TOP Highlights of Venice: St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Guided Tour

Pass by the long lines at two of Venice's most significant sites—St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace—and gain access into the intimate spaces and world-renowned places integral to Venetian history and heritage. Along the way, you’ll hear stories that make each space come alive from a passionate, well-versed local guide. Over three hours, illuminate the best of Venice and learn how each of these spectacular spaces fits into the fascinating centuries-long story of the Floating City.

Enter the incomparable St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace and hear the stories of how both sites encapsulate the grandeur of luxury gained and power lost within the boundaries of the Venetian lagoon.

From the moment of your arrival in St. Mark’s Square, a local expert will engross you in tales of power, war, greed, love, beauty, and art, setting the stage for each and pointing out stories hidden in the exterior of the basilica’s architecture. Navigate across the square and descend into the interior chambers of Venice’s most recognizable sacred space, bypassing the extensive lines to get in. You are truly a VIP while in our care.

Opulence awaits under your feet, over your head, and just at the tips of your fingers. 26,000 square ft of gold mosaics gleam from the ceiling above. As you maneuver through one of the most iconic churches in Europe, your local guide will share the angelic prophecy of St. Mark's and the sinister actions taken as a result.

But your experience doesn’t end on the ground floor of the basilica. We’ve secured special access to the upper level, where you’ll get to see pieces of its most coveted treasures. Gaze upon the famed bronzed quadriga (chariot of four horses) before stepping out onto the balcony of the church for an inspiring view across St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Venetian lagoon lapping nearby.

Next, your guide will lead you just around the corner to the Doge's Palace, where you'll once again skip the line and walk right through the palace doors into the political heart of an empire. Once inside, you’ll visit room after room filled with breathtaking frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto. (Not an art history buff? You will still be inspired by their importance and beauty!) Your guide will share all the stories of backstabbing and skullduggery that went on behind the scenes of the Venetian empire, right within these walls.

NB: Choose the 8 am time slot for an even more exclusive experience—our groups are able to access the Doge's Palace before it even opens to the public.

But, as you’ll soon learn, the Venice of old wasn’t all opulence and grandeur—at least, not for an unlucky few. Walk in the footsteps of some of Venice’s less fortunate residents of centuries past, traversing the Bridge of Sighs into the New Prisons—a stark contrast to the lavish luxury of the palace just steps away.