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Offered languages
- English
- French
Experience an exclusive guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, iconic landmarks of Piazza San Marco. Admire the grandeur of the Golden Staircase and stunning artworks in the Doge's Palace, and cross the Bridge of Sighs to explore the historic prisons where Casanova was held, reminiscent of Alcatraz’s mystique.
Visit St. Mark's Basilica, known as the Golden Basilica, to marvel at its glittering mosaics, as dazzling as any European cathedral. Then, enjoy a virtual reality experience at the History Gallery of Venice. With a VR headset, see Piazza San Marco as it once was, imagining the Basilica as the Doge's private chapel and the Palace as a medieval fortress.
Choose the St. Mark's Bell Tower option for panoramic views of Venice, much like viewing New York City from above. An elevator ride to the top offers breathtaking vistas of the domes, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. Enhance your visit with an audio guide and digital map for deeper insights.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.
Itinerary
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Piazza San Marco (Pass by)
The two symbols of Venice are in the middle of the marvelous Saint Mark's Square.
Admission ticket free -
1Doge's Palace
Visit the imposing Doge’s Palace with its marvelous rooms rich of artistic artwork made by famous venetian artists. You will discover the halls of power where the Doge and the highest politicians decided the faith of the Venice Republic. In these rooms you will be stunned in front of the “Last Judgment” by Tintoretto, one of the largest paintings in the world. Then the guide will escort you down in the old venetian prisons, passing through the magnificent Bridge of Sighs!
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
2Ponte dei Sospiri
The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, connecting the Doge’s Palace to the historic New Prisons. According to legend, its name comes from the sighs of prisoners who caught their last glimpse of the beautiful city before being imprisoned.
5 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3Basilica di San Marco
The guided visit will proceed to the Basilica of Saint Mark, known also as the Golden Basilica, thanks to its uncountable mosaics made of pure gold! The guide will explain the history and meaning of the masterpieces that decorate the cathedral. (OUTSIDE TOUR IF THE BELL TOWER OPTION IS SELECTED)
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4Campanile di San Marco
IF OPTION IS SELECTED - St. Mark's Bell Tower option for breathtaking views of Venice from above, including the domes of St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. An elevator ride takes you to the top, offering a unique panorama. Standing at 98 meters, the campanile is the tallest structure in Venice. (SELECTING THE BELL TOWER OPTION YOU WILL ENJOY THE ST. MARK'S BASILICA VISIT FROM OUTSIDE ONLY)
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
Museo Correr (Pass by)
TICKET INCLUDED (NOT A GUIDED TOUR) - The Correr Museum, located in St. Mark’s Square, offers a fascinating journey through Venice’s rich history, art, and culture. Discover magnificent artworks, historical treasures, and elegant rooms that reveal the grandeur of the Venetian Republic.
Admission ticket free -
Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana (Pass by)
TICKET INCLUDED (NOT A GUIDED TOUR) The Marciana Library, located in St. Mark’s Square, is one of Venice’s architectural masterpieces, renowned for its stunning Renaissance design. It houses an extraordinary collection of ancient manuscripts, rare books, and magnificent works of art.
Admission ticket free -
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Venezia (Pass by)
TICKET INCLUDED (NOT A GUIDED TOUR) The National Archaeological Museum of Venice, located in St. Mark’s Square, houses an impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, artifacts, and treasures. Discover fascinating masterpieces that offer a unique glimpse into the art and culture of ancient civilizations.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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.
- A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
- Comfortable shoes suggested.
- On Sundays, feast days and in case of unplanned religious celebrations the Basilica tour foresees the visit with direct access to the Terrace and to St. Mark's Museum situated on the first floor.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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.
- A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
- Comfortable shoes suggested.
- On Sundays, feast days and in case of unplanned religious celebrations the Basilica tour foresees the visit with direct access to the Terrace and to St. Mark's Museum situated on the first floor.
- Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
- Please note that the Marciana Library is closed on Sundays
- 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
- Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
- For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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