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Mobile ticket
Semi-private walking tour of the main attractions in the St. Mark’s area, including skip-the-line entrance to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Other highlights of this informative and entertaining 3-hour tour comprises hidden gems of Venetian architecture as well as insights into the history of Venice, its palaces and churches, and traditional crafts. The itinerary is designed to appeal to visitors looking for an authentic Venetian experience and the undivided attention of the passionate professional guide who is the heart and soul of this tour.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
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 also not allowed inside St Mark's Basilica.
In case of high tides or religious ceremonies preventing access to the interior of the Basilica, an extended tour of the outside of the basilica will be given instead.
The Doge’s Palace may also occasionally be closed to the public due to strikes, exceptional closures, state visits, or other special occasions. In that event, a possible alternative may be the Correr Museum in St. Mark’s Square with the Imperial Rooms and Venetian Collection. Entrance included in the Doge’s Palace ticket.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough participants to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
The number of admission tickets available for the interior of St. Mark's Basilica is limited and operates on a first-come first-served basis. In the event of no availability, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
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
Access to St. Mark's Basilica now has a 72 hour cutoff time. Late bookings will be offered an alternative
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Professional guide
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Skip The Line Entrance Fees
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Your guide will illustrate all the major sights in this area that was the center of power in the days of the Venetian Republic, including the Doges' Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.
Doge's Palace
The centre of political power and the official residence of the Doge, the spectacular rooms are literally lined with priceless masterpieces. See the halls of power in which the government of the Most Serene Republic convened and visit the notorious Prison in which Casanova was jailed.
741 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Angela C,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
Antonio has an amazing knowledge and love for Venice. His love for the city shows during your day with him. We were so lucky to book his last tour of the season and had the most amazing day including Doge Palace, St Mark’s Basilica, coffee shop, and so many other hidden gems ending with the private glass shop. His knowledge of the history and art inside the Doge Palace was wonderful and we really just had an amazing day with him! The day went by so fast because we were having such an amazing day. Totally worth the price.
michellesX5459LD,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We were fortunate to have Antonio all to ourselves and were very pleased with all of his knowledge and his generosity! We booked a 3 hour tour of St Mark's and afterwards he treated us to a couple extra hours showing us around the neighborhood and getting us a private demonstration of glass blowing. I cannot express how much we enjoyed ourselves!




mikewV9043HE,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Wonderful overview of the city with emphasis on St Marks and the Doge’s palace. Antonio was knowledgeable, entertaining and gave us a fun and engaging experience. Highly recommended!
Beth C,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
What an amazing experience! Antonio was awesome! Having a local Venetian guide you around the City provided such a personalized experience. You're a VIP with Antonio as your guide! Don't hesitate to book this tour.
V6096CJmarcot,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Calling it a tour is very little. What Antonio proposes is a real experience of time travel, where art, history and story come together in a special way. With passion and great competence, Antonio manages to revive the places and people of the past as if they were still here. Every word, every detail, conveys love for what it tells and involves those who listen from the first moment. It is not only a guided tour, but a path full of emotions, which leaves something inside. An experience that I recommend to anyone who wants to discover history in a different, authentic and unforgettable way.
Marla M,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
Arrived in Venice under a cloud of challenges. Day two, we spent with Antonio and he was our sunshine. We had him to ourselves to enjoy his stories, share his experiences and get an insider’s view of Venice. He gave us five hours of insights when we only expected three. Bless you Antonio🥰

Bethany L,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the topics he was teaching us. Covered doge palace, st marks basilica as well taking us to grand canal
Jason R,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
This tour was exactly what we were looking for. Guide provided great insights to art and architecture that would have been missed by a novice. Easy to stay engaged the time. The more you pay attention the more you will get out of it.
V71TZrichardc,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I don’t normally write reviews. But after my wife booked Antonio’s tour around Venice, I felt I needed to. Antonio is so knowledgable and charismatic, the way he delivers his vast knowledge of the city and its history, was has is akin to a gripping BBC documentary, he really cares what you experience. I can’t recommend his tour enough, it’s made our trip to Venicia very special and memorable. You won’t see Venice is you don’t book with Antonio. Thanks a million. Rich & Harriet

Harriet C,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
Antonio was a fantastic guide and we learnt and saw so much! It was a great day spent with a true Venetian. Thank you for a fabulous day.
Operated by Antonio Barbini