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

5.0 (33 reviews) 3 hours Private tour

out of 5

33 reviews

5.0

Private Legendary Venice St Mark's Basilica and Doge Palace Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private Legendary Venice St Mark's Basilica and Doge Palace Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Walks - Italy & Spain

Ages: Adults (2–99 years)

What is included

Included

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

Not included

Not included: Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Piazza San Marco

15 min

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.
Palazzo Ducale

1 h 30 min Admission 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.
Stop 3

30 min Admission 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.
Basilica di San Marco

45 min Admission 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 point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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

Using your ticket

Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
Due to the religious nature of the Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. A scarf or shawl is acceptable. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Large bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
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.
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.
Appropriate footwear recommended.

Cancellation

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

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Good to know

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.