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Legendary Venice

Explore Venice’s rich history on a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Skip the lines and admire the basilica’s glittering mosaics and exclusive balcony views over Piazza San Marco. Then, step inside the Doge’s Palace to uncover the political power of this former empire.

Combine the top two sights in Venice on one extraordinary tour led by an expert local guide. With pre-reserved tickets and skip-the-line access, you’ll head straight into St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace for an intimate small-group experience.

First, step inside Venice's most important church—St. Mark's Basilica—and gain a full appreciation for its east-meets-west architecture and breathtaking gold mosaics. In the company of a local expert, you’ll get up close with some of the basilica’s greatest treasures, such as the millennia-old Quadriga of four gold horses. You’ll even have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. At every step of the way, you’ll hear the fascinating story of how most of the basilica's prized possessions ended up here by less-than-honest means.

The second stop on your itinerary is no less beautiful. The Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, was home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. Skip the long line with pre-reserved tickets and walk straight inside to explore huge council chambers, incredible audience rooms, and a stunning ballroom with larger-than-life works by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. Hear the intriguing history of this building that housed the world's oldest republic—as well as its fascinating government and even an incarcerated Casanova.

To finish your morning of discovery, you’ll walk in the footsteps of many a less-fortunate Venetian from centuries past. Head over the Bridge of Sighs from the inside and into the grim New Prisons—a stark yet fascinating contrast to the opulent halls and galleries that lie within the palace just across the narrow canal.

Exclusive Early Entry to Doge's Palace: Stand alone and take a breath in the Doge's Palace having had the door opened exclusively for your group - an hour before the general public arrives! Note: This is only possible with the 8:00 AM booking time.

Experience 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)
    • BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE - flexibility to cancel your tickets with a full refund*

    Experience Excludes

  • Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off
    • Gratuities
    • Lunch

    Departure location

    Correr Museum (Museo Correr), Piazza San Marco, 52, Venezia

    Duration

    Approx 3 hours

    Terms & Conditions

  • 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.
  • All guests must supply their full name and date of birth that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Name changes are not permitted.
  • *Cancellation Policy: This tour is fully refundable up to 10 days prior to the event. Within 10 days, this tour is 100% non-refundable.