Venice 3,5 hrs tour: Doge's Palace, St Mark's and Hidden Gems

4.6
(264 reviews)
Venice, Italy

3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

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

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Giardini Reali

Entrance to the Royal Gardens, on the waterfront of St Mark's Square - You'll meet Avventure Bellissime tour coordinator outside the gardens, in front of the wrought iron Gate holding a sign with the name of the tour and Avventure Bellissime logo written on it.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Piazza San Marco

    Your guide will give you a brief introduction to the history of Venice and of the Doge's Palace

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    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.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    While standing in the courtyard as your guide will introduce you to the Doges Palace architecture and history, see and learn about the Giant Staircase leading up to the Palace and used for formal entrances.

    Admission ticket free
  • Ponte dei Sospiri (Pass by)

    Walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs connecting the Doge's Palace to the Prisons and learn why it was given this name.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Learn about the Main entrance of the Doges Palace, the paper door that links the Doges Palace to St Mark's Basilica.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Basilica di San Marco

    We'll discuss the famous landmarks of St. Mark's square, you'll enjoy an in-depth tour of St. Mark's Basilica, to admire the astonishing interior covered in rich and lavish mosaics and you'll learn about the strong Byzantine influences on the city that helped Venice realize its own unique style of architecture.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Teatro La Fenice

    Marvel at Teatro La Fenice and delve into its fascinating legacy.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Discover the hidden gem of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo on a guided visit to its iconic spiral “snail” staircase. Hear the story of the Contarini family and the blend of Gothic and Renaissance design.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free

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
Supplied by Avventure Bellissime

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Super Savers
Cultural Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
Viator Plus
Excellent Quality
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.6 Based on 264 264 reviews
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