Sign in

Basilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option

4.8 Excellent 683 reviews
|
2h–3h
|
English, French
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Likely to sell out Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
683 reviews
5
600
4
52
3
17
2
6
1
8
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Overview

Guidekin summary

Guided entries to the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica, crossing the Bridge of Sighs into the old prisons, with a Marciana Library ticket to use on your own; tiers add the Rialto, lunch or a priority bell tower ticket. Runs in English or French; the library is closed on Sundays and hotel pickup is not included. 4.8 from 683 reviews at €97 per person.

From the guide

Experience an exclusive guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, iconic landmarks of Piazza San Marco. Admire the grandeur of the Golden Staircase and stunning artworks in the Doge's Palace, and cross the Bridge of Sighs to explore the historic prisons where Casanova was held, reminiscent of Alcatraz’s mystique.

Visit St. Mark's Basilica, known as the Golden Basilica, to marvel at its glittering mosaics, as dazzling as any European cathedral. Then, enjoy a virtual reality experience at the History Gallery of Venice. With a VR headset, see Piazza San Marco as it once was, imagining the Basilica as the Doge's private chapel and the Palace as a medieval fortress.

Choose the St. Mark's Bell Tower option for panoramic views of Venice, much like viewing New York City from above. An elevator ride to the top offers breathtaking vistas of the domes, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. Enhance your visit with an audio guide and digital map for deeper insights.

Tour options

The operator sells this tour in 5 versions. Prices are the operator's current list for two travellers; the calendar shows the exact figure for your date and party.

Classic France Tour

from €97 / person
Guide: French

Visit: Doge's Palace and St Mark's Palace

What this option includes

Duration: 2 hours

French Guided Tour

Classic Eng. Tour

from €97 / person
Guide: English

Visit: Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica

What this option includes

Duration: 2 hours

English Guided Tour

In-depth Eng Tour

from €107 / person
Guide: English

Visit: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica

What this option includes

Duration: 3 hours

English Guided Tour

Classic Eng. Tour + Lunch

from €130 / person
Guide: English

Type of service: Shared Guided Tour & Venetian Lunch

What this option includes

Duration: 4 hours: approx.

Classic Eng Tour + Bell Tower

from €133 / person
Guide: English

Visit: Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and Bell Tower

What this option includes

Duration: 3 hours

English Guided Tour

Compared with other Walking Tours

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #8 of 22€972h–3h4.8 (683)shared
Gondola Ride with Private Walking Tour in Venice€793h4.95 (325)private
Venice: Commissario Brunetti Walking Tour for Donna Leon Fans€832h4.93 (178)shared
Tour of The Real Hidden Venice€392h4.85 (2274)private

Ranked #8 of 22 in Walking Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €14 to €450, median €90; typical length 2h 30m. 9 of 22 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 22 Walking Tours

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departures: 09:15, 10:00, 11:00, 11:15, 14:00, 14:15, 14:30
Scheduled through December 2028

This tour runs daily, departing at 09:15, 10:00, 11:00, 11:15, 14:00, 14:15, 14:30. Scheduled through December 2028. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked September 25, 2026.

What's Included

Rialto Bridge Visit (if option is selected)
Bell Tower Priority Ticket (if the option is selected)
Bridge of Sighs Entrance
Skip the line ticket to Marciana Library (Closed on Sundays)
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 the St. Mark's Cathedral
Skip the line ticket to Archeological Museum
St. Mark's Cathedral Terrace Entrance Ticket (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)

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

Itinerary

Palazzo Ducale Stop 1
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!
1h 15m
Admission included
Basilica di San Marco Stop 2
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)
1h
Admission included
Piazza San Marco Stop 3
The two symbols of Venice are in the middle of the marvelous Saint Mark's Square.
Pass by
Campanile di San Marco Stop 4
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)
30 min
Admission included

Departure & Return

Start point

From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.

End point

From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.

Additional Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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.
  • Comfortable shoes suggested.
  • On Sundays, feast days and in case of unplanned religious celebrations the Basilica tour foresees the visit with direct access to the Terrace and to St. Mark's Museum situated on the first floor.
  • Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
  • Please note that the Marciana Library is closed on Sundays
  • 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
  • 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)
  • For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
  • Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund
From € 97 / person