Venice’s iconic landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, draw visitors from around the world. This guided tour offers an in-depth exploration of these must-see sights, providing skip-the-line access and pre-reserved tickets to maximize your time. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll uncover the rich cultural heritage of this floating city, including a visit to the Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana. With a relaxed pace and comprehensive coverage, this tour promises an immersive experience that’ll leave you wanting to discover more about Venice’s captivating history and hidden gems.
Key Points
- The tour provides pre-reserved tickets and skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks.
- The 3-hour walking tour is led by an expert local guide and offers a comprehensive exploration of Venice’s rich cultural heritage.
- Admission to the Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana is included in the tour.
- The meeting point is at the Colonna di San Marco in Piazzetta S. Marco, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible but service animals are allowed.
- Strict dress code requirements for St. Mark’s Basilica and potential high tides or religious closures should be considered.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
This small-group tour provides an in-depth exploration of Venice’s renowned landmarks, including pre-reserved tickets for St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
Visitors will explore the rich history and remarkable architecture of these iconic sites at a relaxed pace over the course of a 3-hour walking tour.
Led by an expert local guide with insider knowledge, the tour offers skip-the-line access, allowing travelers to maximize their time and experience these must-see attractions.
From the stunning mosaics of St. Mark’s to the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace, this comprehensive tour ensures visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Venice’s cultural treasures.
Included in the Tour
The tour includes pre-reserved tickets for St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, granting visitors skip-the-line access to these iconic landmarks.
An expert local guide accompanies the small group, providing insider knowledge and leading them through the Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana.
Visitors will explore the history and architecture of these remarkable sites at a relaxed pace. The tour also includes admission tickets to the Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of Venice’s rich cultural heritage.
With all the necessary tickets and an expert guide, this tour provides a seamless and immersive experience for discovering the city’s top attractions.
Meeting Point and Tour Duration
The tour begins at the Colonna di San Marco in Piazzetta S. Marco, located in Venice, Italy, and lasts for 3 hours.
Travelers will receive confirmation of the meeting point and tour duration at the time of booking.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed.
The tour location is near public transportation, and most travelers can easily participate.
Guests should bring their passport or ID to receive any applicable discounts.
Large bags and luggage aren’t permitted on the tour.
High tides in Venice can sometimes cause delays, and the sites visited may be subject to unforeseen closures due to liturgical celebrations.
Tour Logistics
Travelers receive confirmation of the booking at the time of reservation.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are permitted. The tour location conveniently sits near public transportation, allowing most guests to effortlessly participate.
Visitors must bring their passport or ID to obtain any applicable discounts. However, large bags and luggage aren’t allowed on the tour.
Unexpected high tides in Venice can sometimes cause delays, and the sites may close unexpectedly due to religious ceremonies.
The Basilica has a dress code, requiring participants to cover their belly, shoulders, and knees. Plus, the religious authorities may suspend the skip-the-line priority due to high visitor numbers.
The tour is limited to 16 travelers, and the 2 PM tour has a slight variation, with the Correr Museum closing before the tour ends.
Dress Code and Accessibility
You must cover your belly, shoulders, and knees when visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, as the site enforces a strict dress code.
While the tour itself isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are permitted to accompany guests.
The meeting point for the tour is conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.
However, large bags and luggage aren’t allowed, so be sure to pack light.
It’s important to note that high tides in Venice can cause delays, and the sites are subject to unforeseen closures due to religious celebrations.
Be sure to bring your passport or ID to prove your age for any discounted tickets.
Tour Schedule and Closures
This tour runs at 2 PM daily, though the Correr Museum is closed before the tour ends, so the museum tickets will be valid for the next day.
High tides in Venice can occasionally cause delays, and the sites are subject to unforeseen closures due to religious celebrations, so it’s important to stay flexible.
The tour meeting point is at the Colonna di San Marco in Piazzetta S. Marco, and the total duration is 3 hours.
Confirmation is received at booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
Participants should bring a passport or ID to prove age for discounted tickets, and no large bags or luggage are permitted.
Discount Ticket Requirements
To obtain discounted tickets, participants must bring a valid passport or identification to prove their age. This is necessary as the tour provides discounted admission for certain sites, like the Correr Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana. Without proper documentation, travelers won’t be able to take advantage of these savings.
Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed on the tour, so participants should pack light.
High tide in Venice can cause delays, so travelers should be prepared for potential schedule changes.
Group Size Limit
The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience as participants explore Venice’s iconic landmarks. This small-group format allows the expert local guide to provide in-depth commentary and answer questions more effectively, enhancing the overall tour experience.
| Travelers per Tour | Benefits |
|---|---|
| 16 or fewer | – Personalized attention from guide – Easier to navigate tight spaces – Opportunity to ask questions – Enhanced social experience |
| More than 16 | – Larger, less personalized group – Difficulty maneuvering in crowded areas – Less chance for individual engagement – Potential for feeling "lost in the crowd" |
The intimate group size ensures a more enriching and memorable tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and other Venetian treasures.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Experience Venice Like A Local: Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour
- Dolomite Mountains and Cortina Semi Private Day Trip From Venice
- Tour of The Real Hidden Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica After-Hours Tour With Optional Doges Palace
- Murano Glass Experience With a Visit to a Burano Lace Island
- Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos Inside the St. Mark’s Basilica?
Yes, visitors can take photos inside St. Mark’s Basilica, but flash photography is not allowed. It’s best to use a quiet, respectful manner when taking pictures to avoid disrupting other visitors or interfering with the basilica’s sacred atmosphere.
How Much Free Time Is Included in the Tour?
The tour includes a 3-hour walking tour through the highlights of Venice. It doesn’t explicitly state how much free time is provided, but the relaxed pace suggests there may be some opportunities for exploring on one’s own during the tour.
Are Food and Drinks Provided During the Tour?
No, the tour does not include any food or drinks. Participants are responsible for their own meals and refreshments during the 3-hour walking tour. The focus is on exploring the historical landmarks and museums in Venice.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – customers can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start time and receive a full refund. There are no refunds for no-shows or last-minute cancellations.
Can I Purchase Additional Tickets at the Tour Sites?
No, additional tickets cannot be purchased at the tour sites. The tour includes pre-reserved tickets for the specified landmarks, and no extra admission is available. Travelers should bring any necessary ID to qualify for discounted entry.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Venice: Unveiling Casanova Through a Self-Guided Audio Tour
- Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour W/Glassblowing
- Venice: Dalmatian School of San Giorgio and Trifone Audioguide
- Venice: Lords of the Night Prison’s Palace Cells & Tortures
- Walking Tour to Uncover the Hidden Venice
- From Venice: Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat
- From Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Island Tour by Boat
- Discover Venices: Express Tour of Saint Marks Basilica
- Venice in a Day a Self Guided Audio Walking Tour in English
- Venice: Street Food Tour With a Local Guide and Tastings
- Venice: Mysterious Tales of Ghosts and Murders
- Venice Walking Tour From St. Marks to Rialto Bridge
- Murano: Glass Blowing Demonstration With Optional Drinks
- Venice by Night Catamaran Cruise
- Punta Sabbioni to Venice Round-Trip Boat Ticket
Recap
This comprehensive tour offers skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, providing an in-depth exploration of Venice’s renowned landmarks.
Visitors can also explore the Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana, with admission tickets included, for a complete understanding of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Guided by an expert local, the tour ensures a relaxed and efficient experience.
