Venice must-see: Doge's Palace, Golden Basilica and St.Mark's area-Guided tour

13 Reviews | Venice, Italy

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3 to 4 hours (approx.)

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Overview

Join to the half day tour in the heart of Venice: walking tour of Piazza San Marco and Rialto and visit to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

The guided visit begins in Piazza San Marco where you will discover the history of the main highlights and, then proceeds until Rialto bridge, admiring the lovely spots and fascinating campi and campielli.

Later, the guide will bring you inside the marvelous Doge’s Palace with the fine decorated halls of power, the Golden Staircase and the most famous artworks of Tiepolo. Cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs to reach the old prisons where only Casanova managed to escape!

The last but not the least point of the visit is the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica: enter inside the Basilica to see its golden mosaics! Discover its secrets, history and admire the many artworks as the five domes covered by gold.

Enjoy the audio guide to visit more than 200 Venice highlights by yourself!

What's Included

Entrace to the San Marco Museum and the Basilica Terrace (if option is selected)
Skip the line entrace to Doge's Palace and Basilica of Saint Mark
Access to the Bridge of Sighs and Doge's Palace Prisons.
Ticket valid to visit by yourself the Palaces in St. Mark's Square
Guided walking tour of Piazza San Marco and Rialto Area
Guided tour of Doge's Palace and St. Mark Basilica
Mobile audio guide with commentary for a self-guided tour of the 5 districts of Venice

Hotel pickup & Drop Off
Food & Drinks

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Meeting Location

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This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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What To Expect

Piazza San Marco

Learning about the past of this charming city while walking along the historical streets of Venice!Walk through the Piazza San Marco with a qualified and experienced guide in order to learn Venetian history before the viewing of the main monuments in this area, including the Basilica San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Bell Tower, Clock Tower and Procuratie. You will admire Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo (the “Pantheon” of Venice), the Great School of Charity before viewing Marco Polo’s House and the Malibran Theatre. Visit the stunning Rialto Bridge with its traditional market.Coming back to San Marco through the main shopping area known as Mercerie!

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Doge's Palace

The Palazzo Ducale has been for centuries the seat of the Venetian political power. In its splendid rooms, plastered and immersed in hundreds of painting masterpieces, the Duke and his Council controlled the fate for thousand-years in the old Republic. You’ll live it together with a guide who will show you the halls of power, plunging you into a very special historical context: the European Middle Ages. You’ll be surprised by the details of the gold staircase and of the realism of the scenes depicted by many artists who have decorated this building.

1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Ponte dei Sospiri (Pass By)

Relive the anguish of the prisoners crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, and entering the Venetian prisons, famous for hosting Giacomo Casanova.

Basilica di San Marco

Follow a tour guide through St. Mark's Basilica, one of the most majestic cathedrals in the world. Learning about byzantine art and its religious background while taking a glimpse at the gold mosaics and marble floors.After the visit of the Basilica you will have the opportunity to visit a Glass Factory close to Saint Mark’s Square where you can see a Glass Craftsman at work. Please note this is a free of charge optional tour of approximately 20 minutes and it is not a part of the tour.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Museo Correr (Pass By)

You may visit by yourself the other magnificent palaces around St. Mark’s Square as known as Procuratie. You will discover the Venetian way of life, Venetian paintings, library, coinage, sculpture. You will go back directly to the secrets of Venetian Empire and you will visit the area built by Napoleon and the rooms restored for Sissi Empress Austria

Rialto (Pass By)

After the monumental highlights, discover the more hidden soul of Venice with a unique offbeat walking tour through the Rialto Bridge district and the city’s historic center. Wander through narrow alleys, lively squares, and centuries-old corners that most tourists miss. Your guide will share fascinating stories, curiosities, and glimpses into authentic Venetian life that lie just beyond the main paths.

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unexpected religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed the days after otherwise it will be refunded)

For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
You must download the audio guide with digital map on your mobile phone.
You will receive the audio guide with digital map by e-mail. If you have any problems with this, please come to Venice Tours office (San Marco 1093/B) for assistance.
Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
Admire mosaics, the San Marco Museum and enjoy a breathtaking overview of St. Mark's Square from the Terrace.
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
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Venice must-see: Doge’s Palace, Golden Basilica and St.Mark’s area-Guided tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025