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Legendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access
About This Tour
With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces 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. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
- Local English-speaking guide
- Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
- Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica 12€, St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€
- Spanish Speaking guide - if option selected
- Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
- Headsets when necessary
✗ Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Lunch
Itinerary
1
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
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 on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour 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
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) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option (9:30am tour) 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.
These tour departures are 3 hours and do not include exclusive early entry to Doge's Palace; you will enter after the palace has opened to the public for the day.
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) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option (9:30am tour) 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.
These tour departures are 3 hours and do not include exclusive early entry to Doge's Palace; you will enter after the palace has opened to the public for the day.
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.
- 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.
- If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces 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. These tour departures are 3 hours.