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Delve into Venetian history on a tour showcasing the city's most iconic structures—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—as an expert guide sheds light on the stories behind both iconic attractions. Skip the line into the legendary St. Mark's Basilica, where you’ll wander through the mosaic-clad interior and even step onto the balcony overlooking Piazza San Marco—reserved for only a select few! Then, continue to the Doge's Palace and step into the political heart of a powerful empire.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.
Tour in English only
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.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive access to St. Mark's Basilica terraces
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
Small Group
Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—on a private guided tour.
Early Entry Doge's Palace: Stand alone and take a breath in the Doge's Palace an hour before the general public arrives!
Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain
4,632 reviews
Martin P,
Dec 31, 2024
Was great for what we saw. We weren’t able to go in to the Basilica but we got a great education on the history and the design elements on the outside. The doge palace was really awesome and our tour guide did a great job of educating us on the history of the space. Would highly recommended.
Claire C,
Dec 31, 2024
Nico was a wonderful and knowledgeable tour guide! His stories about Venetian history were engaging and interesting. He brought everything we saw to life! Highly recommend!
Peng W,
Dec 29, 2024
The 3 hour tour was tiring and very cold inside of the DAGE palace. The tour guide had a relevant degree to history but I didn’t get a good sense of where Venitians were coming from and what glorious days it had back in 12-13 centuries (with data, pictures, paintings, artistic significance etc.). The palace is very cold. I can hardly stand in there.
Karan D,
Dec 25, 2024
The tour was excellent, and our guide, Roberta, was exceptionally engaging. The welcoming reception provided by the staff was also highly appreciated.
Diella B,
Dec 23, 2024
Roberta was a brilliant tour guide. She has extensive knowledge of Venetian history which brought to life S Marco’s Basilica & Doge Palace. Thank you!