Venice Grandeur: St. Mark's Basilica Terrace & Doge's Palace VIP
Delve into Venetian history on a tour showcasing the city's most iconic structures—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—as an expert guide sheds light on the stories behind both iconic attractions. Skip the line into the legendary St. Mark's Basilica, where you’ll wander through the mosaic-clad interior and even step onto the balcony overlooking Piazza San Marco—reserved for only a select few! Then, continue to the Doge's Palace and step into the political heart of a powerful empire.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Nemesis_traveller, 10/18/2025 9:29:32 AM
Our guide was very down to earth and extremely knowledgeable, We saw alot of guides running through areas whilst our guide took her time and asked if we had any questions or queries throughout the full tour, the only gripe I had was paying over £100 per person and we didn't get into the area directly beside the tomb of St Mark, this was an extra 10 Euro charge that we had to pay after the tour ended, this was the main reason I took the tour and I feel we shouldn't have had to pay another fee to see what I would say is the main reason anyone would want to tour St Marks Basilica. Other than this the tour was very informative and never rushed so I would definitely recommend but just know you need to pay extra to get close to St Marks sarcophagus.
Kevin_N, 10/17/2025 12:54:19 PM
Fantastic tour! A must do if visiting Venice. Our guide Francesca was very knowledgeable of Venetian history. She shared interesting stories which enriched our tour experience.
Coastal67952995788, 10/17/2025 3:16:48 AM
This tour was very thorough and impressive historically and architecturally. Great guide - extremely knowledgeable. Impressive and shouldn’t be missed while in Venice
Deborah_M, 10/15/2025 3:39:56 AM
Fantastic tour! Do not miss this one. Nico is the best! I learned more on this tour then past visits.
Jeffrey_C, 10/13/2025 4:10:22 PM
This tour was EXCELLENT. The tour leader did an detailed job withy logistics and provided great history in an easily understood manner. His English was excellent and easily understood. I would certainly take this tour again.
Trail19073050530, 10/13/2025 11:36:55 AM
The sites were beautiful, the gondola ride was memorable and our guide was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable.
Joshua_A, 10/13/2025 5:41:46 AM
So I was a little apprehensive when realizing I could have booked these tours directly with the venues instead of a tour agency, which would have saved me money, but our tour guide Filippo M made it worth every penny and then some. He was not only extremely knowledgeable about the artifacts, history and general information of these historic sites, but was absolutely hilarious, lots of jokes. If he no longer wanted to be a tour guide he could be a very successful comedian (no joke, pardon pone)!!! The sites themselves I would give a 8.5/10 rating as Doge Palace was extremely interesting and full of history and Saint Marks Basillca was absolutely incredible. To imagine that they built the place more than three centuries ago is unbelievable. Tons of beautiful mosaics and rich history. Although our tour guide made it a 10/10 (mind you I very rarely give “10’s”). Lots of walking, steps and climbing, so would not recommend it for someone who is either not fit or disabled. Overall wonderful experience.
Aeieie, 10/11/2025 6:40:45 PM
Great tour filled with great information. Our tour guide lead us through the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica relaying historical facts and anecdotes about each space we entered. Skipping the lines were a great advantage also. Getting to walk across the Bridge of Sighs and along the balcony of St Mark’s Basilica were the highlights for me.
Jane_M, 10/10/2025 11:19:27 AM
Excellent tour taking in Doge’s palace and St Marks Basilica. These tours are all about the leader. Magdalena was excellent, knowledgable, great English and easy to understand accent. Just the right enough information to keep you interested but not overloaded
aprilgC4210AK, 10/10/2025 8:30:06 AM
Elena was a wonderful tour guide! Very knowledgeable and extremely passionate about Venice! She infused local history with her fun and unique personality and stories, which made for an experience where we learned a lot and had a great time. I would recommend this tour and this particular guide to everyone. We feel the skip-the-line option is a must-do!
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
- If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
- This tour is non-refundable. All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Due to limited terrace ticket availability, access to the Pala d'Oro (Golden Altar) will be offered on select dates instead. This adjustment ensures you avoid long queues and still enjoy the basilica’s most treasured highlights during peak seasons.
- Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
Departure point
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.Return details
Delve into Venetian history on a tour showcasing the city's most iconic structures—St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—as an expert guide sheds light on the stories behind both iconic attractions. Skip the line into the legendary St. Mark's Basilica, where you’ll wander through the mosaic-clad interior and even step onto the balcony overlooking Piazza San Marco—reserved for only a select few! Then, continue to the Doge's Palace and step into the political heart of a powerful empire.Redemption
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows. • All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted. • Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. • Due to the religious nature of the Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. A scarf or shawl is acceptable. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry. • Photography and filming are prohibited. Large bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour. • If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). • No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort. • If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued. • Due to limited terrace ticket availability, access to the Pala d'Oro (Golden Altar) will be offered on select dates instead. This adjustment ensures you avoid long queues and still enjoy the basilica’s most treasured highlights during peak seasons.If you cancel within 7 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
168 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 168 hours before travel date - 0% refund