Venice Grandeur: St. Mark's Basilica Terrace & Doge's Palace VIP
Delve into Venetian history on a tour showcasing the city's most iconic structures—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—as an expert guide sheds light on the stories behind both iconic attractions. Skip the line into the legendary St. Mark's Basilica, where you’ll wander through the mosaic-clad interior and even step onto the balcony overlooking Piazza San Marco—reserved for only a select few! Then, continue to the Doge's Palace and step into the political heart of a powerful empire.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
MARTHA_M, 12/9/2025 1:00:38 AM
Our guide, Paula, was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Venice, St. Mark's Cathedral, the doges, and their palace. I highly recommend this tour. It's quite long and packed with interesting information. Paula speaks English with an accent, but she was perfectly understandable. I highly recommend this experience--particularly if you are a history buff.
mmhely, 11/30/2025 11:01:06 AM
A great way to see these main sights of Venice. Our host Matteo was a great story teller and knowledgable. Good sized group and personable. Thank you
Mark_A, 11/29/2025 9:44:42 AM
Franceska was incredible! She was so knowledgeable about the history of the basilica and Doge’s palace! We really enjoyed her tour and would recommend to all families! This is a great way to get to know Venice, Enjoy!
Jason_H, 11/29/2025 8:29:44 AM
Mateo was our guide and did a great job. He is from Venice and knew all the historical stuff but he had plenty of funny insider legends and lore the locals know. He knows everyone in the place and works very hard to make sure all the tourists are relaxed, engaged, and entertained.
Jessica_M, 11/27/2025 5:37:01 PM
This was such an excellent tour! Suzanne provided excellent insights into all the frescoes and the architecture. Additionally I highly recommend going in November. We saw more workers than tourists everywhere, and it really enhanced our experience with Suzanne who could go into very detailed discussions without feeling rushed
Atlantan1972, 11/21/2025 10:44:15 AM
This was a very good group tour of the Doge Palace and St. Mark’s Cathedral. Though we were a group of 20, the “whisperers” as they were called by the guide made it possible to listen to her commentary and enjoy our surroundings. We usually take private tours but this tour worked out well. I would recommend this tour.
Debra_B, 11/19/2025 7:23:41 AM
Nico was an exceptional guide - fabulous tour of the Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs
Tom_K, 11/19/2025 3:14:30 AM
This was the last tour of our two weeks in the Adriatic Sea and was the best we experienced. Our guide was Nico and he was excellent. His knowledge was outstanding and he was passionate about the history, culture and the locations he was showing us. He intermingled the facts with interesting jokes and at times subtle jokes. He had a delightful personality. The three hours went by in a flash even though we saw everything. Afterwards he answered all questions even thiose not related to the tour- can you give advice on gondola rides?, is the trip to the Tower worth it ( definite yes) Just a great experience.
Ian_A, 11/16/2025 9:36:31 AM
Carolina was fantastic. Wonderful tour. Extremely knowledgeable. Very entertaining. Everything a tour should be and so much more
Barry_C, 11/14/2025 11:51:32 AM
Tulia was a wonderful guide. She had many stories and great information about the Basilica and Palace. You really can't call a trip to Venice complete without touring these sites. It's a long tour and you get your money's worth!
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- 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.
- This tour is non-refundable. All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Due to limited terrace ticket availability, access to the Pala d'Oro (Golden Altar) will be offered on select dates instead. This adjustment ensures you avoid long queues and still enjoy the basilica’s most treasured highlights during peak seasons.
- 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.
Departure point
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.Return details
Delve into Venetian history on a tour showcasing the city's most iconic structures—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—as an expert guide sheds light on the stories behind both iconic attractions. Skip the line into the legendary St. Mark's Basilica, where you’ll wander through the mosaic-clad interior and even step onto the balcony overlooking Piazza San Marco—reserved for only a select few! Then, continue to the Doge's Palace and step into the political heart of a powerful empire.Redemption
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows. • All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted. • 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. • Due to the religious nature of the Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. A scarf or shawl is acceptable. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry. • Photography and filming are prohibited. Large bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this 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). • 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. • Due to limited terrace ticket availability, access to the Pala d'Oro (Golden Altar) will be offered on select dates instead. This adjustment ensures you avoid long queues and still enjoy the basilica’s most treasured highlights during peak seasons.If you cancel within 7 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
168 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 168 hours before travel date - 0% refund