Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 1,399 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets worth booking?
Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets is a 3.2-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $113 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 1,399 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (1,399)
- Duration
- 3.2 hours
- From
- $113 per person
Experience Venice on an exclusive small group guided tour, designed for a more personalized and enriching adventure. Skip the lines with pre-reserved tickets and maximize your precious vacation time as you uncover the city's most iconic landmarks, including the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica and the legendary Doge’s Palace — all in just three unforgettable hours. Let an expert local guide bring the city’s history, art, and hidden gems to life with insider stories you won’t find in any guidebook. Walk away with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to make the most of your journey through this one-of-a-kind Italian treasure.
What you get
About this experience
Experience Venice on an exclusive small group guided tour, designed for a more personalized and enriching adventure. Skip the lines with pre-reserved tickets and maximize your precious vacation time as you uncover the city's most iconic landmarks, including the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica and the legendary Doge’s Palace — all in just three unforgettable hours. Let an expert local guide bring the city’s history, art, and hidden gems to life with insider stories you won’t find in any guidebook. Walk away with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to make the most of your journey through this one-of-a-kind Italian treasure.
What's included
Included
- Expert local guide with insider's knowledge
- 3-hour walking tour at a relaxed pace
- Tickets for the Correr Museum
- Admission to National Archeological Museum and Biblioteca Marciana
- Pre-reserved tickets for Doge's Palace
- Small group tour for a more personalized experience
- Pre-reserved tickets for St. Mark's basilica
Not included
- Guided Tour of Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana
- Transportation to/from the meeting point
What you'll see and do
Venice
Join a 3-hour guided tour in Venice to see the major highlights of the city led by an expert guide. The tour includes two must-see sites: Doge’s Palace and Basilica of St. Mark, both with pre-reserved tickets.
Pass by without stopping
Piazza San Marco
Meet your expert guide in famous St. Mark’s Square and start getting to know "the Floating City" and its origins. Explore the most renowned public space in the city and, learn about its historical, social, and political importance. Learn about the Clock Tower and the Marble Lions that both play an important role in St Mark’s history.
30 minutes here
Basilica di San Marco
Continue on to the Basilica of St.Mark, and enter the cathedral with your pre-reserved tickets. Take in its sheer size and the fascinating golden mosaics inside. Learn about the design of the monument, called the Church of Gold, and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power. Listen to the story of the life-size Horses of St Mark’s Basilica, said to be some of Europe’s finest creations. Find out the answers to all of your questions and more as you accompany your guide on this well-planned walking tour in Venice.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Palazzo Ducale
Follow your guide at a relaxed pace to visit the Doge’s Palace. You'll walk straight into this opulent palazzo with our with pre-reserved tickets. Learn about the supreme authority and wealth of the ruling Venetian Doges through the ornate Gothic architecture of the palace. Ask about the talented 14th-century sculptors that worked on the palace, and enjoy stunning views across the Lagoon as you explore this world-famous landmark.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Learn why the New Prisons were built, and understand the significance of the Bridge of Sighs, another highlight of Venice. Listen to the extraordinary story of the famous Casanova and his life in Venice.
Pass by without stopping
Museo Correr
Your admission ticket to the Doges Palace also includes entry to the Correr Museum in St. Mark's Square. The building was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy. Generally, you can visit the Correr Museum after your tour has ended. You may also have tickets for the next morning, depending on the hour of the tour you book.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
We meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.”
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.”
Options you can book
Group Tour German
Choose this option for a guided group tour in German with pre-reserved tickets to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
Group Tour English
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 16 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Walks In Europe
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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 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.
- Acqua Alta (high tide) in Venice can cause delays in entering the Basilica.
- Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, you will be contacted before your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Basilica is a holy place, both men and women must wear clothing that covers the belly, shoulders and knees.
- Religious authorities may decide to suspend skip-the-line priority because of the high number of visitors. We are only allowed to stay inside the Basilica for 20 minutes.
- In case of denied access, you will be provided with entrance tickets to visit the Basilica on your own at the assigned time.
- If you take the 2:00 PM tour, the Correr Museum will be closed before your tour finishes. Therefore, you will have Correr tickets for the next day
- Please note that carrying any type of weapon or sharp objects, such as a knife, is not allowed for this tour.
- Do not bring large bags or luggage. These items are not allowed, and there is no place to leave them, so you will be denied entry.
- Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
- Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
- Direct ticket costs for the included attractions are as follows: Doge’s Palace (€27.00) and St. Mark’s Basilica (€12.00).
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,389 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.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
1,389 verified traveler reviews for Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Our guide Claudia was...
Our guide Claudia was terrific! She was extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic and spoke English very well.
via Viator
Outstanding tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s!
We had an incredible experience on our small group tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica yesterday! Our guide was wonderfully friendly, approachable, and extremely knowledgeable, sharing captivating stories and fascinating historical facts throughout the tour. The pace was perfectly comfortable, with well-timed breaks along the way so we never felt rushed or fatigued. Touring in a small group made a huge difference as well. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Venice
via Viator
Definitely Recommend!
The tour was great! Very informative, and our guide was amazing! Worth the price. You won't be disappointed.
via Viator
Sandra was guide. She was...
Sandra was guide. She was fantastic. Very knowledgeable, friendly and walked at a nice pace. This tour is a walking tour and they mean it! Would absolutely recommend.
via Viator
Lots of stairs and fun with Clair our guide!
Be sure to know the meeting spot for the start of the tour and be prepared to walk several flights of stairs. There is only 2 places to stop and rest/sit and 2 locations with public toilets (both will be very busy). Tour is worth taking and our guide Clair was the BEST! High energy, memorized all names of everyone in the group and made the history part of the tour fun.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $113 to $129
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 490
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Walks In Europe, who run 33 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.9.
See everything Walks In Europe runsWhy this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets cost?
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Prices start at $113 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: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets take?
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Plan for about 3.2 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 Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 1,399 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 Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets?
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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: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets?
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Around 490 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 3.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets 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: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets?
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Included: Expert local guide with insider's knowledge; 3-hour walking tour at a relaxed pace; Tickets for the Correr Museum; Admission to National Archeological Museum and Biblioteca Marciana; and Pre-reserved tickets for Doge's Palace. Not included: Guided Tour of Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana; and Transportation to/from the meeting point. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets?
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We meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.” Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets offered in?
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It is offered in German and 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: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets?
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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.
What happens to Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets 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: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets?
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Across 1,399 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Venice: St.Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Tour with Tickets?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Group Tour German, Group Tour English. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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