Legendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access

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Overview

What's Included

✓ Included

  • Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
  • Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
  • Spanish Speaking guide (if option selected)
  • Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€)
  • Headsets when necessary

✗ Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
  • Lunch

Itinerary

1
Stop 1
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
2
Stop 2
Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
3
Stop 3
It's a short walk next door to St. Mark's Basilica, Venice's most important church. Skip the long lines and marvel at a breathtaking blend of Eastern and Western architecture, specifically the magnificent shimmering golden mosaic ceiling. As you tour the basilica, your guide will reveal the fascinating (and often scandalous) stories behind the basilica’s greatest treasures, including how many were brought to Venice under mysterious circumstances. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option (9:30am tour) at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours and do not include exclusive early entry to Doge's Palace; you will enter after the palace has opened to the public for the day.

Meeting & End Point

📍
Meeting Point
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.
🏁
End Point
Tour ends in St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco).

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Good to Know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
  • Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
  • No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
  • If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
  • St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
  • Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
  • If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours.

Known For:

Special Instructions

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
• All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
• Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
• Due to the religious nature of the Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. A scarf or shawl is acceptable. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
• Photography and filming are prohibited. Large bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
• If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots).
• No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
• St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.

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