Venice: Doges Palace and St. Marks Private Walking Tour

Exploring the captivating city of Venice is an unforgettable experience, and the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica are two of its most iconic landmarks. This private walking tour promises to whisk visitors through the grand halls and chambers of these historic sites, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access and skip-the-line privileges. With an expert guide by your side, you’ll uncover the rich tapestry of Venetian history and witness the breathtaking architecture that has enchanted travelers for centuries. But the true allure lies in the stories waiting to be discovered.

About Your Stay

• This private walking tour offers exclusive access to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, with skip-the-line privileges.
• The 2.5-hour experience includes guided visits to the Doge’s Apartments, Piombi Prisons, and Pozzi Prisons, as well as the famous Bridge of Sighs.
• The tour is available in multiple languages and provides unique insights into the political history and architectural wonders of the Venetian Republic.
• Customers praise the tour’s informative nature, VIP feel, and memorable experiences, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
• The tour starts at Piazza San Marco and has a dress code requiring covered knees and shoulders for the basilica visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private walking tour of Venice offers visitors a chance to explore the iconic Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Priced at €285 per person, the 2.5-hour tour is available in Spanish, English, and French. It’s a private group experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can skip the long lines and gain special access to behind-the-scenes areas like the service lift. The tour covers key highlights, including guided visits to the basilica, the Doge’s Apartments, the Piombi and Pozzi prisons, and the Bridge of Sighs.

Travelers praise the tour’s informative guide and value for money.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at Piazza San Marco, 122, where you will explore several iconic sites in Venice. First, the group will visit St. Mark’s Basilica and admire its stunning marble and mosaics. Next, they’ll tour the Doge’s Palace, learning about the history of Venetian dukes. The tour continues with guided visits to the Doge’s Apartments, Piombi Prisons, and Pozzi Prisons. The highlight is crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs. Due to ongoing restoration, the group will visit the basilica’s terrace and museum instead of the interior.

| Key Stops | Highlights |

| — | — |

| St. Mark’s Basilica | Guided tour, admire marble and mosaics |

| Doge’s Palace | Guided tour, learn about the history of Venetian dukes |

| Doge’s Apartments | Guided tour |

| Piombi Prisons | Guided tour |

| Pozzi Prisons | Guided tour |

| Bridge of Sighs | Guided tour, walk across the historical bridge |

Tour Experience

One of the key benefits of this tour is the skip-the-line access it provides to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.

Visitors can avoid long queues and gain priority entry to these iconic Venetian landmarks.

The tour also offers unique insights, allowing participants to learn about the political power of the Venetian Republic and the significance of the Bridge of Sighs.

Plus, the tour provides special access, including the opportunity to experience behind-the-scenes elements, such as the service lift.

Customer Feedback

How do customers rate this Venice tour? Based on 31 reviews, the tour receives an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers praise the knowledgeable guides and unique experiences, though some feel the tour is slightly overpriced.

| Rating | Score |

| — | — |

| Overall | 4.7/5 |

| Guide | 5/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.3/5 |

As one customer, Louis from the UK, noted, "Interesting and informative, felt like VIPs." Another reviewer, Anna from Japan, said, "Guide was nice and knowledgeable, worth the money." The tour offers skip-the-line access and behind-the-scenes elements, providing customers with a memorable Venetian experience.

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Meeting Point and Dress Code

To begin your tour of Venice’s Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, you’ll meet your guide in front of the column with the winged lion on Piazzetta di San Marco.

Look for the guide holding a LivItaly sign. Remember to dress appropriately, as you’ll be visiting the basilica. Cover your knees and shoulders to comply with the dress code.

With your skip-the-line access, you’ll bypass the long queues and dive right into the rich history and stunning architecture of these iconic Venetian landmarks.

Skip the lines and explore the captivating history and breathtaking architecture of Venice’s iconic landmarks.

Get set for an immersive and informative experience.

Exploring Saint Mark’s Basilica

As you enter the grand Saint Mark’s Basilica, you’ll be struck by its opulent Byzantine-style architecture and the intricate golden mosaics that adorn its interior walls and ceilings.

Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the basilica’s history, highlighting key features:

• The magnificent altar canopy, made of bronze and gilded, towering over the main altar.

• The stunning Pala d’Oro, an exquisite gold altarpiece encrusted with precious gems.

• The impressive collection of relics, including the remains of Saint Mark the Evangelist.

• The stunning marble floors, decorated with intricate patterns and designs.

Discovering the Doge’s Palace

Next, the tour explores the iconic Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Venetian Republic’s rulers.

Visitors will embark on a guided tour, delving into the palace’s rich history and grandeur. They’ll marvel at the ornate architecture, adorned with marble and gold.

The tour takes guests through the Doge’s Apartments, where they’ll learn about the political power wielded by the Venetian dukes.

The tour also includes a visit to the Piombi and Pozzi prisons, providing a glimpse into the darker aspects of the republic’s past.

Lastly, the iconic Bridge of Sighs is explored, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of the condemned.

Traversing the Bridge of Sighs

How poignant it must be to cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs, the renowned passageway that connects the Doge’s Palace to the adjacent New Prisons.

Prisoners would have walked this bridge, taking one last look at the beautiful city before being condemned to their cells.

Today, visitors can experience this historical crossing, marveling at its baroque architecture and reflecting on the somber past.

The tour includes:

1. Guided exploration of the Bridge of Sighs

2. Learning about its significance in Venetian history

3. Opportunity to capture photos of this picturesque landmark

4. Insights into the lives of the prisoners who once traversed it

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Take Photos Inside St. Mark’s Basilica?

According to the tour details, until further notice, visitors are not allowed to enter St. Mark’s Basilica due to ongoing restoration work. The tour will instead visit the basilica’s terrace and museum.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Due to the historic nature of the sites visited, including steps and uneven terrain, the tour is not suitable for guests with mobility limitations.

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s generally recommended to consume them before or after the tour, as the guide will need to maintain focus and control of the group during the walking and sightseeing portions.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a significant amount of walking, as it covers several notable landmarks in Venice. Guests should expect to walk for approximately 2.5 hours, with some breaks, to fully experience the guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point?

The tour is a private group, so participants are generally expected to stay with the group for the full duration. However, there may be opportunities to split off temporarily with the guide’s permission. It’s best to discuss any needs with the guide beforehand.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This private walking tour of Venice’s Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica offers a unique opportunity to skip the lines and explore the city’s rich history. With an expert guide, you’ll explore the opulent Doge’s Apartments, marvel at the intricate mosaics of the basilica, and even access behind-the-scenes areas, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Venetian Republic.

You can check availability for your dates here: