Doge's Palace & Golden Basilica - Live Guided Tour With Terrace Access

2 hours and 50 minutes

Very easy

Guided visit in the main attractions of Piazza San Marco! Admire the Golden Basilica and Doge's Palace where you will cross the famous Bridge of Sighs! The guided tour is with skip the line ticket!

Venice Through Power & Splendor — Explore the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica & Beyond

Uncover the soul of the Venetian Republic with this immersive guided journey through its most iconic landmarks. From the seat of power at the Doge’s Palace to the shimmering mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica, step back into a time of glory, intrigue, and artistic brilliance — all with the guidance of expert storytellers.

🟢 Doge’s Palace – The Heart of a Republic
Begin your tour inside the Palazzo Ducale, where laws were made, alliances forged, and destinies sealed. Wander through vast halls adorned with masterpieces by Tintoretto and Veronese, while your guide brings to life the political dramas of a republic that lasted over a thousand years. Admire the gilded opulence of the Golden Staircase, then cross the Bridge of Sighs to the stark prisons that once held none other than Giacomo Casanova.

🟠 St. Mark’s Basilica – A Byzantine Jewel
Step inside the most dazzling church in Venice with a guide accredited by the Curia of Venice. Behold the glowing gold mosaics, the glimmering inlaid marble floors, and the architectural beauty of this one-of-a-kind Byzantine cathedral. Discover the meaning behind the biblical scenes, hidden symbols, and the unique blend of East and West that defines this sacred space.

🔵 Procuratie & Museums of St. Mark’s Square
Your experience continues with access to the museums surrounding Piazza San Marco — from the opulent rooms of the Procuratie Nuove to the military wonders of the Arsenal. Learn how Venice ruled the seas, visit Napoleon’s former quarters, and explore the elegant rooms restored for Empress Sissi of Austria.

Highlights:
✅ Guided visit to the legendary Doge’s Palace, center of Venice’s political power
✅ Cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs and visit the original Venetian prisons
✅ Skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica with a licensed expert
✅ Marvel at golden mosaics and ancient marble artistry
✅ Entrance to the museums of St. Mark’s Square, including Napoleonic wings and Arsenal exhibits
✅ A deep dive into Venetian art, politics, religion, and everyday life across the centuries

🎟️ Book your Grand Venice Experience now — and walk in the footsteps of Doges, artists, and emperors. Every room tells a tale, every mosaic glows with history, and every view reveals the grandeur of La Serenissima.

What's included?
  • Entry or admission fee
  • 2 hours shared guided tour with commentary by a qualified and experienced guide
  • “Skip the line”: Doge’s Palace, The Basilica and Terrace shared guided tour
  • Entrance ticket valid to visit by yourself the palaces in St. Mark’s Square (Old Royal Palace now Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana)
  • Audio receiver devices in case of groups over 10 people
Exclusions
  • Food & drinks
Please note
  • Dress code
  • The official St. Mark’s Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
  • A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
  • Unfortunately the tour is not totally accessible for wheelchair users or people with walking disabilities.
  • Comfortable shoes and appropriate clothes suggested
  • For security reasons sacks, bags or knapsacks are not allowed inside the Doges’ Palace: FREE DEPOSIT INSIDE
  • For the visit of the Basilica proper clothing is required (no shorts or tank tops)
  • During some days of high turnout or for reason 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.
What to bring