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
Madelaine_J, 10/24/2025 3:16:09 AM
Chiara was quite informed! Great knowledge of the vast history of the Venice. She made the best of bad weather day!
Victoria_P, 10/23/2025 1:37:28 PM
Very informative. Arianna was a wonderful guide. She made sure everyone was comfortable during the tour.
Ken_M, 10/21/2025 4:01:51 AM
This tour hits the two most amazing sites in Venice. A very thorough walk thru and explanation of the history and art descriptions. Nico is a superb guide.
Rick_F, 10/20/2025 11:53:44 AM
Great tour with Roberta!! Very educated and enthusiastic!! Love this tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace! Learned alot!
Karl_D, 10/20/2025 8:12:23 AM
We loved "skip the line" as there was a large crowd that was touring that day. Our tour guide was amazing and was adaptable to the interests of our group. Wear comfy shoes - there are quite a lot of stairs, but all well worth the views.
Luke_M, 10/20/2025 2:49:09 AM
Roberta was a fantastic tour guide. She seems to really care and enjoy the topics she speaks about. It was a fantastic tour with lots of great access and interesting history, would greatly recommend.
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.
- 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