from
$118
Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Secret Terraces Combo Tour
Behold spectacular views from the Basilica terrace and walk the Bridge of Sighs with an expert guide
What's included
Expert, English-speaking guide
Timed entry tickets and guided tour of Doge's Palace
Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica
Access to the basilica's terrace
Audio headsets
Guide tips
Itinerary
Meet your guide outside of the Doge's Palace
Your tour begins in front of the Doge's Palace, where you'll meet your expert guide in St. Mark's Square. Skip the long lines and head inside with special timed-entry tickets in hand.
Explore the grand courtyard and Giants' Staircase
Once inside, the courtyard opens around you with elegant arches and intricate stonework defining Venetian Gothic style. Climb the Giants' Staircase, flanked by statues of Mars and Neptune. Your guide shares tales of political drama as you ascend where doges were crowned.
Tour the opulent halls and private apartments
Wander through vast ceremonial halls like the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, where enormous canvases by Tintoretto and Veronese stretch across walls. Then peek into the Doge's private apartments, filled with rich furnishings that show how Venice's rulers lived at their peak.
Cross the Bridge of Sighs
From the palace, cross the famous Bridge of Sighs into dark prison cells. Despite its beauty, this enclosed stone passage holds tragic history—prisoners glimpsed Venice one last time through tiny windows before captivity.
Enter St. Mark's Basilica with skip-the-line access
A short walk brings you to St. Mark's Basilica, where five grand domes command attention. Skip the long queue and step into the golden interior, where every surface shimmers with biblical scenes crafted from thousands of tiles.
Access the Basilica's terrace for panoramic views
Climb to the terrace for sweeping views over Venice. Below, Piazza San Marco hums with activity, while San Giorgio island floats in the lagoon and the Campanile rises above rooftops. Up close, admire the basilica's exterior mosaics and sculptures from this vantage point.
Your tour finishes at St. Mark's Basilica
After taking in the views, say goodbye to your guide on the terrace. Linger as long as you like in the basilica, or ask for insider tips on where to go next in Venice. You'll leave with stories, history, and a deeper appreciation for the city's artistic soul.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
Select participants and date
Start times are in the product’s local time
Free cancellation up to 2 days in advance!
Mon, 07 Sep 2026
Meeting and drop-off point
Important Details
Good to know:
Dress Code: Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women to enter St. Mark’s Basilica; entry may be refused otherwise. Please avoid wearing sandals, hats, shorts, skirts, or tops that expose your shoulders.
ID Requirement: A valid government-issued ID is required for entrance to St. Mark's Basilica. The names on your ticket (entered at check-out) must match the name on your ID, or you will be refused entry.
Accessibility: This tour involves extensive walking, standing, and climbing stairs (to access the Doge's Palace interior and the Basilica's terrace). It is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
Weather Advisory: Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice due to adverse weather events, maintenance, or safety reasons. If this occurs, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Please Note: The guided portion ends after the visit to the Basilica’s terrace. You are free to stay longer to explore the Basilica area at your leisure. The tour includes skipping the line for entry but does not include skipping the line for security checks.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Fast-track, skip-the-line tickets to Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica
Guided tour of Doge’s Palace (including Giants’ Staircase and the Bridge of Sighs)
Guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
Access to Basilica’s terrace
Audio headsets
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Government-issued ID (mandatory for entrance to St. Mark's Basilica)
Shawl, scarf, or sweater (for covering knees and shoulders as required by the dress code)