Basilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option, Venice

About this activity

Experience an exclusive guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, iconic landmarks of Piazza San Marco. Admire the grandeur of the Golden Staircase and stunning artworks in the Doge's Palace, and cross the Bridge of Sighs to explore the historic prisons where Casanova was held, reminiscent of Alcatraz’s mystique.

Visit St. Mark's Basilica, known as the Golden Basilica, to marvel at its glittering mosaics, as dazzling as any European cathedral. Then, enjoy a virtual reality experience at the History Gallery of Venice. With a VR headset, see Piazza San Marco as it once was, imagining the Basilica as the Doge's private chapel and the Palace as a medieval fortress.

Choose the St. Mark's Bell Tower option for panoramic views of Venice, much like viewing New York City from above. An elevator ride to the top offers breathtaking vistas of the domes, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. Enhance your visit with an audio guide and digital map for deeper insights.

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At a glance

Duration: 2–3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, French
Operated by: CITY TOURS CO. LTD

Ages: Children (0–5 years) · Youth (6–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Rialto Bridge Visit (if option is selected)
Included: Bell Tower Priority Ticket (if the option is selected)
Included: Skip the line ticket to Marciana Library (Closed on Sundays) and Archeological Museum
Included: Bridge of Sighs Entrance
Included: Skip the Line Tickets to Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Cathedral
Included: Guided tour by a qualified guide to Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Cathedral (if option is selected)
Included: St. Mark's Cathedral Terrace Entrance Ticket (if option is selected)
Included: History Gallery - Venice in the past VR Experience
Included: Skip the line Ticket to Royal Palace - Correr Museum (Empress Sissi Rooms & Napoleon Dancing Hall)

Not included

Not included: Hotel pickup & Drop Off
Not included: Food & Drinks
Not included: Guided Tour to Archeological Museum, Marciana Library, Royal Palace - Correr Museum

Itinerary

Palazzo Ducale

1 h 15 min Admission included

Visit the imposing Doge’s Palace with its marvelous rooms rich of artistic artwork made by famous venetian artists. You will discover the halls of power where the Doge and the highest politicians decided the faith of the Venice Republic. In these rooms you will be stunned in front of the “Last Judgment” by Tintoretto, one of the largest paintings in the world. Then the guide will escort you down in the old venetian prisons, passing through the magnificent Bridge of Sighs!
Basilica di San Marco

one hour Admission included

The guided visit will proceed to the Basilica of Saint Mark, known also as the Golden Basilica, thanks to its uncountable mosaics made of pure gold! The guide will explain the history and meaning of the masterpieces that decorate the cathedral.

(OUTSIDE TOUR IF THE BELL TOWER OPTION IS SELECTED)
Piazza San Marco

Passing by

The two symbols of Venice are in the middle of the marvelous Saint Mark's Square.
Campanile di San Marco

30 min Admission included

St. Mark's Bell Tower option for breathtaking views of Venice from above, including the domes of St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. An elevator ride takes you to the top, offering a unique panorama. Standing at 98 meters, the campanile is the tallest structure in Venice.

(SELECTING THE BELL TOWER OPTION YOU WILL ENJOY THE ST. MARK'S BASILICA VISIT FROM OUTSIDE ONLY)

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.

End point

From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.

Using your ticket

Please carefully check the title and inclusions of the option booked, as not all options include all services.

The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
During some days of high turnout or for reasons of force majeure (for example high tide or security problems) the waiting time to access St. Mark’s Basilica might be longer than expected: in this case, please line up and respect the instructions provided by the guide.
For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
You are kindly requested to be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the departure
Pala D'Oro, Terrace and Museum are not included
This tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for guests with walking disabilities.
Large bags and luggage are not allowed inside Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica or in gondola for security reasons.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
Comfortable shoes suggested.
On Sundays, feast days and in case of unplanned religious celebrations the Basilica tour foresees the visit with direct access to the Terrace and to St. Mark's Museum situated on the first floor.
Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
Please note that the Marciana Library is closed on Sundays
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
Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.

Options

In-depth Eng Tour

Visit: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica

Duration: 3 hours

English Guided Tour
Classic France Tour

Visit: Doge's Palace and St Mark's Palace

Duration: 2 hours

French Guided Tour
Classic Eng. Tour

Visit: Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica

Duration: 2 hours

English Guided Tour
Classic Eng. Tour + Lunch

Type of service: Shared Guided Tour & Venetian Lunch

Duration: 4 hours: approx.
Classic Eng Tour + Bell Tower

Visit: Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and Bell Tower

Duration: 3 hours

English Guided Tour