Venice: St. Mark’S Basilica With Terrace & Doge’S Palace

Venice is a captivating city that has long enchanted visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and idyllic canals. At the heart of this iconic destination lies St. Mark’s Basilica, a magnificent example of Byzantine splendor, and the Doge’s Palace, a grand testament to the city’s former political power. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore these remarkable landmarks, immersing you in the city’s cultural heritage and providing exclusive access to hidden gems that few visitors ever witness. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking vistas and hidden stories that await as you delve deeper into the wonders of Venice.

Key Points

• Guided 3-hour tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace in Venice, with skip-the-line access and exclusive balcony access at St. Mark’s Basilica.
• Tour includes a 45-minute guided visit of St. Mark’s Basilica, focusing on its Byzantine architecture and mosaics, and a 2-hour exploration of the Doge’s Palace.
• Knowledgeable local guides provide insightful commentary on the history, architecture, and significance of these iconic Venetian landmarks.
• Tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and a dress code of covering shoulders and knees must be followed.
• Tour has received highly positive reviews, with guides rated 4.8 out of 5 stars and an overall tour rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 2,100 reviews.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

What does the tour overview entail?

This guided tour takes visitors through the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, both renowned landmarks in Venice. The 3-hour experience provides skip-the-line access to both attractions, led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides.

At St. Mark’s, guests enjoy exclusive access to the balcony, offering stunning views over St. Mark’s Square. The tour then moves to the Doge’s Palace, where participants explore the council chambers, audience rooms, and the New Prisons.

Early entry is available for 8 AM tours. While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, it promises a comprehensive and immersive experience of Venice’s rich history and architecture.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the Museo Correr, where you will meet their guide.

From there, they’ll head to St. Mark’s Basilica for a 45-minute guided tour. Visitors will have exclusive access to the basilica’s balcony, offering stunning views over St. Mark’s Square.

Next, the group will explore the Doge’s Palace, spending around 2 hours visiting the council chambers, audience rooms, and the New Prisons.

For early risers, an 8 AM tour provides priority entry.

Throughout the experience, the local, English-speaking guides will share insights into Venice’s rich history and captivating architecture.

Highlights

Invariably, this tour offers several highlights that make it a standout experience.

Firstly, guests can skip the lines at both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, ensuring a seamless and efficient visit.

Secondly, the tour is led by knowledgeable local guides who provide invaluable insights into Venetian history and architecture, bringing the sites to life.

Lastly, the tour offers exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark’s Basilica, affording unparalleled views over the iconic St. Mark’s Square.

Together, these highlights create an unforgettable and immersive exploration of Venice’s most iconic landmarks.

Important Information

This tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as the itinerary involves navigating historic buildings that may lack proper accessibility features. Participants should also be mindful of the dress code, as shorts, large bags, sleeveless shirts, and backpacks are not allowed. Clients are advised to bring appropriate footwear in case high tide restricts access.

Prohibited Items	Dress Code	Weather Considerations
Shorts	Shoulders and knees must be covered	Appropriate footwear if high tide restricts access
Large bags	Long pants and long-sleeved shirts recommended	–
Sleeveless shirts	–	–
Backpacks	–	–

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Customer Reviews

Visitors have consistently praised the outstanding quality of the tour guides, with 4.8 out of 5 stars awarded for their expertise and engaging personalities.

The tour’s overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 2,100 reviews is a testament to the exceptional value for money and level of organization.

Customers have highlighted the guides’ deep knowledge of Venetian history and architecture, as well as their ability to share their passion for the city.

The tour’s positive service and organization have also been widely recognized.

Highlights from customer reviews include:

• "Outstanding guide with a warm and engaging personality."
• "Knowledge was nothing short of amazing."
• "Passionate about Venice and shared her love with us."

Guided Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica

The guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica provides an exclusive opportunity to explore this iconic Venetian landmark.

Led by knowledgeable local guides, the 45-minute tour grants visitors access to the basilica’s balcony, offering breathtaking views over St. Mark’s Square.

Travelers can admire the Byzantine architecture, intricate mosaics, and the basilica’s rich history as they learn about its significance in Venetian culture.

The tour’s skip-the-line access ensures a seamless experience, allowing guests to make the most of their time.

Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, or history, the guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica promises an immersive and enlightening experience in the heart of Venice.

Explore the Doge’s Palace

After exploring the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, the tour continues to the iconic Doge’s Palace.

This immense Gothic structure was the former residence of the Venetian ruler, the Doge.

During the guided tour, visitors will:

• Discover the opulent council chambers and audience rooms, adorned with magnificent artwork.
• Venture into the New Prisons, where former inmates were held.
• Marvel at the grand architecture and learn about Venice’s rich political history.
• Gain early access to the palace, avoiding the long queues.
• Enjoy insightful commentary from the knowledgeable local guide.

The Doge’s Palace tour offers a captivating glimpse into the power and splendor of the Venetian Republic.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for this guided tour is at the Museo Correr, located in Piazza San Marco, under the portico outside the museum entrance. From there, the tour will begin with a guided exploration of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

It’s important to note that this tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The tour involves a significant amount of walking and stair climbing. Plus, there are specific dress code requirements, with shoulders and knees needing to be covered, and large bags, backpacks, and sleeveless shirts not allowed.

Accessibility	Dress Code	Prohibited Items
Not suitable for mobility impairments or wheelchair users	Shoulders and knees must be covered; long pants and long-sleeved shirts recommended	Shorts, large bags, sleeveless shirts, and backpacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounts available for children and seniors. Children under 6 can enter for free, while children aged 6-18 and seniors over 65 receive reduced admission prices for this tour.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Basilica and Palace?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside both St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, though flash photography may be prohibited. It’s best to check with the tour guide or staff for any specific guidelines.

How Long Does It Take to Walk Between the Basilica and Palace?

The walking distance between St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace is approximately 5 minutes. The guided tour includes access to both attractions, allowing visitors to easily transition between the two iconic Venetian landmarks.

Is There a Dress Code for the Indoor Parts of the Tour?

The tour has a strict dress code for the indoor parts. Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees, and long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and backpacks are not allowed.

Can I Bring a Small Backpack or Purse With Me?

Large bags, backpacks, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed on the tour. However, small purses and handbags are generally permitted, as long as they don’t interfere with the group’s movement or access to sites.

Recap

This guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace offers an immersive experience in Venice’s rich history and breathtaking architecture. Visitors can admire the Byzantine mosaics, access the basilica’s terrace for panoramic views, and explore the opulent chambers of the Doge’s Palace, all while guided by local experts. It’s an ideal way to explore the enchanting beauty and fascinating past of this iconic Italian city.

You can check if your dates are available here: