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Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access

5,857 Reviews 4.82 out of 5 stars Based on 5,857 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Venice, Italy
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish
Instant confirmation

Overview

With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.

What's Included

  • Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
  • Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior)
  • New Prisons
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Piazza San Marco
52, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Piazza San Marco
30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Tour ends in St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco).

What To Expect

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Piazza San Marco

Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Doge's Palace

Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons.Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available if you select Doge's Palace Early Entry option. The Doge's Palace Early Entry option also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Basilica di San Marco

It's a short walk next door to St. Mark's Basilica, Venice's most important church. Skip the long lines and marvel at a breathtaking blend of Eastern and Western architecture, specifically the magnificent shimmering golden mosaic ceiling. As you tour the basilica, your guide will reveal the fascinating (and often scandalous) stories behind the basilica’s greatest treasures, including how many were brought to Venice under mysterious circumstances.Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people), Legendary Venice with Terraces or Exclusive Access Upgrade option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
  • St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
  • Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Legendary Venice Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s with Exclusive Access?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-15693P8

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.82
5,857 reviews

Average 4.82 out of 5 stars based on 5,855 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
5,187
4 stars
470
3 stars
97
2 stars
37
1 star
64
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
  • Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior)
  • New Prisons
  • Marciana Library (exterior)
  • Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
  • Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€)
  • Bridge of Sighs
  • St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
  • Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (if option selected)
  • Spanish Speaking guide (if option selected)
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
  • No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
  • If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
  • St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
  • Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
  • Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

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