
Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 61 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace worth booking?
Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace is a 2-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $135 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 61 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (61)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $135 per person
This tour is unique because you will be able to understand the history of the Piazza di San Marco, the basilica and its millenary history, you will be able to admire the mosaics and marbles .... you will be able to see the Doges' Palace, where the events of the Serenissima Republic. But what will make the tour unique is the guide's passion and love for his city
What you get
About this experience
This tour is unique because you will be able to understand the history of the Piazza di San Marco, the basilica and its millenary history, you will be able to admire the mosaics and marbles .... you will be able to see the Doges' Palace, where the events of the Serenissima Republic. But what will make the tour unique is the guide's passion and love for his city
What's included
Included
- Carbonated beverages
- being in a small group of maximum 6 people, the tour also starts with two people
Not included
- entrance ticket to the ducal palace; possible skip the line basilica
- do not carry bulky backpacks or bags
- you should not take photographs or make videos in the basilica
- to dress in a manner appropriate to the sacred place for the basilica, in summer the women will have to cover themselves
What you'll see and do
Basilica di San Marco
Visit of Piazza San Marco, external and internal explanation of the Basilica of San Marco with its splendid mosaics External explanation of the ducal palace. Small break of about 15 min and then continuation of the visit in the ducal palace. Visit to the institutional halls, bridge of sighs and passage through prisons
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Palazzo Ducale
You will visit the marvelous ducal palace, place of power and government of the Serenissima republic of Venice. You will be able to see the marvelous internal rooms where the senators were ... the ambassadors ... and then you will see the marvelous hall of the greatest council with the wonderful painting of Paradise by Tintoretto. You will then go to the bridge of sighs and you will be able to go through the prisons ....
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
between the columns of Marco and Todaro
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
between the columns of Marco and Todaro
Options you can book
Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace
shortening time and enjoy
small nice walking tour: instead of visiting San Mark's basilica inside I will explain from outside and I will offer to you a nice walking tour nearby Duration: 1 hour
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tour Leader in Venice
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 61 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
61 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic tour with local history teacher
Alex/Alessandro was wonderful! He’s not only a proud born-and-bred Venetian, but a history teacher for over 30 years. Everything was seamless as he led us through the highlights and fascinating details. He also gave us extra time, which we very much appreciated!
Response from the operator: Thanks a lot for your wonderful words, i appreciated everything you wrote, grazie mille from a real Venetian guide.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour with Alessandro
Had a great tour with Alessandro. He was a wealth of information and gave us more than we had ever expected. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thanks a lot for your beautiful review about my tour, I’m so happy you liked it
via Tripadvisor
Great tour with Alessandro!
Alessandro was a great tour guide- passionate and enthusiastic to say the least!
Response from the operator: Thanks a lot indeed, I am so happy you liked my tour
via Tripadvisor
Choose Alex, you won’t be disappointed.
Had a great tour with Alex of St. Mark’s and the Palace. As a history teacher he walked us through the like eager pupils. We even saw a few hidden treasures and enjoyed a drink together at the end. Recommend at the highest levels!
Response from the operator: Thanks a lot for your feedback and I’m so happy that you liked my tour. Thanks to recommend me
via Tripadvisor
Una Guida Fantastica!!
Alessandro is a fantastic guide! He is smart, energetic, friendly, and gave us a wonderful tour of the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We couldn’t recommend him more highly! Grazie mille, Alessandro!
Response from the operator: Thanks for what you wrote and I’m so happy you liked my tour. Grazie mille to you
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 21
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace cost?
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Prices start at $135 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 Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace 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 Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 61 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 Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace?
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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 Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace 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 Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace?
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Around 21 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 Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace 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 Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace?
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Included: Carbonated beverages; and being in a small group of maximum 6 people, the tour also starts with two people. Not included: entrance ticket to the ducal palace; possible skip the line basilica; do not carry bulky backpacks or bags; you should not take photographs or make videos in the basilica; and to dress in a manner appropriate to the sacred place for the basilica, in summer the women. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace?
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between the columns of Marco and Todaro Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace offered in?
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It is offered in English and Italian. 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 Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace?
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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 Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace?
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Across 61 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace, shortening time and enjoy. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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