St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Rialto Bridge Guided Tour

3.6
(16 reviews)

3 to 4 hours (approximately)
Offered in: German and 3 more

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

Mobile audio guide with commentary for a self-guided tour of the 5 districts of Venice
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
Venice Gallery: a unique Vr experience of Venice in the past
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 tour of Doge's Palace and St. Mark Basilica
Guided walking tour of Piazza San Marco and Rialto Area
Hotel pickup & Drop Off
Food & Drinks

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 to 4 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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
  • 2

    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
  • (Pass by)

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

    Admission ticket free
  • 3

    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
  • (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

    Admission ticket free
  • (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.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
  • The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
Supplied by CITY TOURS CO. LTD

Show 6 more

Tags

Half-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Archaeology Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Small Group
Viator Plus
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Show more

Rating

3.6 Based on 16 16 reviews
5 stars
8
4 stars
1
3 stars
2
2 stars
2
1 star
3
Likely to sell out
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}