Basilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option
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.
Options
St. Mark Icons & Rialto Bridge
English Guided Tour : Charming tour of Venice’s top icons: Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica with panoramic terrace and Rialto Bridge.
What's included in Basilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Doge'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!
Basilica 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)
Piazza San MarcoPass-by Only
The two symbols of Venice are in the middle of the marvelous Saint Mark's Square.
Inclusions
- Rialto Bridge Visit (if option is selected)
- Bell Tower Priority Ticket (if the option is selected)
- Bridge of Sighs Entrance
- Skip the line ticket to Marciana Library (Closed on Sundays)
- Skip the line Ticket to the St. Mark's Cathedral
- Skip the Line Ticket to Doge's Palace
- Guided tour by a qualified guide to Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Cathedral (if option is selected)
- Skip the line ticket to Archeological Museum
- St. Mark's Cathedral Terrace Entrance Ticket (if option is selected)
- History Gallery - Venice in the past VR Experience
- Skip the line Ticket to Royal Palace - Correr Museum (Empress Sissi Rooms & Napoleon Dancing Hall)
- Hotel pickup & Drop Off
- Food & Drinks
- Guided Tour to Royal Palace - Correr Museum
- Guided Tour to Marciana Library
- Guided Tour to Archeological Museum
- 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.
- 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)
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- 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.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• 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. • 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) • During some days of high turnout or for reasons of force majeure (for example high tide or security problems) the waiting time to access St. Mark’s Basilica might be longer than expected: in this case, please line up and respect the instructions provided by the guide. • For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts) • You are kindly requested to be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the departure • If the lunch option is selected your table is booked for you at 1:00 PM at illy Caffè (Giardini Reali, few steps from St. Mark's Square)
