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
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 ....
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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
46 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Expert tour by a guide who loves his history
Quest22119667623,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alessandro is an instant classic. His passion for everything Venice just flows from every sentence, expression and movement. Such a joy to be around and his knowledge is unmatched. If we can remember 1% we will be experts. Enjoy your visit and leave your worries behind.
Visit Top
Sara T,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good, passionate and engaging driving. Point out particulars and explain in depth.
Visit Top
855sarat,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very engaging and passionate guide of Venice
Fabulous tour
N3319YEsandyt,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alex was a first class guide. Entertaining, knowledgeable helpful. Will highly recommend him.
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!!
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