Venice 3,5 hrs tour: Doge's Palace, St Mark's and Hidden Gems
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover Venice on a 3.5-hour guided walking tour that begins in Hidden Venice and ends with its most iconic monuments. Start in the quiet backstreets and canals behind St Mark’s, where your guide reveals everyday Venetian life, charming bridges and intimate campos, and introduces two hidden gems: the exterior of La Fenice Theatre and the graceful Bovolo Staircase. Then enjoy skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace, exploring its opulent halls, masterpieces by Tintoretto and Veronese, and crossing the Bridge of Sighs to the old prisons. Finish inside St Mark’s Basilica with skip-the-line entry, where golden mosaics, Byzantine domes and marble inlays come to life through your guide’s stories. This is a small-group tour, also available as a private tour option for guests who prefer a fully personalized experience.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Large bags and rucksacks are not allowed inside St Mark's Basilica
At certain times it may not be possible to enter any of the visited churches due to religious functions taking place. These closures are beyond our control so no refunds or discounts will be issued
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.
Small group Tour - maximum 20 people - Min 5 people
ID Cards and Passports of all participants are mandatory to enter inside the St. Mark's Basilica.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Headset to hear the guide clearly when there are more than 8 participants in the group
Guaranteed to skip the long lines to Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
Professional English-speaking local guide
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Your guide will give you a brief introduction to the history of Venice and of the Doge's Palace
Doge's Palace
Enjoy a 2-hour (from 11.10am to 1.30pm) in-dept tour of the Doges Palace and visit the famous Prisons.
Options
Small Group Tour 2026
Private tour Option
Reviews
264 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not the best:(
Rebecca J,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Overall the tour was average. We cannot say it was great. First the tour had too much walking down alleys (partly my fault) for not reading the paperwork they sent. In the description it doesn’t say much about “the walk”. But it was most of the afternoon tour! We spent less than a half hour inside the Basilica, but spent an hour and a half walking down alleys and past shops. Second the guide talked way too much. We got so tired of listening to her going on and on. Also the way they did the tours she repeated a lot of things to the afternoon guests, that we had already heard in the morning. She is very knowledgeable but we did not want that much information!. We were disappointed in this tour, and came home exhausted. Way too much useless walking.
We were signed up for...
Joey S,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00We were signed up for Doge Palace and Saint Marks Basilica, when we arrive, they did not have our name on the list for Doge Palace. We still was able to tour the palace, but we were very disappointed that our name was not on the list. It certainly caused us some anxiety! as well, it slowed down the tour because she had to call her headquarters to get approval for us to go.
Our guides (one for Doges...
Lee B,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guides (one for Doges Palace and another for St. Mark's) met us promptly at the assigned location. Both were excellent communicators, knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. We would book with Viator again!!!
Moses walks you into history
N9924ESadrianb,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.004 oct 2025 Moses was walking history teller and passionate Venice history Loved every bit of it. Especially doges palace
Great tour because of a great tour guide
Ira G,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It started off a little unexpected. It was because there was a strike and our original tour guide could not make it today. I do not know how my original tour guide would have been but their replacement was excellent. We basically spent the day with him and he was absolutely terrific. We enjoyed the tour, he was funny, and very knowledgeable.
Venice Tour of Saint Mark's basilica
E7356PRmichaelc,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alessandro did a great job and was very detailed. Also appreciated the local suggestions and navigations. Excellent.
Dodge’s Palace &St Marks Basilica 4 hour private tour
Donna P,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful art and architecture in these amazing structures Giorgia our guide was enthusiastic knowledgeable and shared her insights and passion for history and art with us Great way to learn the history of the region Highlight of our trip
St Marks /Doges Palace
Donna P,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Private tour with guide Giorgia History of Venice explained expertly enthusiastically by Giorgia This was the highlight of the entire stay in Venice St Meeks and Doges Palace were amazing . Having “skip the line “ access with a guide made for a pleasant non stressful time
Informative and fun
Robert S,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great overview of life in Venice as it relates to the Dolce and St Marcos. Christina pointed out many things that otherwise would have been missed and truly made it a great experience.
Local guide tells all
Robyn C,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was born and raised in Venice and was extremely knowledgable about architecture, art, and everything about the city!
From €135.00
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