If navigating the crowds and only seeing Venice's landmarks from the outside feels unsatisfying, this tour is the perfect solution. The Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica are stunning, but their true allure lies beneath their grand facades. Join an expert guide to explore magnificent paintings, walk the Bridge of Sighs, uncover hidden stories in golden mosaics, and enjoy sweeping views from the Basilica’s terrace. With early entry, you’ll experience Venice’s famous sites without the hassle.
Expert, English-speaking guide
Early entry 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
Meeting point at 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. Head inside before the doors open to the general public with special early access 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.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
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Beautiful Venitian Art and Architecture
Joseph V.
Verified Review
October 21, 2025
Had a very pleasant tour of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Our guide was extremely well versed in history, and spoke English clearly. She was very helpful addressing our accessibility needs (electric wheel chair, but could transfer and climb small stairs). We were able to see EVERYTHING in spite of our limitations. We spent NO time in lines, and really maximized our limited time in Venice. This tour provided great value!
Ashley C.
Verified Review
October 17, 2025
Shirley G.
Verified Review
October 12, 2025
They cancelled it last minute, ruined our trip. Didn't even try and accommodate us.
Nadia H.
Verified Review
October 12, 2025
Terrible customer service!!!
Brendan M.
Verified Review
October 10, 2025
Terence P.
Verified Review
October 10, 2025
Beautifully Linked
Joan C.
Verified Review
October 10, 2025
Maximum sights, minimum waiting. The terraces and the palace were absolutely brilliant!!
John P.
Verified Review
October 05, 2025
Seamless and superb
Bradley R.
Verified Review
October 05, 2025
This combined tour is the best way to see the two key buildings in Venice efficiently and with depth. Our guide was engaging & knowledgeable made the Doge's Palace tour incredibly interesting and the highlight for us were the St. Mark's Terraces that offered breathtaking views of Venice!! 100/100 recommended
Joel T.
Verified Review
October 03, 2025
Joel T.
Verified Review
October 03, 2025
Magical
Raymond A.
Verified Review
October 01, 2025
This tour captured the magic and historical context of Venice perfectly. The Basilica terraces are a highlight!
Highly Recommended
Leslie C.
Verified Review
September 28, 2025
Each part of the tour was accessible and entertaining for everyone. If you want to see the best of St. Mark's and Doge's Palace efficiently and intelligently- book this.
Fantastic Experience
Stephanie S.
Verified Review
September 25, 2025
Everything was organized perfectly! Skipping the lines made our limited time so much more worthwhile!! Our guide Enrico, was phenomenal—knowledgeable, humorous & kept the group engaged!
History Comes Alive
Stephen R.
Verified Review
September 22, 2025
Alberto, our guide was exceptional made history came alive in the Doge's Palace. The unique privilege of visiting St. Mark's Terraces for those incredible city views was the perfect complement- we had truly immersive experience.
Top Notch Experience
Debra F.
Verified Review
September 19, 2025
The Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Terraces in one efficient and informative tour! The terrace offered the best views of the city! Our guide Fabio, was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging made the Doge's Palace fascinating!!
Virginia H.
Verified Review
September 16, 2025
Simply Amazing
Sarah W.
Verified Review
September 16, 2025
Every part of this tour was excellent! From our guide's knowledge to the stunning art in the Doge's Palace while St. Mark's Terraces offered some of the most stunning views of Venice.
Elinor W.
Verified Review
September 15, 2025
Cultural Feast
Brenda B.
Verified Review
September 13, 2025
So much history and art packed into a few hours- It was a cultural feast! The Doge's Palace is truly amazing!!
Unforgettable Views & History
Connor R.
Verified Review
September 10, 2025
The views from St. Mark's Terraces and Doge's Palace history was unforgettable! Our guide was excellent brought centuries of Venetian power and art to life! This tour is a comprehensive and would highly recommend it everyone!!
Carolyn B.
Verified Review
September 10, 2025
Carolyn B.
Verified Review
September 10, 2025
Must-Do Tour
Hailey H.
Verified Review
September 07, 2025
This tour was brilliant! The Doge's Palace is phenomenal and our guide illuminated its political and artistic significance perfectly! The bonus of access to St. Mark's Terraces for the epic views was just the icing on the cake!!
