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

Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
Image 9
Image 10
Image 11
Image 12
Image 13
Image 14
Image 15
Image 16
Image 17
Image 18
Image 19

Overview

Available languages

English
French

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

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)

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Rialto Bridge Visit (if option is selected)

Bell Tower Priority Ticket (if the option is selected)

Bridge of Sighs Entrance

Skip the line ticket to Marciana Library (Closed on Sundays)

Skip the line Ticket to the St. Mark's Cathedral

Skip the Line Ticket to Doge's Palace

Guided tour by a qualified guide to Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Cathedral (if option is selected)

Skip the line ticket to Archeological Museum

St. Mark's Cathedral Terrace Entrance Ticket (if option is selected)

History Gallery - Venice in the past VR Experience

Skip the line Ticket to Royal Palace - Correr Museum (Empress Sissi Rooms & Napoleon Dancing Hall)

Hotel pickup & Drop Off

Food & Drinks

Guided Tour to Royal Palace - Correr Museum

Guided Tour to Marciana Library

Guided Tour to Archeological Museum

What To Expect

1

Doge's Palace

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!

1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Included
2

Basilica di San Marco

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)

1 hour • Admission Included

Options

Basilica & Terrace + Doge Tour

French: Choose this option for a small-group guided tour of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, with access to its terrace.

St. Mark's Icons & Bell Tower

English Guided Tour: Explore the Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica, then ascend the Bell Tower for breathtaking views over the city.

St. Mark's Icons Classic Tour

English Guided Tour: A classic tour to the icon's of Venice: Doge's Palace and the Golden St. Mark's Cathedral (terrace not included).

St. Mark Icons & Rialto Bridge

English Guided Tour : Charming tour of Venice’s top icons: Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica with panoramic terrace and Rialto Bridge.

St. Mark's Icons Grand Tour

English Guided Tour: Enjoy a full journey through St. Mark’s Basilica & the Doge’s Palace with the iconic Bridge of Sighs.

Rialto + Doge + Basilica Tour

English Guided Tour: Choose this option to enjoy the guided tour of the iconic Rialto Bridge area, St. Mark's basilica and Doge's Palace.

Bell Tower+ Doge Pal.+Basilica

Shared Guided Visit: The tour consists of a guided visit to the Doge's Palace & Basilica with entrance to the Bell Tower.

St. Mark's Icons Classic Tour

French Guided Tour: A classic tour to the icon's of Venice: Doge's Palace and the Golden St. Mark's Cathedral (terrace not included)

Reviews

4.78

519 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

451
43
12
6
7
  • Excellent tour

    Terri S,

    Sep 30, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    This was an excellent tour to get a great overview of all the top Venice tourist attractions. We had an excellent guide who was very knowledgeable of all the attractions.

  • Giovanna was amazing!

    Rhonda D,

    Sep 28, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Giovanna was a wonderful tour guide and had a wealth of information about the site we visited. It was a highlight of our trip to Venice.

  • Good Tour to learn about St Marks Basilica and Doge’s palace.

    Perry B,

    Sep 22, 2025

    - Viator

    4.00

    Matteo was very knowledgeable and friendly. His delivery was a little difficult to follow when he tried to tell a story to illustrate his point. Overall we learned a lot about St Marks Basilica and the Doge’s palace. Being able to skip the line was also very nice.

  • Book a private tour.

    Lynne M,

    Sep 20, 2025

    - Viator

    3.00

    This particular group was large. We really had a hard time seeing the tour director since he was not carrying a flag. At times, things were pointed out, but we were in the back and didn’t know what he was referring to. Also, we were late in leaving so had hardly anytime in St Marks. The tour guide was super knowledgeable, but the group was just to large.

  • Misleading Viator Description - No Venice Basilica Terrace or Bell Tower Option made available

    Steven M,

    Sep 12, 2025

    - Viator

    1.00

    We booked the St Mark’s Bascilica tour with Terrace (which is the key attraction - where the four horses from Constantinople are placed) - and Bell Tower “option”. There were no places online to pre-select these options. My questions to the online chat were answered with “you should ask onsite when we get there.” My phone calls went to AI chatbot which said the same, and my call was not returned. When our group of five showers up in Venice for the tour we were informed that there was no tour of the Terrace or the Bell Tower included and they did not sell these and they could not add them. We had already had the basic tour of the basilica and had only spent the $650 because the option for the Terrace and Bell Tower was offered. We were offered no refund or recourse of any kind and told to contact Viator for a refund. Hmmm.

From €45.00

4.78
519 reviews