Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 66 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour worth booking?
Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $68 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 66 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (66)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $68 per person
Maximize time in Venice on this guided tour featuring skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica (If option with Basilica it's selected) and Doge's Palace. Begin at St. Mark's Basilica, one of Venice's most iconic landmarks, and admire its dazzling golden mosaics, rich history, and remarkable Byzantine architecture with an expert guide. Continue to Doge's Palace, the former seat of the Venetian Republic, where you'll explore magnificent halls, historic chambers, and impressive artworks while uncovering centuries of Venetian power and intrigue. Complete your experience with a visit to a traditional Murano glass workshop, where master artisans demonstrate the centuries-old craft that has made Murano glass famous worldwide. A perfect Venice highlights tour for first-time visitors.
What you get
About this experience
Maximize time in Venice on this guided tour featuring skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica (If option with Basilica it's selected) and Doge's Palace. Begin at St. Mark's Basilica, one of Venice's most iconic landmarks, and admire its dazzling golden mosaics, rich history, and remarkable Byzantine architecture with an expert guide. Continue to Doge's Palace, the former seat of the Venetian Republic, where you'll explore magnificent halls, historic chambers, and impressive artworks while uncovering centuries of Venetian power and intrigue. Complete your experience with a visit to a traditional Murano glass workshop, where master artisans demonstrate the centuries-old craft that has made Murano glass famous worldwide. A perfect Venice highlights tour for first-time visitors.
What's included
Included
- Pre-reserved tickets for St. Mark's basilica, euros 12(If option with Basilica it's selected)
- Tickets for the Correr Museum
- Headset to hear the guide (groups more than 9 people)
- Small group tour for a more personalized experience
- Pre-reserved tickets for Doge's Palace (euros 35)
- Expert Certified Guide
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Access to Pala d'Oro and Terrace
What you'll see and do
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.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Basilica di San Marco
St. Mark's Basilica, located in the enchanting city of Venice, Italy, captivates visitors from afar with its breathtaking exterior. The basilica's façade, adorned with intricate marble carvings, elegant arches, and majestic bronze doors, stands as a testament to the city's architectural brilliance and historical significance.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Palazzo Ducale
The Doge's Palace, located in St. Mark's Square, is an iconic monument of Venice and the former home of the Doge, the ruler of the Republic of Venice. This Gothic palace, with Renaissance and Baroque elements, offers a fascinating look into the city's history. Visitors can explore rooms decorated with masterpieces by artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese and the famous Bridge of Sighs that connects to the former prisons. It is a must-see stop to understand the rich history and culture of Venice.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Ponte dei Sospiri
We will pass by the Bridge of Sighs whose name came from the lamentations of the prisoners before being condemned to death, that is linked with the Doge Palace.
Pass by without stopping
Vecchia Murano
We will conclude our experience with a visit to one of the oldest glass factories in Murano, La Vecchia Murano, where you will discover the centuries-old tradition that has made this island famous around the world. During the visit, you will enjoy a fascinating live demonstration by master glassmakers, showcasing the traditional techniques used to blow and shape authentic Murano glass, a craft passed down through generations. After the demonstration, you will have time to explore the factory’s elegant showrooms, featuring unique glass artworks, sculptures, chandeliers, decorative pieces, and exquisite handcrafted jewelry. This is an excellent opportunity to admire the wide variety of colors, styles, and techniques that make Murano glass so distinctive. For those interested, there will be an opportunity to purchase authentic Murano glass creations, internationally recognized for their exceptional quality, beauty, and craftsmanship.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
Meet your host and your guide under the blue Clock Tower at the corner of St. Mark's Basilica, next to Bar Americano. The host will be holding a blue flag.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet your host and your guide under the blue Clock Tower at the corner of St. Mark's Basilica, next to Bar Americano. The host will be holding a blue flag.
