Venice: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Private Guided Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Piazza San Marco

   Begin your journey in the magnificent Piazza San Marco, the vibrant heart of Venice and the setting for its most significant historical events. Your private guide will introduce you to the architectural wonders that surround you, including the elegant Procuratie, the Clock Tower, and the soaring St. Mark’s Campanile, the tallest structure in Venice. Discover why this square has been called the “finest drawing room in Europe” and learn about its role as the center of political, religious, and social life for centuries.

   15 minutes here

2. Campanile di San Marco

   Gaze up at the St. Mark’s Campanile, the tallest structure in Venice, standing as a beacon over the city’s skyline. Originally built as a lighthouse, this iconic bell tower has witnessed centuries of Venetian history. Though not included in the tour, your guide will share fascinating insights about its significance and the panoramic views it offers from the top.

   Pass by without stopping

3. Basilica di San Marco

   Step inside the spectacular St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine art and architecture. Admire the breathtaking gold mosaics, the intricate marble floors, and the blend of Eastern and Western influences that make this cathedral unique. Climb up to the Loggia dei Cavalli, a stunning terrace overlooking Piazza San Marco, offering unparalleled views of Venice. Here, you’ll also see the famous Horses of St. Mark, the ancient bronze statues that once adorned the Hippodrome of Constantinople before being brought to Venice.

   45 minutes here · Admission included

4. Cavalli di Piazza San Marco

   From within the basilica, ascend to the Loggia dei Cavalli, an exclusive open-air terrace offering breathtaking views over Piazza San Marco. Here, you will also have the opportunity to admire the Horses of St. Mark, ancient bronze sculptures looted from Constantinople and placed above the basilica’s entrance as symbols of Venetian dominance. From this vantage point, enjoy a unique perspective of the basilica’s ornate façade and the lively square below.

   15 minutes here · Admission included

5. Pala D'Oro

   Inside the basilica, marvel at the Pala d’Oro, a magnificent golden altarpiece adorned with precious stones, intricate enamels, and stunning goldwork. This masterpiece, crafted by Byzantine and Venetian goldsmiths, is one of the most impressive religious treasures in the world.

   15 minutes here · Admission included

6. Palazzo Ducale

   Continue to the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Doges and the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. Walk through its opulent halls, including the Hall of the Great Council, where Venetian rulers debated matters of state beneath massive frescoes by Tintoretto and Veronese. Explore the lavish private apartments of the Doge, richly decorated with Renaissance masterpieces, and step inside the Chamber of the Secret Council, where Venice’s unique system of governance unfolded.

   45 minutes here · Admission included

7. Ponte dei Sospiri

   Conclude your tour with a walk across the legendary Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the New Prisons. This enclosed bridge was the last view of Venice seen by prisoners before facing their sentences. Your guide will share tales of intrigue, escape, and the famous legend of Casanova, who is said to have made a daring escape from these very cells.

   15 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

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 6 travelers per booking

Operated by

CityEyes Private Tours

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Dress code required: Knees and Shoulders must be covered to access holy sites.
• Big bags, trolleys, luggages are not allowed into the visited attractions
• To ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests, every reservation that includes minors (under 18) must be accompanied by at least one adult. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings made exclusively by unaccompanied minors.
• St. Mark's Basilica entrance(valued at €10 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

Photos

Traveler reviews

3 verified traveler reviews for Venice: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Private Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.