
Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 836 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica worth booking?
Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica is a 3-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $252 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 836 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (836)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $252 per person
Semi-private walking tour of the main attractions in the St. Mark’s area, including skip-the-line entrance to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Other highlights of this informative and entertaining 3-hour tour comprises hidden gems of Venetian architecture as well as insights into the history of Venice, its palaces and churches, and traditional crafts. The itinerary is designed to appeal to visitors looking for an authentic Venetian experience and the undivided attention of the passionate professional guide who is the heart and soul of this tour.
What you get
About this experience
Semi-private walking tour of the main attractions in the St. Mark’s area, including skip-the-line entrance to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Other highlights of this informative and entertaining 3-hour tour comprises hidden gems of Venetian architecture as well as insights into the history of Venice, its palaces and churches, and traditional crafts. The itinerary is designed to appeal to visitors looking for an authentic Venetian experience and the undivided attention of the passionate professional guide who is the heart and soul of this tour.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Skip The Line Entrance Fees
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Your guide will illustrate all the major sights in this area that was the center of power in the days of the Venetian Republic, including the Doges' Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Palazzo Ducale
The centre of political power and the official residence of the Doge, the spectacular rooms are literally lined with priceless masterpieces. See the halls of power in which the government of the Most Serene Republic convened and visit the notorious Prison in which Casanova was jailed.
60 minutes here · Admission included
St. Mark's Basilica
Once the Doge's private chapel, the Basilica is covered in golden mosaics and priceless treasures. The iconic domes of the exterior top a loggia with the famous golden horses.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Rialto
The oldest bridge over the Grand Canal, still lined with shops as it was in the Middle Ages it affords a breathtaking view of the magnificent palaces lining the canal banks.
Pass by without stopping
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
The spiral staircase of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is one of the hidden gems of Venice, tucked away in a side alley between the Rialto and St. Mark's Square
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
Please be informed that the meeting point is in front of the Danieli Hotel just off St. Mark's Square. The hotel is the red Gothic building opposite the San Zaccaria waterbus stop.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please be informed that the meeting point is in front of the Danieli Hotel just off St. Mark's Square. The hotel is the red Gothic building opposite the San Zaccaria waterbus stop.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Antonio Barbini
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- 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
- Large bags and rucksacks are also not allowed inside St Mark's Basilica.
- In case of high tides or religious ceremonies preventing access to the interior of the Basilica, an extended tour of the outside of the basilica will be given instead.
- The Doge’s Palace may also occasionally be closed to the public due to strikes, exceptional closures, state visits, or other special occasions. In that event, a possible alternative may be the Correr Museum in St. Mark’s Square with the Imperial Rooms and Venetian Collection. Entrance included in the Doge’s Palace ticket.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough participants to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- The number of admission tickets available for the interior of St. Mark's Basilica is limited and operates on a first-come first-served basis. In the event of no availability, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- 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
- Access to St. Mark's Basilica now has a 72 hour cutoff time. Late bookings will be offered an alternative
- 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.
- St Mark's Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person for tour guides.
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 833 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
833 verified traveler reviews for Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent tour with Antonio.
Antonio was the best guide. He was knowledgeable and told us mesmerising and interesting stories about Venice and its history. I highly recommend a tour with Antonio Barbini. I came away with a real feel for this vibrant and beautiful city. Thanks Antonio.
via Tripadvisor
A Special Tour with a Special Guide
Antonio is an extraordinary guide and a beautiful person. This is my second tour with him- I last did it four years ago and liked him so much I booked this tour again. Last time we had a small group. This time, I was the only one so it was an individual tour and Antonio tailored our stops to my desired experiences. He offered the usual places - San Marco Cathedral and the Doges Palace, but also other choices since I had done those the last time. We went to the Opera House, which is magnificent. We were able to sit in the Royal Box and observe. We then went to the Fortuny Palace and Museum, which had an eclectic mix of classical and modern art, decor, and furniture. This was an unexpected surprise. We finished up at the Doges Palace, since that is a place you can return to again and again and still marvel at the beauty. In between Antonio shared his vast wealth of knowledge of Venetian history, culture, and the interesting out-of-the-way places you would not see otherwise. This is not your ordinary Venice tour- it is a special experience that you will treasure in your memories. Very highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Venice Tour with an Amazing Local Guide!
We had the absolute best experience touring Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica with Antonio Barbini! Antonio was born and raised in Venice, and you can immediately tell how much he loves his city. He was so knowledgeable, personable, funny, and easy to listen to. He didn’t just give us facts—he told the stories and history in a way that made everything so interesting and memorable. We learned so much and enjoyed every minute of the tour. Antonio truly made our day in Venice extra special. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does, and his passion for Venice really comes through. I would 100% recommend him to anyone visiting Venice. If you can book a tour with Antonio, do it—you will not be disappointed! Thank you, Antonio, for such an amazing experience! We will definitely remember this tour as one of the highlights of our trip to Italy. 🇮🇹❤️
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour and great tour guide
Antonio was a very kind and informative tour guide. My mom and I had a great experience, Antonio explained everything there is to know about Venice and he answered all the questions we had. Antonio allowed us to spend a good chunk of time at our stops during the tour. Overall, 10/0 experience, I would recommend this to smaller groups of people around 2-4.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Venice Experience with Antonio
My son and I had a wonderful experience with Antonio during our two-day stay in Venice! Antonio was friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and made our time in Venice even more memorable. The crowd size was manageable, and Antonio did a great job navigating us through the busier areas while still creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. He took the time to explain the history and significance of the places we visited, answered our questions, and made sure we were comfortable throughout the experience. We especially appreciated that the admission fee was already covered with our reservation, which made everything easy and convenient. Since my son and I only had two days in Venice, this tour was a great way to experience and learn more about the city in the limited time we had. Antonio’s personality, knowledge, and enthusiasm made the experience special. I would definitely recommend Antonio to anyone visiting Venice!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 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
- 293
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica cost?
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Prices start at $252 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 Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica take?
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Plan for about 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 Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 836 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. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica?
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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 Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica?
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Around 293 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica 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 Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica?
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Included: Professional guide; Guaranteed to skip the long lines; and Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Skip The Line Entrance Fees. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica?
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Please be informed that the meeting point is in front of the Danieli Hotel just off St. Mark's Square. The hotel is the red Gothic building opposite the San Zaccaria waterbus stop. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica?
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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 Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica 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: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Venice Deluxe Highlights Tour with Doge's Palace & Basilica?
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Across 836 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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