Legendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
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.
Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
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.
Palazzo Ducale
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.
Options
Private - Legendary Venice
Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
Legendary Venice Spanish Tour
Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
Legendary Venice No Terrace
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
Legendary Venice with terraces
Small Group Tour in English: Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry, 8AM only
What‘s Included
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior)
New Prisons
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Marciana Library (exterior)
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
Spanish Speaking guide (if option selected)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€)
Bridge of Sighs
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Reviews
5,628 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must do tour of St Mark’s and Doge Palace
afshinl2026,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Francesca was an outstanding guide for our tour of the Palazzo Ducale and St. Mark’s Basilica. She was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of both sites to life with fascinating stories and insights. I learned so much and came away with a much deeper appreciation of Venice’s history. What really made the tour special was how wonderful she was with our kids. She kept them engaged and interested throughout, which made the experience enjoyable for our whole family. If you’re looking for a guide who is informative, engaging, and fantastic with families, I can’t recommend Francesca highly enough. This was one of the highlights of our time in Venice!
Perfect time
bretthL4392NF,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Extremely knowledgeable and very entertaining.
Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s
dmmaher2,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Valentina S. was a lovely guide. The tour was informative and moved at a good pace. A great option to see two Venice landmarks and learn important context from a local.
Worthwhile guided tour!
Brandon M,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lots of neat history - a worthwhile tour. Our guide was very passionate and knowledgeable - we learned a lot that can’t be found in your typical history books!
Great experience
counselorm2026,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Susan was fantastic! So knowledgeable and pleasant. Really enjoyed the whole tour.
Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Bascillica
jeremycS3453PX,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Susan was amazing. She was so knowledgeable and entertaining. Great tour.
Excellent
nathanielf587,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good experience. Lovely guide
We saw the amazing Doge Palace and San Marcos Basilica.
cherilynm2013,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Iole, was wonderful! She was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions!
Iole is the best!
gabibV4119HW,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Iole was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the tour. She was very engaging and lovely to be apart of her group!
A fun way to learn more about Doge and St Marks!
DeAnn H,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Moses is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing information! Recommend visiting these places!
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