Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice worth booking?
Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice is a 2.3-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $150 per person. It scores 46 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 46 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- From
- $150 per person
Experience the heart of Venice like never before with our exclusive guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica. Skip the lines and explore hidden chambers, prison cells, and magnificent art, all while a
What you get
About this experience
Experience the heart of Venice like never before with our exclusive guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica. Skip the lines and explore hidden chambers, prison cells, and magnificent art, all while a knowledgeable guide brings history to life. From political intrigue to Byzantine masterpieces, this tour offers an immersive, hassle-free journey through Venice’s rich history. Don’t miss out—book now for an unforgettable adventure!
What's included
Included
- Officially certified guide
- Radio system to hear the guide
- Tickets and Reservations to Doge's Palace
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Entrance tickets to the attractions are not mentioned in the inclusions
What you'll see and do
Palazzo Ducale
Begin your guided tour at the meeting point, then enter the Doge’s Palace through its majestic marble courtyard, a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Step through a small doorway into the Pozzi, the dark, damp underground cells where prisoners endured harsh confinement in silence and isolation. Hear haunting stories of their suffering, carved and drawn into the walls. Continue up a narrow staircase to the offices of the Ducal Notary and Deputato alla Segreta, key figures in the Republic’s political engine. Explore the grand Chamber of the Secret Chancellery, lined with ancient cabinets full of public and classified records, then enter the chilling Torture Chamber, where your guide will explain grim interrogation practices. Visit the Piombi, attic prison cells for political detainees, and the attic armory showcasing 16th-century weapons. Finally, step into the feared Chamber of the Inquisitors, guardians of Venice’s darkest state secrets and political order.
75 minutes here · Admission included
Basilica di San Marco
After leaving the Doge’s Palace, your guide leads you just a short walk across the square to Saint Mark’s Basilica, where you’ll enjoy skip-the-line access to one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, marvel at the stunning Byzantine mosaics that cover the walls and ceilings, depicting stories from the Old Testament and the life of Saint Mark. Your guide will share fascinating insights into how these mosaics, spanning over 8,000 square meters, reflect the fusion of Eastern and Western artistic influences. Walk on the intricate marble inlays of the basilica’s floors while learning about its unique architectural history. Next, explore the Treasury, home to sacred relics and religious artifacts from centuries of Venetian devotion. Ascend to the Museum of Saint Mark’s, where you can admire the mosaics up close and get a deeper understanding of the basilica’s artistic and historical significance. The tour concludes here, but feel free to stay and explore at your leisure.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
Please meet your guide in front of the wooden souvenir kiosk, just behind the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, next to the entrance to the post office.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please meet your guide in front of the wooden souvenir kiosk, just behind the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, next to the entrance to the post office.
Options you can book
Spanish Guided Tour
Tour Time and Meeting Point: The guided tour includes a St Mark Basilica tour 10:45 or 14:45, followed by Doge's Palace from 11:45 or 15:45. Meeting Point Information: Please note that the meeting point remains the same for both tours — Please return to the same location for the Doge's Palace
French Guided Tour
Tour Time and Meeting Point: The guided tour includes a St Mark Basilica tour 10:45 or 14:45, followed by Doge's Palace from 11:45 or 15:45. Meeting Point Information: Please note that the meeting point remains the same for both tours — Please return to the same location for the Doge's Palace
Italian Guided Tour
Tour Time and Meeting Point: The guided tour includes a St Mark Basilica tour 10:45 or 14:45, followed by Doge's Palace from 11:45 or 15:45. Meeting Point Information: Please note that the meeting point remains the same for both tours — Please return to the same location for the Doge's Palace
English Guided Tour
Tour Time and Meeting Point: The guided tour includes a St Mark Basilica tour 10:45 or 14:45, followed by Doge's Palace from 11:45 or 15:45. Meeting Point Information: Please note that the meeting point remains the same for both tours — Please return to the same location for the Doge's Palace
German Guided Tour
Tour Time and Meeting Point: The guided tour includes a St Mark Basilica tour 10:45 or 14:45, followed by Doge's Palace from 11:45 or 15:45. Meeting Point Information: Please note that the meeting point remains the same for both tours — Please return to the same location for the Doge's Palace
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Star Florence
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Photography is not allowed at St. Mark’s Cathedral only.
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
- For security reasons sacks, bags or knapsacks are not allowed inside the Basilica and Doge's palace.
- The tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of religious functions (in these cases it can be rearranged or refunded).
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved.
- Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of two guests to run.
- Please note that if you arrive after the tour start time you will not be able to join and will not be refunded or have your tour rescheduled.
- Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements, in the event of this occurring you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Please note that the 10:45 tour includes the guided Saint Mark's Basilica tour. The Doge's Palace tour will take place at 11:45 from the same meeting point. Make sure to return to the meeting location on time for the Doge's Palace tour.
- Please note that the 14:45 tour includes the guided Saint Mark's Basilica tour. The Doge's Palace tour will take place at 15:45 from the same meeting point. Make sure to return to the meeting location on time for the Doge's Palace tour.
- St Mark's Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person.
- 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.
- Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to St.Mark’s Basilica.
- Please note that customers suffering from claustrophobia, vertigo or cardio-respiratory disorders, pregnant women and Children under 6 are not allowed on this tour.
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Magical Square just got better ..
It is well worth arranging the tour ( skip the line ) of the basilica and Doges Palace. Not only to avoid the inevitable queue but also to benefit from the detail provided by the guide. You will simply miss the stories and historical content without the passion shown by the guide. The initial view of the structure and buildings of the square is truly magical but where settle for that when you can ramp it to another level by visiting the iconic centre pieces , but in an organised way !! Must must must - enjoy !!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 46
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice cost?
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Prices start at $150 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Venice usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice take?
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Plan for about 2.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Venice is not rushed.
Is Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 46 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Venice, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Venice can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Venice and add a light layer if any part of the 2.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour in Venice start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Venice within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Venice?
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On Outty we rank every Venice experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine in Venice, Eating Venice Small Group Food & Drinks Tour, Venice Bacaro Food Tour: Eat and Drink like a Venetian. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Venice?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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