Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 6,180 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access worth booking?
Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access is a 2-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $85 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 6,180 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (6,180)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $85 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
- Local English-speaking guide
- 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)
- Spanish Speaking guide (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)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
What you'll see and do
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.
10 minutes here
Palazzo Ducale
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 Exclusive Access Upgrade option. The Exclusive Access Upgrade 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.
90 minutes here · Admission 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.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour 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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Tour ends in St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco).
Options you can book
Legendary Venice Spanish Tour
Duration: 2 hours Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
Legendary Venice with terraces
Duration: 3 hours Small Group Tour in English: Enjoy Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace with an expert guide.
Private - Legendary Venice
Duration: 3 hours Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
Legendary Venice No Terrace
Duration: 2 hours St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
Doge's Palace Early Entry
Duration: 3 hours VIP Doge's Palace & Basilica: Enjoy exclusive early entry to Doge's Palace, before the crowds, then explore St. Mark's Basilica and its terraces.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Walks - Italy & Spain
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6,134 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
6,134 verified traveler reviews for Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An unforgettable experience with Francesca!
Francesca was absolutely incredible! Her knowledge of Venice is truly next level. She knows EVERYTHING—from the fascinating history to the smallest details and hidden stories that make the city so special. Every question we asked, she had an amazing answer! What really sets her apart is her attention to detail and impeccable timing. She planned everything so perfectly that we would arrive at certain spots at the exact right moment—like being at the clock just in time to see it in action! It wasn't just about learning the history; she made sure we actually experienced it. She's engaging, passionate, incredibly knowledgeable, and makes every minute of the tour worthwhile. We walked away seeing Venice in a completely different way. If you're visiting Venice, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Francesca. She's simply outstanding!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful!!
Our guide Francesca was fantastic!! So nice and incredibly knowledgeable. Was a perfect 3 hour tour. Highly recommend!
via Viator
Alex is the best tour guide I've ever had
Alex is a wonderful your guide. He is everything you would ask for when being on a tour - friendly, knowledgeable, charming and he has a fabulous sense of humour. Touring with him is like taking a walk with your local best friend. 100% recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
Absolutely an amazing experience! Francesca was very knowledgeable and gracious with all Venetian history!
via Tripadvisor
Alex was a Great guide !
Alex was an amazing guide: incredibly knowledgeable about the history and the art.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $85 to $649
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2,163
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain, who run 54 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.1 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Walks - Italy & Spain runsWhy this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access cost?
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Prices start at $85 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 Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 6,180 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Venice, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access?
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Around 2,163 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access 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 Venice Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with wine by Cooking Italy, Eating Venice Small Group Food & Drinks Tour, Tour of The Real Hidden Venice. 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.
What is included in Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access?
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Included: Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €); Local English-speaking guide; Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior); New Prisons; and Marciana Library (exterior). Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access?
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Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility i. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Venice. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access?
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Across 6,180 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Legendary Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's with Exclusive Access?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including Legendary Venice Spanish Tour, Legendary Venice with terraces, Private - Legendary Venice, Legendary Venice No Terrace. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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