Venice: Doges Palace & Saint Marks Small Group Tour

Exploring the rich historical and architectural gems of Venice has never been easier. The "Venice: Doges Palace & Saint Marks Small Group Tour" offers an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the city’s most iconic landmarks. With exclusive skip-the-line access and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an intimate glimpse into the Venetian cultural heritage. From the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica to the captivating mysteries of the Doge’s Palace, this small-group adventure uncovers the hidden stories that have shaped Venice’s illustrious past.

Key Points

• This small group tour (max 6 people) provides exclusive access and guided visits to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace in Venice.
• The tour includes privileged skip-the-line access to both landmarks, along with in-depth historical commentary from a knowledgeable guide.
• Highlights of the tour include views of the Bridge of Sighs and access to special rooms, dungeons, and the Doge’s gun collection.
• The tour is conducted in English and has a duration of 2.5 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is highly rated by customers, with an average score of 4.8/5 based on 47 reviews praising the detailed information and engaging storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour is named "Venice: Doges Palace & Saint Marks Small Group Tour" and costs from $217.35 per person.

It lasts 2.5 hours and has a maximum group size of 6 people. The tour is conducted in English, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later. The tour starts at Piazza San Marco and includes guided visits to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, as well as views of the Bridge of Sighs.

Guests can skip the ticket lines and access privileged areas of these iconic Venetian landmarks.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at Piazza San Marco, the tour takes guests on an immersive journey through Venice’s most iconic landmarks.

The first stop is St. Mark’s Basilica, where visitors marvel at the stunning golden mosaics that earned it the nickname "Basilica d’Oro."

Next, they explore the Doge’s Palace, the political heart of Venice, discovering its private apartments and the grandiose Hall of the Great Council.

The tour also includes:

1. A visit to the famous Bridge of Sighs to learn about its intriguing history.

2. Privileged access, allowing guests to skip the lines at both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

3. Engaging commentary from a knowledgeable guide.

4. Special access to secret rooms, dungeons, and the Doge’s impressive gun collection.

Tour Features

This small group tour offers exclusive access and a guided experience that allows visitors to fully enjoy Venice’s rich history.

Guests skip the ticket lines at both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, ensuring a seamless experience.

The tour also provides special access to secret rooms, dungeons, and the Doge’s impressive gun collection, offering a unique glimpse into the political heart of Venice.

Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable and engaging guide provides in-depth historical commentary and captivating storytelling, bringing the city’s past to life.

Customer Feedback

Visitors have consistently praised this tour for its engaging and informative experience.

This tour provides an engaging and informative experience, consistently praised by visitors.

With an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 47 reviews, the tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Highlights include:

1. "Praised the detailed information and art specialist support." – Alejandro, Mexico

2. "Enjoyed engaging stories that brought Venetian history to life." – Marianne, United States

3. "Complimented the knowledgeable and friendly guide." – David, United States

4. Travelers appreciated the special access to secret rooms, dungeons, and the Doge’s impressive gun collection.

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Important Information

To visit the meeting point, guests should head to Piazzetta di San Marco, in front of the column with the winged lion, where the guide will be holding a LivTours sign.

When visiting sacred sites, knees and shoulders must be covered.

Please note the itinerary is subject to change based on ticket availability. This small group tour has a maximum of 6 people, ensuring an intimate experience.

The tour is conducted in English. Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Payment isn’t required until the tour date, allowing for booking flexibility.

Exploring Saint Mark’s Basilica

The tour begins at Saint Mark’s Basilica, where visitors are granted privileged access to explore this magnificent cathedral.

Known as the "Basilica d’Oro" for its stunning golden mosaics, the guided experience takes guests through the following highlights:

1. The opulent main altar, adorned with masterful Byzantine craftsmanship.

2. The stunning Pala d’Oro, an exquisite altarpiece featuring over 2,000 precious gems.

3. The Basilica’s iconic domes, offering breathtaking views of Venice’s iconic skyline.

4. The crypt, where the remains of Saint Mark the Evangelist are said to be housed.

The tour’s expert guide brings the Basilica’s rich history to life through captivating storytelling.

Discovering the Doge’s Palace

From the ornate Basilica, the tour makes its way to the Doge’s Palace, the former political heart of Venice.

Visitors explore the lavish apartments and halls where the city’s rulers once convened. The guide explains the history behind the prison cells and the Bridge of Sighs, where condemned prisoners took their final glimpse of Venice before being led to their fate.

The group marvels at the impressive gun collection and learns about the palace’s strategic role in the Venetian Republic.

This insider access provides an engaging window into the power dynamics that shaped the city’s storied past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Bring My Own Headphones for the Audio Tour?

No, you don’t need to bring your own headphones. The tour provides audio devices for the guided experience, allowing you to clearly hear the commentary throughout the tour.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Doge’s Palace?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Doge’s Palace, though flash photography may be prohibited in certain areas. It’s best to check with the tour guide or palace staff for specific guidelines.

Are There Any Food or Drink Options Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any food or drink options. Visitors are advised to have a snack or meal before or after the tour, as there are no stops for refreshments during the 2.5-hour experience.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Visitors With Mobility Issues?

The tour offers limited accessibility for visitors with mobility issues. While the indoor locations have some wheelchair access, the tour involves a significant amount of walking and climbing stairs. Guests should contact the tour provider for specific details on accessibility.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Sights in Venice?

The tour can’t be extended to include additional sights, as it’s a set itinerary. However, visitors can book separate tours or explore Venice independently after the tour to see more of the city’s highlights.

The Sum Up

This intimate small-group tour offers a captivating glimpse into Venice’s storied past. Visitors can skip the lines and enjoy exclusive access to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, accompanied by an engaging guide who provides valuable insights. With a maximum of six participants, this experience delivers a personalized and immersive exploration of Venice’s renowned cultural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: