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Venice 3,5 hrs tour: Doge's Palace, St Mark's and Hidden Gems
About This Tour
Discover Venice on a 3.5-hour guided walking tour that begins in Hidden Venice and ends with its most iconic monuments. Start in the quiet backstreets and canals behind St Mark’s, where your guide reveals everyday Venetian life, charming bridges and intimate campos, and introduces two hidden gems: the exterior of La Fenice Theatre and the graceful Bovolo Staircase. Then enjoy skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace, exploring its opulent halls, masterpieces by Tintoretto and Veronese, and crossing the Bridge of Sighs to the old prisons. Finish inside St Mark’s Basilica with skip-the-line entry, where golden mosaics, Byzantine domes and marble inlays come to life through your guide’s stories. This is a small-group tour, also available as a private tour option for guests who prefer a fully personalized experience.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Whisper audio system for clear listening
- 3,5 hrs Professional English-speaking local guide
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines to Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
✗ Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
1
Your guide will give you a brief introduction to the history of Venice and of the Doge's Palace
2
Enjoy a 2-hour (from 11.10am to 1.30pm) in-dept tour of the Doges Palace and visit the famous Prisons.
3
While standing in the courtyard as your guide will introduce you to the Doges Palace architecture and history, see and learn about the Giant Staircase leading up to the Palace and used for formal entrances.
4
Walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs connecting the Doge's Palace to the Prisons and learn why it was given this name.
5
Learn about the Main entrance of the Doges Palace, the paper door that links the Doges Palace to St Mark's Basilica.
6
We'll discuss the famous landmarks of St. Mark's square, you'll enjoy an in-depth tour of St. Mark's Basilica, to admire the astonishing interior covered in rich and lavish mosaics and you'll learn about the strong Byzantine influences on the city that helped Venice realize its own unique style of architecture.
7
Marvel at Teatro La Fenice and delve into its fascinating legacy.
8
Discover the hidden gem of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo on a guided visit to its iconic spiral “snail” staircase. Hear the story of the Contarini family and the blend of Gothic and Renaissance design.
Good to Know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Large bags and rucksacks are not allowed inside St Mark's Basilica
- At certain times it may not be possible to enter any of the visited churches due to religious functions taking place. These closures are beyond our control so no refunds or discounts will be issued
- 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.
- Small group Tour - maximum 14 - Min 5 people
- ID Cards and Passports of all participants are mandatory to enter inside the St. Mark's Basilica.
- 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.
- St. Mark’s Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person