Venice Doges Palace & St Marks Basilica Guided Tour

Exploring the grandeur of Venice’s iconic Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica is a must-do for any visitor to the city. This guided tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing guests to skip the lines and explore the rich history and culture of these renowned landmarks. With an expert guide leading the way, visitors will discover the intricate details and hidden stories that make these sites so captivating. From the first-floor museum and terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica to the option to view the stunning Pala d’Oro altarpiece, this tour offers a truly memorable glimpse into the city’s past. But the true wonder lies in the journey itself, as one steps into the heart of Venice’s historic wonders.

Key Points

• Guided tour of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, providing insight into the history and culture of Venice.
• Skip-the-line access and personal audio system for a personalized and immersive experience.
• Opportunity to explore St. Mark’s Basilica’s first-floor museum and terrace, including the intricate Pala d’Oro altarpiece.
• Multilingual tour available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian.
• Meeting and end point at convenient locations in Venice for easy navigation and further exploration.

Tour Details

The tour is a 2-hour guided exploration of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, providing a private and personalized experience to learn about the local history and culture.

Guests will skip the lines and enjoy multilingual commentary through a personal audio system.

The tour includes access to the first-floor museum and terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica, offering a unique perspective on this iconic landmark.

While the tour doesn’t cover the Pala d’oro (an additional €5.00), it provides a comprehensive introduction to two of Venice’s most significant attractions.

With an expert guide leading the way, visitors can expect an informative and engaging experience that brings the city’s rich past to life.

Inclusions

This tour includes a guided exploration of Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and St. Mark’s Square, with entrance fees covered.

Visitors will also enjoy a multilingual tour in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian, complemented by a personal audio system and headset for the tour commentary.

Plus, the tour provides access to the first-floor museum and terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica, offering a unique perspective on this iconic landmark.

The tour includes:

• Guided tour of Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and St. Mark’s Square
• Entrance fees
• Multilingual tour in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian
• Personal audio system and headset for tour commentary
• Access to St. Mark’s Basilica first floor museum and the terrace

Exclusions

While the tour includes several key elements, there are a few exclusions visitors should be aware of. Gratuities aren’t covered, and there’s an additional fee of €5.00 to access the Pala d’oro, a renowned golden altarpiece within St. Mark’s Basilica.

This optional visit provides a closer look at the intricate and ornate design of this unique artwork. Though not included in the standard tour, the Pala d’oro offers an opportunity for those interested in experiencing the full splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica.

Visitors should plan accordingly and budget for these additional costs if they wish to take advantage of these optional experiences during the tour.

Meeting and End Point

Visitors meet at the TU.RI.VE. Meeting Point, located on Calle larga de l’Ascension in Venice, 15 minutes before the tour begins, across from the post office next to St. Mark’s Basilica.

The tour concludes at the Carta Gate in St. Mark’s Square. This convenient meeting and end point allow guests to easily navigate the area and maximize their time exploring the stunning architecture and rich history of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

The tour includes:

• Skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica
• Audio headsets for clear commentary
• Access to the first-floor museum and terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica
• Multilingual guides to provide insights in various languages

Piazza San Marco

The tour begins in Piazza San Marco, Venice’s iconic and expansive central square, where visitors spend roughly 10 minutes exploring its magnificent architecture and bustling atmosphere.

St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, two of Venice’s most renowned landmarks, flank the square, drawing the eye with their ornate Byzantine and Gothic facades. Visitors wander the spacious plaza, marveling at the grand architecture and soaking in the vibrant energy of the surrounding cafes and shops.

Pigeons flutter around the plaza, adding to the lively ambiance. The guide provides commentary on the square’s rich history and significance as the heart of Venice, setting the stage for the tour’s deeper exploration of the city’s past.

Basilica Di San Marco

Dominating the eastern end of Piazza San Marco, the Basilica di San Marco captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring Byzantine architecture and glittering golden mosaics that illuminate its interior.

As part of the guided tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore this magnificent cathedral and learn about its rich history. The highlights include:

• The opulent interior adorned with over 8,000 square meters of golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes and Byzantine imagery
• The Pala d’Oro, an exquisite 12th-century altarpiece encrusted with precious gems and enamels
• The stunning marble floors and columns that showcase the intricate craftsmanship of the building’s construction
• Access to the basilica’s first-floor museum and terrace, offering breathtaking views of Piazza San Marco and the surrounding cityscape.

Doge’s Palace

After exploring the magnificent Basilica di San Marco, the guided tour continues at the neighboring Doge’s Palace, a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture that once served as the residence and seat of power for the Venetian Republic’s governing body, the Doge.

Visitors will be captivated by the palace’s ornate interiors and learn about the complex political history of the Venetian Republic. The tour will guide guests through the lavish Doge’s Apartments, the opulent Halls of the Great Council, and the Bridge of Sighs, which connected the palace to the former prison.

With skip-the-line access, guests can enjoy the grandeur and intrigue of this iconic Venetian landmark.

Ponte Dei Sospiri

Connecting the Doge’s Palace to the former prison, the iconic Ponte dei Sospiri, or ‘Bridge of Sighs‘, offers visitors a glimpse into Venice’s captivating past. As prisoners crossed this enclosed bridge, they’d catch their last glimpse of the city before being ushered into the darkness of incarceration, hence the bridge’s melancholic name.

The bridge’s ornate Baroque design features intricate stone carvings and small windows that allowed prisoners a final view of the outside world.

Legend has it that if lovers kiss on a gondola underneath the bridge at sunset, they’ll be granted eternal love.

Today, the Ponte dei Sospiri remains a symbolic and photogenic landmark, attracting countless visitors to witness this poignant piece of Venetian history.

Access to the bridge’s interior walkway is included in the guided tour, allowing travelers to fully enjoy this historic site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Basilica?

Photography is generally allowed inside St. Mark’s Basilica during the tour, but visitors must avoid using flash and respect the sacred nature of the site. Certain areas, such as the altar, may have restrictions on photography.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children. While the tour provides engaging historical information, the long durations in each location and significant walking could be challenging for young kids. Parents should consider their children’s interests and stamina before booking.

Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not currently offer discounts for seniors or students. However, the provider may consider introducing such discounts in the future to make the tour more accessible to a wider range of visitors.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Time?

Yes, tour participants can typically leave the group at any time during the tour. However, they should inform their guide beforehand and understand they won’t receive a refund for the unused portion of the tour.

What Should I Wear to Be Respectful When Visiting the Sites?

To be respectful when visiting religious sites, one should wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, and legs. This typically means avoiding tank tops, short skirts, or revealing attire. Comfortable, conservative dress is recommended.

Recap

This guided tour of Venice’s iconic Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica offers a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Visitors can skip the lines, explore the city’s rich history and culture with an expert guide, and access the first-floor museum and terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica.

The centrally located meeting and end points make this tour a convenient way to experience the grandeur of these renowned Venetian landmarks.