Private Legendary Venice St Mark's Basilica and Doge Palace Tour

5.0 (34 reviews) Venice, Italy
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Duration3h
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TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

On this private tour, let Venice’s history reveal itself through its most iconic landmarks. With skip-the-line access, explore the Doge’s Palace, where the city’s rulers once governed a powerful maritime empire. Wander through grand halls adorned with masterpieces by Tintoretto, and cross the Bridge of Sighs to reach the palace’s eerie prison cells. Continue to St. Mark’s Basilica with 99,000 square feet of golden mosaics. Hear the remarkable story of how St. Mark’s relics were smuggled into Venice and admire the Pala d’Oro, a gem-studded masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship. Led by an expert private guide, this tour offers a deeper, more personal connection to Venice’s past.

What's included

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior)
  • New Prisons
  • Marciana Library (exterior)
  • Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica
  • Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace
  • Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€)
  • Bridge of Sighs
  • St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
  • Gratuities

What to expect

  1. Piazza San Marco
    15m
    Your private tour starts with a brief introduction from your guide about Venice and its maritime past. In this lively square, your guide will set the scene for what you are about to see on your tour.
  2. Palazzo Ducale
    1h 30m · Admission ticket included
    Enter the Doge’s Palace with pre-reserved access and explore the opulent halls where the doge and his council ruled the Venetian Republic. Discover stunning artworks by Tintoretto and Veronese and learn how this grand building once served as the center of government and justice.
  3. 30m · Admission ticket included
    Cross the Bridge of Sighs from within and hear the story behind its name. Step into the palace’s prison cells, where Casanova once awaited his fate.
  4. Basilica di San Marco
    45m · Admission ticket included
    Skip the long lines and step into Venice’s most famous church. Gaze up at its golden mosaics, hear the story of how St. Mark’s relics were smuggled into the city, and admire the glittering Pala d’Oro, one of the world’s most beautiful altarpieces. You'll also enjoy the rare opportunity to step onto the basilica's balcony for a privileged view of St. Mark's Square.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.

End point

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
  • 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.
  • All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

5.0 (34)
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€325.00 per person
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Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain · Booked through Viator
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