Discover the captivating history and stunning architecture of Venice’s most iconic landmarks on this private tour. Explore the renowned St. Mark’s Basilica, marveling at its intricate golden mosaics, and step into the opulent chambers of the Doge’s Palace. With priority access and an expert art historian as your guide, you’ll delve deeper into the significance of these beloved sites, uncovering hidden stories that bring the city’s rich heritage to life. Get ready to be enchanted by the beauty and grandeur that await you in Venice.
Key Points

- This private tour offers skip-the-line access to both St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace in Venice, led by an expert art historian guide.
- The 3-hour tour provides in-depth insights into the history, architecture, and artistry of these iconic Venetian landmarks.
- Wheelchair-accessible options are available, making the tour accessible to all.
- Flexible booking with no upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- High customer satisfaction with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 50 reviews.
Tour Overview

This private tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks: St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
Over 3 hours, guests will skip the long lines and gain priority access to explore the history and artistry of these magnificent sites. An expert art historian guide will lead the way, sharing insights into the basilica’s golden mosaics and altars, as well as the private apartments, government chambers, and prison cells of the former Venetian palace.
Available in multiple languages, this wheelchair-accessible tour provides an immersive cultural experience.
Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Venice
Booking Information

How can travelers book this private tour? The booking process is simple and convenient.
No upfront payment is required – travelers can reserve their spot and pay later. There’s also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility.
Travelers can check availability for different daily tour times, so they can find a time that works best.
With these hassle-free booking options, it’s easy for visitors to secure their spot on this immersive tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace in Venice.
Highlights

One of the highlights of this private tour is the ability to skip the long lines at both St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace with priority access.
Inside the Basilica, visitors will learn about the stunning golden mosaics and intricate altars that decorate the interior.
At the Doge’s Palace, the tour explores the private apartments, government chambers, and even the prison.
Throughout the experience, a professional art historian guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the history and significance of these iconic Venetian landmarks to life.
This comprehensive tour offers an engaging and in-depth look at two of Venice’s most renowned attractions.
Meeting Point and Requirements
Where does the tour meet? The tour meets at Piazza San Marco, by the column with a lion on top.
Dress code requirements must be followed – no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed, as knees and shoulders must be covered. Children under 18 must provide valid ID for museum discounts.
No food or drinks are permitted inside the museums or churches. Following these simple instructions ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.
The knowledgeable guides lead the way through the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and the historic Doge’s Palace, providing fascinating insights along the journey.
More Great Tours NearbyExplore St. Mark’s Basilica
Stepping inside the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, visitors are immediately captivated by its breathtaking golden mosaics. The guide points out the intricate details, explaining the stories they depict, from biblical scenes to the life of St. Mark.
Travelers marvel at the gleaming altars and ornate decorations that cover nearly every surface. The tour delves into the basilica’s rich history, highlighting its status as a symbol of Venetian power and wealth.
Guests leave with a deeper appreciation for the stunning architecture and religious significance that have made St. Mark’s Basilica a beloved landmark for centuries.
Visit Doge’s Palace

The tour next leads visitors through the magnificent Doge’s Palace, the former residence of Venice’s rulers. Stepping inside, guests marvel at the exquisite architecture and grand interiors. A guided exploration unveils the palace’s history, from its private apartments to the government chambers. Visitors walk the "Bridge of Sighs" to the notorious prisons, imagining the captives’ final views of Venice. The experience offers a unique window into the city’s storied past.
| Highlights | Description |
| — | — |
| Private Apartments | Explore the sumptuous living quarters of the Doge |
| Government Chambers | See the halls where political decisions were made |
| Bridge of Sighs | Cross the famous bridge that connected the palace to the prisons |
| Prisons | Visit the infamous cells that once held Venice’s criminals |
| Guided Tour | An art historian guide brings the palace’s history to life |
Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the private tour, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 50 reviews.
Guests highlighted the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who brought the history of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace to life.
The tour’s value for money also received high marks, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating.
Reviewers appreciated the priority access and skip-the-line benefits, allowing them to maximize their time and avoid long queues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Tour Group Size?
The tour group size is not specified in the provided information. The tour is described as a private tour, suggesting it may be conducted for individual travelers or small groups rather than large tour groups.
Can I Take Photos Inside the Monuments?
Photography is generally permitted inside the monuments, but visitors are advised to check with the tour guide or on-site staff for any restrictions. Some areas may prohibit photography to preserve the delicate interiors.
Are Audio Guides Available for Self-Exploration?
Audio guides aren’t provided, but the guided tour offers an engaging, in-depth exploration led by a knowledgeable art historian. Self-exploration is not recommended as the guides provide valuable insights into the monuments’ history and significance.
Can I Leave the Tour Early if I Wish?
Yes, participants can leave the tour early if they wish. The tour is flexible, and visitors are free to explore the sites independently after the guided portion is complete. However, no refund is provided for partial attendance.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour Leaders?
There is no specific dress code for the tour leaders. However, they are expected to follow the dress code of the venues visited, which requires knees and shoulders to be covered.
The Sum Up
This private tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace offers a comprehensive exploration of Venice’s iconic landmarks. Guests can skip the lines and explore the rich history and stunning artistry, guided by an expert art historian. With high customer satisfaction, this hassle-free experience provides valuable insights into these architectural masterpieces, making it an ideal way to experience the city’s renowned cultural heritage.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Venice
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Venice: Private Walking Tour with a Local
- Private City Kickstart Tour: Venice
- Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Venice
- 4 hours Private Boat Tour to Murano, Burano with local real guide
- Private Gondola ride and Photo Session in Venice.
More Tour Reviews in Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica Priority Entry, Host & Audioguide
- Haunted Venice Audio Tour with Palazzo Bovolo Entry Ticket
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Venice: Convent Garden of Redentore Entry Ticket
- Hidden Venice – Small Group Tour
- Murano, Burano & Torcello: Vetro, Case Colorate & Storia
Still browsing? Here are more Venice experiences we've covered recently
- Which Venice Workshops & Classes To Choose? We Rank The 13 Best
- The 5 Most Popular Shopping & Market Tours In Venice
- Discover 14 Great Photography Experiences In Venice
- Our 13 Favorite Venice Walking Tours
- 8 Best Private Driver Services In Venice (With Prices)
- Our Picks For The 5 Best Dining Experiences In Venice
- 12 Best Tours & Experiences In Venice (With Prices)
- 14 Best Wine Tours In Venice
- Top 12 Tours In Venice
- We Rank Venice’s 4 Top Dinner Experiences
- Venice’s 4 Best Full-Day Tours (With Prices & Reviews)
- 4 Must-Try Lunch Experiences In Venice
