Delve into Venetian history on a tour showcasing the city's most iconic structures. Let an expert Venetian guide shed light on the stories behind St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Enjoy skip-the-line access to both of these popular attractions. Inside the legendary St. Mark's Basilica wander the mosaic-clad interior and peek into secret spaces, with exclusive access onto the balcony overlooking Piazza San Marco - reserved for only a chosen few! Then continue to the Doge's Palace, exploring the political heart of a powerful Empire. See the New Prisons, all the regalia of Venice, and then walk across the Bridge of Sighs.
What's Included
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Headsets when necessary
Local English-speaking guide
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica
What's Not Included
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Traveler Information
INFANT: Age: 0 - 1
CHILD: Age: 2 - 14
ADULT: Age: 15 - 99
Additional Info
Backpacks are prohibited inside St. Mark's Basilica.
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Please remember that the basilica is a holy place and attire must be appropriate: Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks of Italy cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress.
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• St. Mark's Basilica can be subject to unforeseen closures due to liturgical celebrations or high tides. In this event, your guide will give the tour from the exterior of the Basilica or we will contact clients as soon as possible to arrange a suitable a
Walks complies with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Public transportation options are available nearby
Tour in English only
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
We begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), sharing a few breath-taking moments to appreciate the space laid out in front of us. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience engaging all your senses and establishing the course of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
30 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Free
Basilica di San Marco
Get special access, skipping the long lines into the pristine St. Mark's Basilica. Wander the interior in the company of a local guide - skilled at reviving the past through storytelling and expert knowledge. Sight the mosaics, the opulence, and then take a walk out onto the balcony for a once-in-a-lifetime view overlooking Piazza San Marco, the Doge's Palace, and the Venetian Lagoon.
60 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Included
Doge's Palace
Weave your way through the Doge’s Palace, where pre-reserved tickets once again get us past the lines and inside what was the political heart of the empire for hundreds of years. Walkthrough the Doge's private apartments and learn how politics and crime went hand in hand, even in medieval Venice.
60 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Included
Ponte dei Sospiri
Finally, like many other (unlucky) Venetians before you, you’ll wander over the Bridge of Sighs and learn why this romantic icon is a little grimmer than you have probably heard.
15 minutes
•
Admission Ticket Included
Reviews
Nico
Giovanni_G, 23-12-2022
Nico was a very smart guy. He answered every question, he told a lot of jokes and explained the history of Venice very well.
Great tour
Mary_C, 22-12-2022
Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. She looked like she had support from the company and the headphones helped so that we could hear her.
Among the best tours and guides ever!
crimedoc, 22-12-2022
Although the day was dreary and chilly, the tours were amazing! The meeting location was easy to find, and the tour started promptly. I'm sure experiences may differ with different guides, but my husband and I and several other members of the group were blown away by our guide, Marie-Therese! She was personable, funny, and extremely knowledgeable about the city, its history, the Doge's Palace, the Basilica, and all the art and artifacts inside. She never came across as boring or having memorized facts to regurgitate back to us. The sites are unbelievable. You just have to experience them for yourselves. Yes, you can go on your own and save some $$, but you will not get the full picture without someone telling you all the fascinating stories of politics, crime, and intrigue. Warning to anyone with physical limitations related to stair climbing. There are a good number of stairs and they are quite steep and narrow in some places. Well worth the time and money to learn about these fascinating places. Highly recommended.
San Marco Basilica and the Doge's Palace Tour
Paul_P, 21-12-2022
Our guide, Marie-Therese, was fantastic! The tour is well-worth the cost. Don't worry about being in a group: everyone gets a bluetooth headset so you can easily hear her knowledgeable commentary. Marie-Therese is very savvy on history and art of both Venice and the San Marco Piazza, and she is a great storyteller, keeping the group engaged and interested. Even in winter, the line to enter was long, and with the tour we had quick and easy access to both venues. The tour ends with you inside the basilica, so you can explore on your own. Thank you so much Marie-Therese!
A must when in Venice
Stephen_C, 21-12-2022
Our tour guide was excellent. Her knowledge was amazing while also very friendly.
Book the earliest Tour possible as it does get very busy. Having tickets that fast track you are important otherwise you would spend a lot of time queuing
We had an amazing tour...
Zeeshan_A, 29-12-2022
We had an amazing tour guide. She was super knowledgeable and friendly, best way to see major landmarks.
Wonderful experience- Must see in Venice!
Gretchen_W, 29-12-2022
Our guide, Sabrina, was knowledgeable which enriched our experience of the tour. The Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica is a must see in Venice.
Amazing Venice Basilica
Janaki S, 27-12-2022
Going up to the terraces to see the unforgettable view was a winner! Our guide was a very knowledgeable and interesting guide who really brought the history of the basilica alive!
Must see
Lyna_C, 27-12-2022
Martina lead our tour was fantastic, my family and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit.
Definitely wear comfortable shoes with light clothing as you will heat up with all the walking
Amazing
angelko85, 24-12-2022
Great tour . Very informative and amazing . Our tour guide Mose was great , fun and very attentive and knowledgeable . Highly recommend
Worth every cent!
Rachel D, 09-01-2023
Our tour guide was so knowledgable and passionate about the topics, making it a very enjoyable tour to be on. Had we gone in ourselves without this tour, we would not have appreciated the historical magnificence of St Marks and Doge's Palace - she really gave so much detail and context that made the trip to Venice even more worthwhile.
Wow
Grace_G, 09-01-2023
Thank you thank you thank you fod a fabulous tour of Venice !
Our tour guide was just amazing. Very detailed and knowledgeable!
Worth every penny
Lena S, 08-01-2023
This tour from Walks was worth every penny.
The guide was terrific, very knowledgeable with a great sense of humour.
Learned a lot about the history of Venice .
The only way to see St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace
Valerie_K, 08-01-2023
Maria-Teresa did a wonderful job sharing her knowledge of Venetian history and presented a wealth of information on the paintings, artists and statues in both St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Walking through both of these Venice landmarks without a guide you would miss so much.
Nico was patient, humourous, knowledgeable. The two sites he showed us through were so magnificent!
megjane_, 08-01-2023
This tour was amazing. Nico was extremely knowledgeable and spared no detail on both St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Highly recommend!
