Private Tour
Skip the Line St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Exclusive Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Embark on a 2.5-hour exclusive guided tour of Venice’s most iconic landmarks: St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Basilica, where over 8,000 square meters of golden mosaics illuminate its breathtaking Byzantine interior. From the terrace, take in panoramic views of St. Mark’s Square, the former political and commercial heart of the Venetian Republic.
Continue to the Doge’s Palace, the former seat of Venetian power. Walk through its lavish chambers, adorned with masterpieces by Tintoretto and Veronese. Climb the Golden Staircase and marvel at the Grand Council Chamber, where opulent paintings and remarkable architecture reflect Venice’s wealth and ambition. As you cross the Bridge of Sighs, hear tales of the rulers who shaped Venice’s destiny and reflect on the prisoners who glimpsed their city one last time before facing their fate.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Begin your tour at the breathtaking St Mark’s square, one of the world’s most iconic outdoor locations and take in views of St Mark’s bell tower (exterior).
St. Mark's Basilica
Enter the stunning St Mark’s Basilica and marvel at the dazzling golden mosaics and incricate marble carvings. Explore St. Mark’s Basilica and be mesmerized by golden mosaics and Renaissance masterpieces.
What‘s Included
Exclusive Skip the Line Guided Tour
Professional Tour Guide
Tour does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off
Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
Options
Skip the Line St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Exclusive Tour
SEMI-PRIVATE 8ppl Max. English
SEMI-PRIVATE TOUR IN ENGLISH: Save money by booking a small group tour of 8 guests max. per guide This option NOT FOR WHEELCHAIRS.
Reviews
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
St Mark’s Basilica & Doges Palace Private Tour
Alex H,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Mary (aka Marialaurel) was exceptional. She is passionate about her chosen home of Venice and shared her deep knowledge of art, architecture and history as she walked us through St Mark’s Square, stepped us through Basilica San Marco and toured us throughout the Doges Palace. We learned so much!
MariaLaura is the best!
ScottandLisa93,,Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00MariaLaura gave an outstanding tour of Saint Mark’s and Doja’s Palace. Her extensive knowledge and easy conversation made it just outstanding tour to take. We look forward to working with her again when we come that way.
Our guide, Mary, was...
Karen M,,Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Mary, was extremely knowledgeable, funny and so warm and friendly. Great tour and the whole tour was so interesting, held my four grandkid’s attention the entire time. Highly recommend!
Best Venice tour experience
Cindy K,,Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Roko was an amazing guide. We did the small group and it was worth the extra cost for such a personalized experience. Roko was knowledgeable and shared interesting history with us. Highly recommend!
Great tour!
allisonhD8562SP,,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marialaura was an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable and engaging, she made the tour interesting. We would recommend this tour
Loved this small group...
Shawna S,,Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved this small group tour! Roko was very knowledgeable and could answer any question we had. The skip the line access was amazing as the day we visited the lines for the Basillica and Doge were insanely long. I would highly recommend booking this tour.
Outstanding Small Group Tour
joehV8811TG,,Jun 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was an absolute highlight, and our guide, Marialaura, was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable and provided us with an amazing experience of both St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. It was a small group tour, so we didn't even need earpieces. She ensured that the six of us could hear her everywhere we went. Skipping the lines is totally worth it and made the trip that much more enjoyable. Thank you, Marialaura, for a wonderful tour.
Italian Road Trip - Venice Leg
nigelhV2950LH,,Jun 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time discovering St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, Daniela knew all the tricks! Would recommend.
Fantastic tour of St. Mark's with Marialaura
Therese M,,May 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My family and I were so lucky to have Marialaura as our guide for St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. She was extremely knowledgeable about the history and architecture of Venice and told us some wonderful stories about St Mark's and some of the legends and superstitions of the city. We also enjoyed hearing about present day Venice and Marialaura gave us a lunch recommendation that was without question the best meal of our vacation. If you have an opportunity to book a tour with Marialaura you will not be disappointed.
Flexible and informative tour.
Vanessa P,,May 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We really liked our tour guide Roko C because he didn't try and hit everything but pointed out really interesting things and had great stories. He was also flexible and accommodated our needs to stop.
Related Experiences
Operated by Babylon Tours Venice