RoamRide
HistoricalCultureHiking

Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica in Venice

4.7(6252 reviews)Venice, Italy
2h30DurationEnglish, SpanishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

This experience includes a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in Venice, lasting two hours. You will visit the council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, and view the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. For those selecting the Private Legendary Venice option, which accommodates a maximum of six people, or the Legendary Venice with Terraces option, the tour extends to three hours and includes access to a balcony with views over St. Mark's Square. Skip-the-line tickets are provided. This tour is suitable for small groups, but may not be ideal for those who prefer a longer experience or are traveling in larger parties.

Itinerary

1

Piazza San Marco

Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.

2

Palazzo Ducale

Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available if you select Doge's Palace Early Entry option. The Doge's Palace Early Entry option also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.

3

Basilica di San Marco

It's a short walk next door to St. Mark's Basilica, Venice's most important church. Skip the long lines and marvel at a breathtaking blend of Eastern and Western architecture, specifically the magnificent shimmering golden mosaic ceiling. As you tour the basilica, your guide will reveal the fascinating (and often scandalous) stories behind the basilica’s greatest treasures, including how many were brought to Venice under mysterious circumstances. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people), Legendary Venice with Terraces or Exclusive Access Upgrade option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square.

What's included / not included

Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)Local English-speaking guideBell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior)New PrisonsMarciana Library (exterior)Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)Spanish Speaking guide (if option selected)Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€)Bridge of SighsSt. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (if option selected)
GratuitiesHotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

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

Good to know

  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
  • No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
  • If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
  • St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
  • Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
  • Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.

Traveller reviews

4.76252 reviews

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Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica in Venice | RoamRide