Republic for nearly 1,000 years. Explore its lavish halls decorated with masterpieces by Tintoretto and Veronese, walk through the grand institutional chambers where Venice was governed, and cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs before visiting the historic prisons. Discover how one of the most powerful maritime republics in history ruled an empire that shaped the Mediterranean for centuries.

What's included / not included

Skip-the-line entry to Doge’s PalaceProfessional guideHeadsets provided for groups of more than 10 participants to ensure you can clearly hear the guide.Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica
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
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • 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's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. You will skip the line for non-reserved tickets, but the 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 MANES 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.
  • Large bags and bulky backpacks are not permitted inside St. Mark's Basilica. A complimentary luggage deposit service is available nearby before entering the Basilica.

Traveller reviews

3.813 reviews

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