Options you can book
Only Doge's Palace Spanish
Duration: 1 hour Only Doge's Palace Tour: This option is the guided tour of the Doge's Palace, the Basilica is NOT INCLUDE
Basilica & Doge's Spanish Tour
Guided Tour - Spanish : Visit Saint Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Vecchia Murano Glassblowing Demonstration with an Expert Spanish Guide. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Basilica & Doge's English Tour
Guided Tour - English: Visit Saint Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Vecchia Murano Glassblowing Demonstration with an Expert English Guide. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Only Doges Palace Italian Tour
Duration: 1 hour Only Doge's Palace Tour: This option is the guided tour of the Doge's Palace, the Basilica is NOT INCLUDE
Basilica & Doge's Italian Tour
Guided Tour - Italian: Visit Saint Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Vecchia Murano Glassblowing Demonstration with an Expert Italian Guide. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Basilica & Doge's French Tour
Guided Tour - French: Visit Saint Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Vecchia Murano Glassblowing Demonstration with an Expert French Guide. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Only Doge's Palace French Tour
Duration: 1 hour Only Doge's Palace Tour: This option is the guided tour of the Doge's Palace, the Basilica is NOT INCLUDE
Only Doge's Palace Portuguese
Duration: 1 hour Only Doge's Palace Tour: This option is the guided tour of the Doge's Palace, the Basilica is NOT INCLUDE
Only Doge's Palace English
Duration: 1 hour Only Doge's Palace Tour: This option is the guided tour of the Doge's Palace, the Basilica is NOT INCLUDE
Basilica & Doge's Portuguese
Guided Tour - Portuguese: Visit Saint Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Vecchia Murano Glassblowing Demonstration with an Expert Portuguese Guide. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 25 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Journey Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The visit inside St. Mark’s Basilica lasts about 15–20 minutes, according to local regulations.
- The tour runs even in light rain. Please note that during certain time of the year, high tide may occur. In that case, raised walkways are set up to allow access and disposable shoe covers can be purchased in front of the entrance.
- We kindly ask you to arrive on time, as late arrivals can’t be accommodated or refunded.
- Please dress appropriately for a place of worship: shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Please make sure to provide a valid e-mail address and phone number including your country code, so we can send you confirmations and updates.
- Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person. Doge's Palace tickets are priced at €35 per adult. All additional charges are considered administrative costs.
- Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the Basilica. For security reasons, large bags and backpacks cannot be taken inside.
- 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.
- Please note that the itinerary for our tours may differ from the advertised order of destinations. We assure you that any changes made to the tour itinerary are carefully planned and intended to enhance your overall experience.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 65 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
65 verified traveler reviews for Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Ok but could have been better
The change in vendor and time changed my entire day. Overcrowded . Tour guide was lacking in enthusiasm.
via Viator
BEWARE of Bait 'n Switch
That the ticket offering is a bait and switch in that they offer St. Mark's Basillica for the requested date, then push the dates out, or wirse, as in our case, sell you tickets for something else altogether onbyiur requested dates. And, if you are not alert to this tactic, you will think you have tickets to the desired event on the desired dste, whereas you DO NOT.
via Viator
Great tour, our guide...
Great tour, our guide was excellent. Highly recommend to see and learn about the highlights of both gems of Venice. Our teenage children kept focused throughout given the appropriate pace and our guide’s engaging commentary.
via Viator
This tour was amazing....
This tour was amazing. Our tour guide Kiara made the tour so interesting and pleasant. Our tour initially was rescheduled for a different hour and the tour operating company was so prompt to inform us and to confirm the new time and to answer all of our questions.
via Viator
Well organized and...
Well organized and knowledgeable guide who started on time . Tour was very interesting and provided lots of information regarding the places we toured.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $68 to $93
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Journey Tours, who run 58 experiences we rank across 10 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.2.
See everything Journey Tours runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour cost?
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Prices start at $68 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 Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 66 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 Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour?
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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 Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour?
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Around 23 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour 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 Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour?
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Included: Pre-reserved tickets for St. Mark's basilica, euros 12(If option with Basilica it's select; Tickets for the Correr Museum; Headset to hear the guide (groups more than 9 people); Small group tour for a more personalized experience; and Pre-reserved tickets for Doge's Palace (euros 35). Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Access to Pala d'Oro and Terrace. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour?
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Meet your host and your guide under the blue Clock Tower at the corner of St. Mark's Basilica, next to Bar Americano. The host will be holding a blue flag. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French 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 Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour?
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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 Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour 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 Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour?
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Across 66 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Venice St. Mark's Basilica Optional & Doge's Palace Guided Tour?
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There are 10 options to choose from, including Only Doge's Palace Spanish, Basilica & Doge's Spanish Tour, Basilica & Doge's English Tour, Only Doges Palace Italian Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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