Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice
Experience the heart of Venice like never before with our exclusive guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica.
Skip the lines and explore hidden chambers, prison cells, and magnificent art, all while a knowledgeable guide brings history to life. From political intrigue to Byzantine masterpieces, this tour offers an immersive, hassle-free journey through Venice’s rich history.
Don’t miss out—book now for an unforgettable adventure!
Options
English Guided Tour
Tour Time and Meeting Point: The guided tour includes a St Mark Basilica tour 10:45 or 14:45, followed by Doge's Palace from 11:45 or 15:45.
Meeting Point Information: Please note that the meeting point remains the same for both tours — Please return to the same location for the Doge's Palace
What's included in Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Doge's Palace
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.
Basilica di San Marco
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.
Inclusions
- Officially certified guide
- Radio system to hear the guide
- Tickets and Reservations to Doge's Palace
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Entrance tickets to the attractions are not mentioned in the inclusions
- 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.
- The tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of religious functions (in these cases it can be rearranged or refunded).
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved.
- Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of two guests to run.
- Please note that if you arrive after the tour start time you will not be able to join and will not be refunded or have your tour rescheduled.
- Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements, in the event of this occurring you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Please note that the 10:45 tour includes the guided Saint Mark's Basilica tour. The Doge's Palace tour will take place at 11:45 from the same meeting point. Make sure to return to the meeting location on time for the Doge's Palace tour.
- Please note that the 14:45 tour includes the guided Saint Mark's Basilica tour. The Doge's Palace tour will take place at 15:45 from the same meeting point. Make sure to return to the meeting location on time for the Doge's Palace tour.
- Please note that customers suffering from claustrophobia, vertigo or cardio-respiratory disorders, pregnant women and Children under 6 are not allowed on this tour.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Please meet your guide in front of the wooden souvenir kiosk, just behind the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, next to the entrance to the post office.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
The entrance tickets will be delivered by the guide or our representative at the meeting point prior to the start of the tour. Please follow the instructions to the meeting point as on the voucher Please note that both the 10:45 and 14:45 tours include a guided visit to Saint Mark's Basilica, followed by the Doge's Palace tour (at 11:45 and 15:45 respectively) from the same meeting point. Ensure you return to the meeting location on time for the Doge's Palace tour.
