Exploring the captivating city of Venice is an opportunity not to be missed. This 4-hour guided tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks. Visitors can expect skip-the-line access to the renowned Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, as well as an immersive walking experience through picturesque squares and hidden gems. With knowledgeable guides and personal headsets, travelers can uncover the secrets that lie within Venice’s winding streets and bridges. But the true allure of this tour lies in the chance to truly understand the unique character of this remarkable city.
Key Points

- This 4-hour guided tour of Venice covers iconic sites like St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Marco Polo’s home with skip-the-line access.
- The tour is available in multiple languages and includes personal headsets for a seamless experience.
- Visitors can explore the Correr Museum as part of the tour ticket and enjoy commentary from knowledgeable guides.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with oversized luggage, and a dress code applies for the Basilica.
- Customers have praised the tour’s informative guides and the overall guided experience, with suggestions for more break time and tangible tickets.
Tour Overview

The "Venice: 4-Hour City Tour with Doges Palace & Basilica Visit" is a comprehensive walking tour that allows visitors to explore the historical highlights of Venice.
Priced at $143.01 per person, the tour lasts 4 hours and offers language options in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian.
Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour starts at the TU.RI.VE. Meeting Point or Piazza San Marco and includes stops at iconic sites like the Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Marco Polo’s Home, and the Bridge of Sighs.
Included are skip-the-line access and audio systems for a seamless experience.
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Itinerary Highlights

Starting points for the tour include the TU.RI.VE. Meeting Point and Piazza San Marco.
The tour takes visitors to Santa Maria Formosa Square, Libreria Acqua Alta, and Santi Giovanni e Paolo. They’ll also see Marco Polo’s home.
Explore iconic sites like Santa Maria Formosa Square, Libreria Acqua Alta, and Santi Giovanni e Paolo, including Marco Polo’s home.
The highlights are the visits to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, each lasting an hour.
The tour concludes at the Carta Gate after passing the Bridge of Sighs.
Throughout the 4-hour experience, the knowledgeable guide provides commentary via personal headsets.
This comprehensive tour offers skip-the-line access to the basilica and palace, as well as the opportunity to explore the Correr Museum.
Tour Features

This guided walking tour allows visitors to explore historical sites with a knowledgeable guide.
The tour includes skip-the-line access and priority entrance to Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Visitors will also receive personal headsets for tour commentary. The tour ticket provides access to the Correr Museum.
However, certain items are prohibited, such as pets, oversized luggage, and backpacks. Visitors must also adhere to a dress code within the Basilica. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
While the tour operates in all weather conditions, it may be affected by high tides in Venice.
Important Information

Certain items are not allowed on the tour, such as pets, oversized luggage, and backpacks. Visitors must also adhere to a dress code, covering their shoulders and knees when entering the Basilica. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and strollers are not permitted.
| Accessibility | Weather Policy | Child Policy |
|—————|—————-|————–|
| Not suitable for wheelchair users | Tour operates in all weather conditions, may be affected by high tides | Free for children under 5; full ticket required from age 6 (document needed) |
It’s important to be aware of these guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour experience in Venice.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews

According to customer reviews, the guided tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and thorough guides who brought the history to life. Notable comments include:
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"Very informative tour, we enjoyed it!" – Michelle from the USA
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"Very knowledgeable guide, second time on this tour." – Richard from Canada
Suggestions for improvement include allowing more time for breaks between tour segments and providing tangible tickets instead of barcodes.
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Exploring Santa Maria Formosa Square

What can visitors expect to discover at Santa Maria Formosa Square?
It’s a charming, historic square located just a short walk from the tour’s starting point. Visitors will admire the unique Venetian-Byzantine architecture of the Santa Maria Formosa Church, dating back to the 5th century.
Located just steps from the tour’s starting point, the charming Santa Maria Formosa Square features a 5th-century Venetian-Byzantine church.
The guide will share the church’s fascinating history and point out its distinctive features. Nearby, guests can stroll past local shops and cafes, soaking in the lively atmosphere of this residential neighborhood.
With 10 minutes allotted, there’s ample time to explore this peaceful square before moving on to the next stop on the tour.
Discovering Libreria Acqua Alta

After exploring the charming Santa Maria Formosa Square, the tour group makes its way to the next highlight – Libreria Acqua Alta, a unique bookshop with an unconventional twist.
This one-of-a-kind bookstore is known for:
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Using boats, gondolas, and bathtubs to display its extensive collection of books.
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Offering a whimsical, maze-like atmosphere, with books stacked from floor to ceiling.
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Providing a chance to climb a staircase made entirely of books for a panoramic view of the shop.
The group spends 10 minutes marveling at this literary oasis before moving on to the next destination.
Uncovering the Secrets of Santi Giovanni E Paolo

As the tour group continues its journey, they arrive at the imposing Santi Giovanni e Paolo, a majestic Gothic church that stands as a testament to Venice’s rich history.
The guide explains this church was once a popular site for Venetian doges’ funerals. Visitors admire the stunning interior, adorned with intricate marble and impressive tombs.
The guide highlights the church’s architectural significance, noting its distinctive features like the ornate façade and towering bell tower.
The church’s ornate façade and towering bell tower exemplify its architectural significance as a testament to Venice’s rich history.
The tour group spends 30 minutes exploring the sacred space, marveling at its grandeur and learning about its pivotal role in Venice’s past.
The Sum Up

This 4-hour guided tour of Venice offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. With skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, travelers can explore Venice’s rich history and architecture. The knowledgeable guide, personal headsets, and seamless itinerary make this tour an efficient and informative way to experience the best of Venice.
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