Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace worth booking?
Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace is a 2-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $68 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (35)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $68 per person
Uncover the magic of Venice on a captivating journey through its most iconic landmarks and hidden artistic treasures. Walk in the footsteps of ancient rulers as you explore the grand Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venetian power and justice. Pause at the legendary Bridge of Sighs, a poignant symbol of Venice’s past, and hear stories of prisoners, justice, and fate. Step inside the awe-inspiring St. Mark’s Basilica, a dazzling masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Marvel at glittering gold mosaics and timeless religious icons. Your adventure concludes with a special visit to an authentic Murano glass workshop.
What you get
About this experience
Uncover the magic of Venice on a captivating journey through its most iconic landmarks and hidden artistic treasures. Walk in the footsteps of ancient rulers as you explore the grand Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venetian power and justice. Pause at the legendary Bridge of Sighs, a poignant symbol of Venice’s past, and hear stories of prisoners, justice, and fate. Step inside the awe-inspiring St. Mark’s Basilica, a dazzling masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Marvel at glittering gold mosaics and timeless religious icons. Your adventure concludes with a special visit to an authentic Murano glass workshop.
What's included
Included
- Glass Factory Demonstration
- St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line tickets (If Basilica option is selected)
- Headset to hear the guide (for guided tours with more than 7 people)
- St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Guided Tour
- Doge's Palace skip-the-line tickets
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Tips (optional)
- Access to Terrace and Pala d'Oro
What you'll see and do
Palazzo Ducale
Situated in the heart of St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks and once served as the residence of the Doge, the head of the Venetian Republic. This architectural gem, primarily Gothic with touches of Renaissance and Baroque influence, provides a captivating glimpse into the city’s political and artistic legacy. Inside, visitors can wander through elaborately decorated chambers showcasing the works of renowned painters like Tintoretto and Veronese.
50 minutes here · Admission included
Ponte dei Sospiri
We’ll walk past the Bridge of Sighs, a structure connected to the Doge’s Palace, named for the sorrowful sighs of prisoners who crossed it on their way to face sentencing or imprisonment, often for the last time.
15 minutes here
St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica, nestled in the heart of Venice, Italy, draws admiration with its stunning exterior even from a distance. Its front façade, embellished with detailed marble sculptures, graceful arches and impressive bronze doors, reflects the city’s rich architectural heritage and enduring historical importance.
35 minutes here · Admission included
Piazza San Marco
Just a short walk from St. Mark’s Square, you’ll visit one of the oldest glass factories in Venice, where you’ll witness the mesmerizing craft of Murano glass blowing in action.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
Your meeting point is under the blue Clock Tower, just by St. Mark’s Basilica and beside Bar Americano. Look out for your host holding a blue flag— they’ll be ready to welcome you! Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your meeting point is under the blue Clock Tower, just by St. Mark’s Basilica and beside Bar Americano. Look out for your host holding a blue flag— they’ll be ready to welcome you! Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Options you can book
Basilica & Doge's English Tour
English Tour: Visit Saint Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Vecchia Murano Glassblowing Demonstration with an Expert Guide.
Only Doge's Palace Italian
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
Portuguese Tour: Visit Saint Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Vecchia Murano Glassblowing Demonstration with an Expert Guide.
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
Basilica & Doge's Spanish Tour
Spanish Tour: Visit Saint Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Vecchia Murano Glassblowing Demonstration with an Expert Guide.
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 Italian Tour
Italian Tour: Visit Saint Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Vecchia Murano Glassblowing Demonstration with an Expert Italian Guide.
Only Doge's Palace French
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 French Tour
French Tour: Visit Saint Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Vecchia Murano Glassblowing Demonstration with an Expert Guide.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 25 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Real Barcelona Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Visits inside Saint Mark's Basilica are limited to a maximum of 15–20 minutes, as determined by Basilica authorities.
- Please note the importance of arriving on time, as each attraction operates on a strict schedule. Delays could result in missing your tour, and late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
- As Saint Mark's Basilica is a religious site, all visitors are required to wear appropriate attire. Both men and women must ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered.
- To ensure we can reach you with any updates to your reservation, please provide the correct telephone number, including the country code.
- During the summer season, please allow up to two hours to travel from the train station to Saint Mark’s Square, as water taxis are in high demand and delays are common due to heavy crowds.
- Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person. Doge's Palace tickets are priced at €30 per adult. All additional charges are considered administrative costs
- The tour runs in all weather conditions. Please note that during certain times 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.
- 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.
- Due to the availability of entry time slots for St. Mark's Basilica, the tour start time may be subject to changes. In such a case, you will be contacted directly by email or phone
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 34 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
34 verified traveler reviews for Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
All tour. No refreshment or chance to sit.
No opportunities to sit during any of the tour. It was an hot day and the crowds were overwhelming. Would be nice to have a water break.
via Viator
Disappointing.
Guide was hard to hear and difficult to understand her English. She was full of information and asked how we were doing but it was simply too difficult to follow along. You should invest in better radios and ear pieces. The glass blowing at the end was simply an extortion and felt sleezy. I would not recommend this tour.
via Tripadvisor
Very disappointed- missed St Mark’s due to confusing and expensive ticketing
Very disappointed. Guide was good and engaging but everything else very poor. We waited 30 mins from the meeting time to set up then we hurried up in Doge’s place. Glass visit is completely unnecessary- waste of time. Worst of everything was VERY confusing ticketing process. We ended up paying good money for the tour but we were td St Mark’s was not included at the door. When we look at our online ticket under what is included St Mark’s is listed hence we were shocked.
via Viator
Excellent tour
Excellent tour. Everything was on time, very professional and our tour guide was amazing, he was clearly passionate about his subject and it showed. He was very considerate with the whole group. There are lots of steps in the palace, someone older or who has difficulty walking might struggle. That said my very fit 84 year old mother coped fine with one little sit down.
via Viator
Save your money, not a must
80% of the tour was spent inside Doge’s Palace, 10% in St. Mark’s Basilica, and the last 10% at the glass factory. In Doge’s Palaces they have QR codes that you can scan that gives you a free audio guide in different sections at your own pace, so that would’ve been good enough. Our tour guide had a very thick Italian accent so we could barely understand what he was saying, the headsets were very annoying to keep on, and one of them died halfway through the tour. We have been doing guided tours all throughout Europe and this was our least favorite. I think it’s better to save your money on this one and just see the places on your own. (Unless you really care about Venetian history)
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
- Price range
- $68 to $93
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Real Barcelona Tours, who run 48 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.3.
See everything Real Barcelona Tours runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace 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 Tour with 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 Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 35 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 Tour with 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 Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with 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 Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace?
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Around 12 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 Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with 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 Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace?
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Included: Glass Factory Demonstration; St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line tickets (If Basilica option is selected); Headset to hear the guide (for guided tours with more than 7 people); St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Guided Tour; and Doge's Palace skip-the-line tickets. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Food and drinks; Tips (optional); and Access to Terrace and Pala d'Oro. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace?
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Your meeting point is under the blue Clock Tower, just by St. Mark’s Basilica and beside Bar Americano. Look out for you. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace offered in?
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It is offered in 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 Tour with 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.
What happens to Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Optional Tour with Doge's Palace 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 Tour with Doge's Palace?
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Across 35 reviews averaging 4.1 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 Tour with Doge's Palace?
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There are 10 options to choose from, including Basilica & Doge's English Tour, Only Doge's Palace Italian, Only Doge's Palace English, Basilica & Doge's Portuguese. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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