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Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour
1876 reviews
3 hours
Max 25
Why take this tour?
Pass by the long lines at two of Venice's most significant sites - St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Gain access into the intimate spaces and world-renowned places integral to Venetian history and culture. Spend your time with a local Venetian guide, passionate and well-versed in these special areas. Over three hours, illuminate the best of Venice, your time spent in close association with the past while spectacularly enjoying the present.
Highlights
- Enjoy a truly VIP experience in and around the famed St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco)
- Acquire pre-reserved, skip-the-line entry into St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace
- Take in the surrounding views over Venice with exclusive access to the terraces of St. Mark's Basilica
- Let an expert local guide lead you through Venice's oppulent history and culture - subjects they truly have a passion for
- Greet mosaics of gold, frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto, and masterpieces at every turn
- Traverese the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's apartments, the Armory, and the New Prision
Health & Safety Standards
At Walks we take your health and the health of our community seriously. To accomplish this, we have set a series of standards that will be implemented across every tour;
- Walks has been certified by SanseeShield.com
- Walks Guides have received health & safety training, are self-monitoring temperatures daily, and trained in group social distancing practices
- We ask our guides and guests to wash their hands regularly and carry hand sanitzier
- Our guides and guests are required to wear masks in accordance with the local government regulations
- If headsets are needed, they are disinfected at the beginning and end of your experience
- All Walks tours are always small groups to give you the maximum comfort and safety
Take walks: Take the time to explore the history of Venice
From August 6th, all Italy sites we visit will require clients and guides alike to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test completed within 48 hours prior to entry. They will also require a legal form of ID matching the vaccination or test results. This does not apply to children under 12. You can read more about it here.
Please also note that it is not possible to bring large backpacks on the tour.
Completely surrender to the art, history, and masterpieces on this incredible three-hour experience in and around the two most famed sites of St. Mark's ...
Read moreFrom August 6th, all Italy sites we visit will require clients and guides alike to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test completed within 48 hours prior to entry. They will also require a legal form of ID matching the vaccination or test results. This does not apply to children under 12. You can read more about it here.
Please also note that it is not possible to bring large backpacks on the tour.
Completely surrender to the art, history, and masterpieces on this incredible three-hour experience in and around the two most famed sites of St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco). Enter the incomparable St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace, encapsulating the grandeur of luxury gained and power lost within the boundaries of the Venetian lagoon.
From the moment of your arrival, a local expert will engross you in tales of power, war, greed, love, beauty, and art - setting the stage for each and pointing out stories hidden in the exterior of the Basilica. Navigate across the square, descending into the interior chambers of St. Mark's Basilica, bypassing the extensive lines to get in. You are VIP while in our care.
Opulence awaits; under your feet, over your head, and just at the tips of your fingers. 26,000 sq ft of gold mosaics gleam from the ceiling above. As you maneuver through, your local guide will share the angelic prophecy of St. Mark's and sinister actions taken. With special access, get to see pieces of the Basilica's most coveted treasures. See the famed bronzed quadriga (chariot of four horses) before stepping out onto the balcony of the church for one inspiring view across St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Venetian lagoon lapping nearby.
Head to the Doge's Palace, walking right through the palace doors (skipping the line) into the political heart of an Empire. Explore the more common rooms filled with frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto. (Not an art history buff? You will still be inspired by their importance and beauty!) Your guide will share all the stories of backstabbing and skullduggery that went on behind the scenes here. Head into the palace armory, the New Prisons, and walk onto the famed Bridge of Sighs. By the end of your time with us, Venice - with all its trials, tribulations, and luxury will seal your affections forever.
- Sites Visited
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
- St. Mark's Basilica (Exclusive Balcony Access)
- Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior)
- Marciana Library (exterior)
- Doge’s Palace
- New Prisons
- Bridge of Sighs
- Tour Includes
- Local English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica
- Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica
- Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace
- Headset (when necessary)
Verified guest reviews
1876
5 star reviews 1675
4 star reviews 197
3 star reviews 4
2 star reviews 0
1 star reviews 0
FAQ
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No. Unfortunately, due to site restrictions we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour. If you use a wheelchair and book this tour by accident, we are happy to offer you credit for a future tour that is wheelchair accessible anywhere in the world, or a full refund.
Do guests always see the sights on this tour in the same order?
No. Sometimes the tour runs in reverser order. However, we never take any sights out of the itinerary so you are always going to see St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace (general access rooms), New Prisons, and Bridge of Sighs.
What can I bring into the Doge's Palace?
You are permitted to enter the Doge's Palace with handbags and small backpacks. But any large backpacks or luggage are not permitted inside. You have to check them in the cloakroom.
What can I bring with me on this tour?
St. Mark's Basilica has very tight rules about what you can and cannot bring inside. Anything bigger than a purse - including backpacks or luggage - is NOT allowed inside the Basilica. There is no coat check either, so do not bring any bags larger than a purse with you.
Does the Doge's Palace accommodate wheelchair users?
The Doge’s Palace is not wheelchair-friendly. Some parts are accessible, but the Secret Rooms, Prisons, and Armory and not. Our route, in particular, is not wheelchair-friendly so we do not recommend that wheelchair users take this tour.
Is this tour accessible to people in wheelchairs?
Unfortunately the terrace of St. Mark's Basilica, the prisons, and the armory of the Doge's Palace are not wheelchair-accessible, meaning we can't accept wheelchair user on this tour. For those interested in wheelchair friendly tours in Venice, please contact our Customer Care team at info@walksofitaly.com.
Can I take a bag with me into St. Mark's Basilica?
You can only take small bags into St. Mark's. Anything bigger than a purse - backpacks or luggage - is prohibited. There is no coat check either, so do not bring any large bags with you.
Does St. Mark's Basilica have a dress code?
Yes. Because it is a holy place, St. Mark's Basilica insists that both men and women wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. They can and will refuse entry to anyone who does not meet this standard and we can't do anything about it, so come prepared.
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