Doges Palace & St. Marks Basilica With Terrace Access Tour

The Doges Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Venice’s iconic landmarks. With priority access, travelers can explore the grandeur of Doges Palace, including its magnificent courtrooms and the historic Bridge of Sighs. The highlight, however, lies in the exclusive first-floor terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica, which promises breathtaking lagoon views. Expert guidance, skip-the-line privileges, and a rich understanding of Venice’s history and culture make this tour a must-do for those seeking to uncover the city’s fascinating past. But what awaits beyond the terrace?

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided tour provides priority access to Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, including access to the first-floor terrace of the Basilica for stunning lagoon views.
• The tour is offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Italian, French, English, and German, catering to an international audience.
• Pricing starts at £84.95 per person, with the possibility of sell-outs due to high demand.
• The tour is not wheelchair-accessible due to steep and uneven stairs, and large bags and backpacks are prohibited inside St. Mark’s Basilica.
• Guests over age 13 must present a valid passport or ID, and the tour has a strict dress code requiring covered shoulders and knees.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Doges Palace & St. Marks Basilica Tour is a 3-hour guided experience that provides priority access to two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Priced from £84.95 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so visitors should check availability for starting times.

The tour is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, French, English, and German. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

With its highlights, including access to the first-floor terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica and views of Venice’s lagoon, this tour offers an immersive look into the city’s rich history and architecture.

Tour Experience

Guided tours of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doges Palace provide visitors with priority entry, allowing them to explore these iconic Venetian landmarks.

Guests gain access to the Basilica’s first-floor terrace, offering remarkable views over Venice’s picturesque lagoon.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Chamber of the Great Council and courtrooms within Doges Palace, learning about the city’s rich history from an expert local guide.

If the Basilica is closed, the tour offers alternative options like visiting the Church of San Zaccaria or the Correr Museum.

With skip-the-line privileges and an informative local expert, this comprehensive tour delivers an immersive experience showcasing Venice’s architectural and cultural gems.

Tour Itinerary

The tour kicks off with an exploration of St. Mark’s Square, the symbolic heart of Venice. Visitors then venture inside the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, where they can access the first-floor terrace to enjoy breathtaking views over the city’s picturesque lagoon. Next, the group proceeds to the iconic Doges Palace, where they’re granted priority entrance, allowing them to discover the grand Chamber of the Great Council and the Palace’s historic courtrooms. The tour culminates with a crossing of the Bridge of Sighs, learning about its intriguing past as they make their way to the New Prisons.

Itinerary	Description
St. Mark’s Square	Explore the symbolic heart of Venice
St. Mark’s Basilica	Visit the magnificent cathedral, access the first-floor terrace
Doges Palace	Enjoy priority entrance, discover the grand chambers and courtrooms
Bridge of Sighs	Cross the iconic bridge, learn about its history
New Prisons	Make your way to the New Prisons after crossing the Bridge of Sighs

Accessibility and Restrictions

Although the Doges Palace & St. Marks Basilica tour offers an immersive experience, it may not be suitable for all visitors due to accessibility constraints and restrictions.

The tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, as there are steep and uneven stairs at the Basilica. Visitors are also not allowed to bring large bags or luggage, and backpacks are prohibited inside St. Mark’s Basilica.

To maintain the sanctity of the religious site, a dress code is enforced, requiring visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. Plus, all visitors over the age of 13 must present a valid passport or ID.

These restrictions ensure a seamless and respectful tour for everyone involved.

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Dress Code and ID Requirement

Visitors often must adhere to a dress code when entering St. Mark’s Basilica, as the sacred nature of the site requires shoulders and knees to be covered.

Plus, all guests over the age of 13 are required to present a valid passport or ID during the tour. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and security of all visitors, as well as to maintain the integrity of the historic site.

Tour organizers ask that guests arrive prepared to meet these requirements, as they’re strictly enforced.

Failure to comply may result in denied entry, so it’s important to plan accordingly before embarking on this immersive journey through Venice’s renowned landmarks.

Customer Feedback

Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews commend the informative tours, knowledgeable guides, and efficient priority entry provided by this Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica experience. With an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on over 9,000 reviews, the tour’s strengths shine through. Standout features include the 4.9 rated guides, 5/5 transportation, and 4.8 service quality. While some suggest clearer meeting points and better audio equipment, the general consensus praises the organization and flow of the tour. The chance to skip lines and enjoy the iconic sites’ terraces make this tour a must for any Venice visit.

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.7/5
Guide	4.9/5
Transportation	5/5
Service	4.8/5
Organization	4.5/5

Availability and Cancellation Policy

The tour is likely to sell out, so prospective travelers should check availability for starting times.

Fortunately, the cancellation policy provides flexibility, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows travelers to book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if necessary without penalty.

With limited spots available, it’s recommended to secure tickets early to ensure the desired tour time.

The tour’s popularity speaks to its excellent value and the exceptional experience it offers, from priority access to the iconic Doge’s Palace to the stunning views from St. Mark’s Basilica terrace.

Languages Offered

The tour offers language options to accommodate international travelers, with guided tours available in Spanish, Italian, French, English, and German. This diversity ensures that visitors from around the world can fully enjoy the rich history and cultural significance of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Language	Availability
Spanish	✓
Italian	✓
French	✓
English	✓
German	✓

The multilingual approach allows guests to connect with the tour guide and the content on a deeper level, enhancing the overall experience and making it accessible to a wider audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica?

Photography is generally allowed inside Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, but visitors should follow venue rules. Some areas, like the Basilica’s interior, may have restrictions on flash photography to preserve the sacred space.

Are Audio Guides Provided During the Tour?

Audio guides are typically provided during guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about the sites at their own pace. However, the availability of audio guides for this specific tour is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.

Is There a Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has no minimum group size. Individuals can book and join the tour without needing to be part of a larger group. This allows for flexibility and convenience for solo travelers or smaller parties.

What Is the Difference Between the First-Floor Terrace and the Main Level of St. Mark’s Basilica?

The first-floor terrace offers elevated views over Venice’s Lagoon, while the main level of St. Mark’s Basilica provides a closer look at the church’s ornate interior and its collection of Byzantine mosaics. The terrace access provides a unique vantage point.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the End of the Tour?

The tour does not include a stop to purchase souvenirs. However, visitors can explore St. Mark’s Square on their own after the guided tour and visit the various shops and vendors there to find Venetian souvenirs and gifts.

Recap

The Doges Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore Venice’s iconic landmarks.

With priority access, expert guidance, and stunning views from the basilica’s exclusive terrace, this tour promises an immersive and enriching experience for visitors seeking to explore the city’s rich history and captivating culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: