Discover the grandeur of Venice’s Doge Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica with this engaging guided tour. Skip the lengthy queues and explore the captivating history of these iconic landmarks. From the palace’s stunning Gothic architecture to the basilica’s intricate mosaics, you’ll uncover the rich tapestry of Venice’s past. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this personalized experience promises to leave you awestruck. But the true magic lies in the stories that will unfold before your eyes, transporting you back in time and revealing the city’s enduring allure.
Good To Know

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Guided tour providing fast-track access to the iconic Doge’s Palace and an exterior exploration of the renowned St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
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Convenient meeting point in Piazza San Marco, with clear directions and a maximum group size of 20 travelers for a personalized experience.
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Architectural highlights of the Doge’s Palace, including its Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance elements, and the famous Bridge of Sighs.
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Insights into the history and significance of St. Mark’s Basilica, a symbol of Venetian power, with its intricate mosaics and Byzantine-style design.
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Reliable provider with a 5-star rating, offering flexible booking options, a lowest price guarantee, and a hassle-free cancellation policy.
Pricing and Availability

The starting price for the Doge Palace and St. Marks Basilica Tour is $88.34.
Travelers can take advantage of a lowest price guarantee, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Visitors have the option to reserve now and pay later. The activity duration is approximately 2 hours.
This tour offers a convenient meeting point in Piazza San Marco, identified by two large white columns with patron saints.
The experience concludes at the same meeting location for easy access. Ticket redemption is at Via Frangipane, 30, with confirmation provided at the time of booking.
Please note this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though public transportation is nearby.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice.
Meeting and End Points
The meeting point for the Doge Palace and St. Marks Basilica tour is located in Piazza San Marco.
You’ll find the meeting spot identified by two large white columns with patron saints.
Look for the specific column with the Winged Lion, the symbol of San Marco.
Clear directions are provided to easily access this central meeting location.
The tour concludes back at the same starting point:
- Piazza San Marco meeting point
- Identified by two large white columns
- Winged Lion column, symbol of San Marco
After the tour, simply head back to the familiar starting point in the Piazza to wrap up your experience.
Ticket Information

Redemption of tickets for the Doge Palace and St. Marks Basilica tour takes place at Via Frangipane, 30, 00184 Roma RM, Italy.
Confirmation of booking is received upon reservation.
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but the meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation.
The maximum group size is 20 travelers.
Security measures may cause short wait times, and metal detector inspection is required at the site.
The tour is operated by Italy Wonders SRLS, and details about the experience are provided upon booking.
Travelers should reference the product code 41348P94 for this particular tour.
Tour Expectations
Participation in this Doge Palace and St. Marks Basilica Tour is open to most travelers.
Visitors can expect:
- Security measures may cause short wait times before entering the sites.
- Metal detector inspection is required at the entrance to the Doge Palace.
The tour is operated by Italy Wonders SRLS, a reputable company that provides an overview of the experience upon booking.
Customer Support and Feedback
Cancellation policy allows full refunds if the tour is canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
Customers can direct any questions to the Viator Help Centre. Each booking has a unique product code (41348P94) for reference.
Based on 14 reviews, this tour has an overall rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. The review distribution includes ratings from 1 to 5 stars, indicating a consistently positive customer experience.
Security measures may cause short wait times, and a metal detector inspection is required at the site.
This tour is operated by Italy Wonders SRLS, a reliable provider committed to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for travelers.
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Highlights of the Doge Palace
The Doge’s Palace is the architectural crown jewel of Venice, boasting a stunning blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance elements.
This iconic landmark offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Venice’s past as the seat of power for the Venetian Republic.
Highlights of the Doge Palace tour include:
- Admiring the intricate façade decorated with ornate carvings and statues
- Exploring the sumptuous Halls of the Great Council and the Senate, where decisions that shaped Venetian history were made
- Crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the historic prison and offers a unique perspective on the city
The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and uncover the rich history that lies within the Doge’s Palace.
Exploring St. Mark’s Basilica
One of the highlights of the Doge Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica tour is exploring the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica.
Visitors will marvel at the basilica’s stunning Byzantine architecture and intricate mosaics that cover the interior walls and ceilings. The tour provides skip-the-line access, allowing guests to avoid long queues and maximize their time inside.
During the visit, the guide will share insights into the basilica’s history and significance as a symbol of Venetian power and wealth.
Travelers can expect to spend approximately one hour exploring the sacred site, taking in its awe-inspiring beauty and learning about its cultural importance.
The tour concludes back at the meeting point in Piazza San Marco.
What to Expect on the Tour
Travelers embarking on the Doge Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Tour can expect an engaging and informative experience.
The tour offers:
- Skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass long queues and maximize your time.
- A guided exploration of the Doge’s Palace, renowned for its Gothic architecture and artwork.
- An exterior visit to the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, where you’ll admire its Byzantine-style design and stunning golden mosaics.
Security measures are in place, so be prepared for a metal detector inspection.
The tour operates with a maximum group size of 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
With a duration of approximately 2 hours, this tour is an excellent way to explore the rich history and beauty of Venice’s most iconic landmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The dress code for this tour is casual, but visitors should cover their shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the duration of the activity.
Are Food and Drinks Allowed During the Tour?
Food and drinks aren’t allowed during the tour, as the venues have restrictions in place to preserve the sites. Visitors should plan to enjoy refreshments before or after the experience rather than during the guided tour.
Can Children Participate in the Tour?
Children are welcome to participate in the tour. The activity is open to most travelers, including families with children. However, security measures may cause short wait times, so parents should plan accordingly.
Are Guide Tips Expected at the End of the Tour?
Guide tips are not required for this tour, though they are appreciated if you’re satisfied with the service. Tour guides rely on tips as part of their compensation, so consider leaving a small gratuity if you enjoyed the experience.
Can I Take Photos or Videos Inside the Basilica?
Photography and videography are generally allowed inside St. Mark’s Basilica, but visitors should avoid using flash or tripods as they may disturb other guests and religious services. Visitors are advised to check with tour guides for any specific restrictions.
Sum Up
Explore Venice’s iconic landmarks with the Doge Palace Fast Access & St. Mark’s Basilica Outdoor Tour. Skip the long lines and learn about the city’s rich history and stunning architecture. With a small group and personalized experience, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover the grandeur of Venice.
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