Exploring the grandeur of Venice’s historic landmarks is a must for any traveler. The "Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Tour with Doge’s Palace Option" provides an opportunity to take in the city’s captivating history and awe-inspiring architecture. With skip-the-line access and knowledgeable guides, visitors can explore the intricate details of these iconic sites, uncovering the stories that have shaped Venice’s enduring legacy. Whether you’re seeking to marvel at the stunning mosaics of St. Mark’s or uncover the secrets of the Doge’s Palace, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that’s worth exploring.

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Key Points

This tour offers guided visits to both St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, two of Venice’s iconic landmarks.
Tickets can be purchased in advance to skip the lines at both sites.
The tour duration ranges from 1 to 2 hours, providing flexibility in scheduling.
Multilingual live guides are available to ensure a comprehensive and informative experience.
The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, and a dress code is required.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour is called "Venice: St. Marks Basilica Tour with Doges Palace Option." It costs between $44.32 and $63.32 per person, saving up to 30%.

The tour lasts 1-2 hours. Availability and starting times vary, so check ahead. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Reserving the tour allows paying later.

Tour length is 1-2 hours. Availability and start times vary, so check ahead. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Reserving allows paying later.

The tour starts at St. Mark’s Square or the Doge’s Palace. It includes a 1-hour guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and a 20-minute guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica.

Visitors can also opt to visit a Murano glass factory. Skip-the-line tickets, multilingual guides, and audio guides are available.

Looking for more options in Venice? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting locations for the tour include St. Mark’s Square and Colonna di San Marco, where the guided tour of Doge’s Palace begins.

Here, guests will explore the palace’s highlights, including the iconic Golden Staircase, the Staircase of the Giants, and the Halls of Power.

The tour then moves to the nearby Bridge of Sighs, offering a 10-minute sightseeing opportunity.

Finally, the experience culminates with a 20-minute guided tour of the impressive St. Mark’s Basilica.

For those interested, an optional visit to a Murano glass factory for an artisan demonstration is also available.

Tour Features

This tour offers several convenient features to enhance the experience. Guests can skip the line at both St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, saving valuable time.

Live tour guides are available in multiple languages, including German, English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and French. For larger groups, headsets are provided to ensure everyone can hear the guide clearly.

While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, the option to add an audio guide in English allows for a self-guided experience. These thoughtful inclusions make this tour an attractive and accessible choice.

Important Information

Passport or ID card is what guests must bring on this tour.

Certain items aren’t allowed, including shorts, large bags, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, alcohol, drugs, and glass objects. Dressing conservatively is required when visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, as shoulders and knees must be covered.

Timeliness is crucial, as delays could result in missing the tour. During the summer, travelers should allow up to two hours for transportation from the train station to St. Mark’s Square due to high demand for water taxis.

Following these guidelines ensures a smooth and enjoyable tour experience.

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Customer Reviews

According to the customer reviews, the Venice: St. Marks Basilica Tour with Doges Palace Option has received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 84 reviews.

The Venice: St. Marks Basilica Tour with Doges Palace Option has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 84 reviews.

The tour’s value for money was rated 3.7 out of 5, with some notable comments:

Praise for guide Francesca’s local insight from a reviewer in the United States
Appreciation for guide Alex’s informative approach and engagement with the group from a UK-based reviewer
Highlight of the guide’s knowledge and multilingual capabilities from another UK reviewer

The tour’s customer feedback suggests a positive overall experience, with specific praise for the knowledgeable and engaging guides.

There's plenty more to explore in Venice

Exploring St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is the crown jewel of Venice. Adorned with dazzling mosaics, the interior dazzles visitors.

Your guided tour takes you through the church’s most stunning features. Admire the striking golden altarpiece, the Pala d’Oro. Marvel at the stunning Byzantine mosaics covering the walls and ceilings.

Descend into the Crypt, the resting place of St. Mark’s remains. Ascend to the Loggia for sweeping vistas over St. Mark’s Square.

Savor the serene atmosphere as your knowledgeable guide illuminates the basilica’s rich history and religious significance. This is a must-see on any Venice itinerary.

Discovering the Doge’s Palace

After exploring the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, the tour continues to the nearby Doge’s Palace.

This iconic Gothic-style palace was the seat of Venetian political power for centuries.

Visitors can:

Marvel at the ornate Golden Staircase, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture.
Discover the Halls of Power, where the Venetian government deliberated and made crucial decisions.
Cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connected the palace to the prison and offered prisoners a final glimpse of Venice.
Admire the grand exterior and detailed façade, showcasing Venice’s wealth and influence during its heyday.

Combining the Experiences

The St. Marks Basilica tour can be combined with a visit to the Doge’s Palace for a comprehensive experience of Venice’s historic highlights.

This option allows visitors to explore the opulent chambers of the former Venetian government and admire the stunning Byzantine-style architecture of St. Marks Basilica. Guests can skip the lines at both sites, ensuring a seamless visit.

The combined tour offers great value, with savings up to 30% compared to purchasing tickets separately.

Whether interested in the palace’s political history or the basilica’s religious significance, this Venice tour provides an immersive introduction to the city’s iconic landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, according to the important information provided. It does not seem accessible for those with disabilities.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Basilica and Palace?

Photo-taking is generally allowed inside the basilica and palace, but flash photography and video recording may be restricted. It’s best to check with the tour guide for specific rules to ensure an enjoyable, budget-friendly experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Discounts for Children?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, and discounts are available for children. Admission is free for children under 6, while those aged 6-12 receive a 50% discount. Families can save by purchasing a combo ticket for the basilica and palace.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Plans?

You can cancel your tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy allows you to adjust your plans without incurring any penalties, ensuring a budget-friendly experience.

Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Areas of Interest?

The tour can’t be customized, but you can choose between a tour of St. Mark’s Basilica or an option to also visit Doge’s Palace. Both offer skip-the-line access and a live guide to provide insights on the key highlights.

The Sum Up

The "Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Tour with Doge’s Palace Option" is an excellent way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. With skip-the-line access, knowledgeable guides, and the option to visit both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, this tour provides a comprehensive and budget-friendly experience. Travelers can enjoy Venetian history and culture, making it a must-do activity for visitors to Venice.