Overview
Experience a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, symbols of Piazza San Marco. Admire the Golden Staircase and artworks in the Doge’s Palace, and walk through the Bridge of Sighs to the prisons of Casanova. Visit the Saint Mark’s Basilica, known as the Golden Basilica, and marvel at its shining mosaics.
Continue with a virtual reality experience at the Gondola Yard of Venice Gallery. With a VR headset, see Piazza San Marco and its monuments as they once were, imagining the Basilica as the Doge's private chapel and the Doge's Palace as a medieval fortress.
Choose the St. Mark's Bell Tower option for breathtaking views of Venice from above, including the domes of St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. An elevator ride takes you to the top, offering a unique panorama. Standing at 98 meters, the bell tower is the tallest structure in Venice.
Enhance your visit with an audio guide and digital map.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Bridge of Sighs Entrance
St. Mark's Cathedral Terrace Entrance Ticket (if Legendary Tour Option is selected)
Skip the line ticket to Marciana Library (Closed on Sundays)
Bell Tower Visit (if the option is selected the Basilica visit will be guided from the OUTSIDE ONLY)
Lunch (if option is selected)
Skip the Line Ticket to Doge's Palace
Guided tour by a qualified guide to Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Cathedral (if option is selected)
Skip the line ticket to Archeological Museum
Skip the line Ticket to the St. Mark's Cathedral (if option is selected)
History Gallery - Venice in the past VR Experience
Skip the line Ticket to Royal Palace - Correr Museum (Empress Sissi Rooms & Napoleon Dancing Hall)
Hotel pickup & Drop Off
Food & Drinks
Guided Tour to Royal Palace - Correr Museum
Guided Tour to Marciana Library
Guided Tour to Archeological Museum
Basilica Admission if the Bell Tower option is selected
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Having the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches. Find Olivetti Museum, turn right, pass under the archways, cross the little bridge and go straight to “Campo San Gallo”. Venice Tours Office is in the square.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
• Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
• During some days of high turnout or for reasons of force majeure (for example high tide or security problems) the waiting time to access St. Mark’s Basilica might be longer than expected: in this case, please line up and respect the instructions provided by the guide.
• For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
• You are kindly requested to be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the departure
• If the lunch option is selected your table is booked for you at 1:00 PM at illy Caffè (Giardini Reali, few steps from St. Mark's Square)
What to expect
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Doge's Palace
1 hour 15 min
Visit the imposing Doge’s Palace with its marvelous rooms rich of artistic artwork made by famous venetian artists. You will discover the halls of power where the Doge and the highest politicians decided the faith of the Venice Republic. In these rooms you will be stunned in front of the “Last Judgment” by Tintoretto, one of the largest paintings in the world. Then the guide will escort you down in the old venetian prisons, passing through the magnificent Bridge of Sighs!
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Basilica di San Marco
1 hour
The guided visit will proceed to the Basilica of Saint Mark, known also as the Golden Basilica, thanks to its uncountable mosaics made of pure gold! The guide will explain the history and meaning of the masterpieces that decorate the cathedral.
(OUTSIDE TOUR IF THE BELL TOWER OPTION IS SELECTED) -
Piazza San Marco
1 hour
The two symbols of Venice are in the middle of the marvelous Saint Mark's Square.
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Campanile di San Marco
30 min
St. Mark's Bell Tower option for breathtaking views of Venice from above, including the domes of St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. An elevator ride takes you to the top, offering a unique panorama. Standing at 98 meters, the campanile is the tallest structure in Venice.
(SELECTING THE BELL TOWER OPTION YOU WILL ENJOY THE ST. MARK'S BASILICA VISIT FROM OUTSIDE ONLY)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Rome).
Additional Information
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Basilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option
Can I cancel Basilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2–3 hours.
Where does it start?
Having the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches.
What's included?
- Bridge of Sighs Entrance
- St. Mark's Cathedral Terrace Entrance Ticket (if Legendary Tour Option is selected)
- Skip the line ticket to Marciana Library (Closed on Sundays)
- Bell Tower Visit (if the option is selected the Basilica visit will be guided from the OUTSIDE ONLY)
- Lunch (if option is selected)
- Skip the Line Ticket to Doge's Palace
- Guided tour by a qualified guide to Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Cathedral (if option is selected)
- Skip the line ticket to Archeological Museum
What's not included?
- Hotel pickup & Drop Off
- Food & Drinks
- Guided Tour to Royal Palace - Correr Museum
- Guided Tour to Marciana Library
- Guided Tour to Archeological Museum
- Basilica Admission if the Bell Tower option is selected
Which places does it visit?
It visits Doge's Palace, Basilica di San Marco, Piazza San Marco, Campanile di San Marco.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English, French.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by CITY TOURS CO. LTD
