Private Tour
Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This tour is unique because you will be able to understand the history of the Piazza di San Marco, the basilica and its millenary history, you will be able to admire the mosaics and marbles .... you will be able to see the Doges' Palace, where the events of the Serenissima Republic. But what will make the tour unique is the guide's passion and love for his city
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Basilica di San Marco
Visit of Piazza San Marco, external and internal explanation of the Basilica of San Marco with its splendid mosaics External explanation of the ducal palace. Small break of about 15 min and then continuation of the visit in the ducal palace. Visit to the institutional halls, bridge of sighs and passage through prisons
Palazzo Ducale
You will visit the marvelous ducal palace, place of power and government of the Serenissima republic of Venice. You will be able to see the marvelous internal rooms where the senators were ... the ambassadors ... and then you will see the marvelous hall of the greatest council with the wonderful painting of Paradise by Tintoretto. You will then go to the bridge of sighs and you will be able to go through the prisons ....
What‘s Included
I will offer each participant a drink at the end of the tour
being in a small group of maximum 6 people, the tour also starts with two people
entrance ticket to the ducal palace; possible skip the line basilica
do not carry bulky backpacks or bags
you should not take photographs or make videos in the basilica
to dress in a manner appropriate to the sacred place for the basilica, in summer the women will have to cover themselves
Options
shortening time and enjoy
small nice walking tour: instead of visiting San Mark's basilica inside I will explain from outside and I will offer to you a nice walking tour nearby
Duration: 1 hour
Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace
Reviews
42 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Personal Family Tour of Venice
brendany668,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful day with Alessandro. He speaks excellent English and, being a Venetian, is very knowledgeable of the area. Personalized tour of San Marco, Doge's Palace, and final stop in Murano. A special day with family in Venice.
Great time
Z7322CGcraigh,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super fun. Very informative.
Wonderful private tour!!
NorthStar41735338493,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful tour today with Alessandro!! He was very knowledgeable, interesting, and so friendly. His English is perfect and his love for this city, and these places was evident in the way he shared the history with us. He made us love this city even more. Thank you Alessandro for a very memorable experience! Your new friends, Mark & Julie.
Unreal private tour, a must!
Travel507668,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was really amazing. Alessandro is so knowledgeable and personable. He is a local and has such a deep passion for Venice and its history. I was truely overwhelmed with joy throughout the tour and would highly recommend to anyone seeking to tap into Venice’s rich culture and traditions.
History from a native Venetian!
MeredithH93,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alessandro is a native Ventian and an historian, making his insights into Venice especially meaningful. Starting in St Mark's square early one morning, we learned about the very early history of Venice's foundings, the history of St Mark's arrival, and the exterior of the Doge Palace. We then went into the Doge Palace, seeing everything from the courtyard and its marble adornments to the glorious art in the many governmental rooms that the Doge and the senate worked in. We saw the prison cells and walked over the bridge of sighs. It was spectacular! Then, because we had a difficult time getting tickets into St Mark's that coordinated with Alex's schedule, we met with Alex again in the late afternoon to go into St. Mark's Basilica. The church is astounding but the guide made all the difference - talking about all the mosaics, their dates and restorations, their religious significance, their origins, and the floods that have threatened the basilica. We even got to see the Pala d'Oro, and Alex's tidbits about it were so interesting and informative. Between his knowledge, passion for Venice, and flexibility with our schedule, his company was invaluable. He even got us pointed to a less touristy gondoleer so we could have that experience too. Bottom line - Alex is a fantastic resource and a lovely guide who gives the art and history of Venice life with his passion and knowledge. We were so thrilled with him and the tour!
Fabulous
Shela K,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alejandro is very passionate and knowledgable. Private tour was fabulous. So glad we did it. We learned so much!!
Book your tour with Alessandro! You won’t regret it!
susan c31717,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alessandro did an incredible job!!! We got lucky and had a totally private tour with just myself, my husband, and Alessandro. So we were pleasantly surprised! Alessandro is a native Venetian AND an educated historian, so his knowledge of St Mark’s, Doge’s Palace, and Venice as a whole is amazing. He made sure to point out all the details we would definitely miss if it weren’t for him. My jaw stayed open at the beauty and grandeur of these places. We are definitely planning another trip to Venice, and will absolutely book another tour with Alessandro!
One of the wonders of the world.
samlE9187QA,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing tour with Alex as our guide. The Basilica was beyond description. It is absolutely unreal the amount of detail and work that went into it. It is absolutely essential to see the hallmark. Alex did a wonderful job of telling the history and significance of of all of the details.
A fantastic afternoon!
479glenns,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alessandro was an excellent guide providing lots of interesting facts and historical perspective. Since he is native to Venice and a student of history, you will enjoy a wonderful tour of Venice. We particularly liked his tour of Doge Palace & Museum
Doge Palace at Night Tour
loriphenry7,Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour of Doge Palace with Alessandro. It exceeded my expectations! Alessandro was knowledgeable and friendly, providing fascinating insights and stories throughout the journey. The itinerary was well-organized, allowing us to explore key highlights without feeling rushed. The transportation was comfortable, and the small group size made for an intimate experience. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the local culture. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that left me wanting to book another tour. Highly recommend!
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