Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  Begin your guided tour at the meeting point, then enter the Doge’s Palace through its majestic marble courtyard, a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Step through a small doorway into the Pozzi, the dark, damp underground cells where prisoners endured harsh confinement in silence and isolation. Hear haunting stories of their suffering, carved and drawn into the walls. Continue up a narrow staircase to the offices of the Ducal Notary and Deputato alla Segreta, key figures in the Republic’s political engine. Explore the grand Chamber of the Secret Chancellery, lined with ancient cabinets full of public and classified records, then enter the chilling Torture Chamber, where your guide will explain grim interrogation practices. Visit the Piombi, attic prison cells for political detainees, and the attic armory showcasing 16th-century weapons. Finally, step into the feared Chamber of the Inquisitors, guardians of Venice’s darkest state secrets and political order.

  1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 2

  After leaving the Doge’s Palace, your guide leads you just a short walk across the square to Saint Mark’s Basilica, where you’ll enjoy skip-the-line access to one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, marvel at the stunning Byzantine mosaics that cover the walls and ceilings, depicting stories from the Old Testament and the life of Saint Mark. Your guide will share fascinating insights into how these mosaics, spanning over 8,000 square meters, reflect the fusion of Eastern and Western artistic influences. Walk on the intricate marble inlays of the basilica’s floors while learning about its unique architectural history. Next, explore the Treasury, home to sacred relics and religious artifacts from centuries of Venetian devotion. Ascend to the Museum of Saint Mark’s, where you can admire the mosaics up close and get a deeper understanding of the basilica’s artistic and historical significance. The tour concludes here, but feel free to stay and explore at your leisure.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Photography is not allowed at St. Mark’s Cathedral only.
• 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.
• For security reasons sacks, bags or knapsacks are not allowed inside the Basilica and Doge's palace.

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