Early Entry Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Terraces Tour
Walk Bridge of Sighs, skip-the-lines, and visit the top of the basilica with a small group
If navigating the crowds and only seeing Venice's landmarks from the outside feels unsatisfying, this tour is the perfect solution. The Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica are stunning, but their true allure lies beneath their grand facades. Join an expert guide to explore magnificent paintings, walk the Bridge of Sighs, uncover hidden stories in golden mosaics, and enjoy sweeping views from the Basilica’s terrace. With early entry, you’ll experience Venice’s famous sites without the hassle.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert, English-speaking guide
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Early entry and guided tour of Doge's Palace
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Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica
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Access to the basilica's terrace
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Audio headsets
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meeting point at Doge's Palace
Your tour begins in front of the Doge's Palace, where you'll meet your expert guide in St. Mark's Square. Head inside before the doors open to the general public with special early access tickets in hand. -
2
Explore the grand courtyard and Giants' Staircase
Once inside, the courtyard opens around you with elegant arches and intricate stonework defining Venetian Gothic style. Climb the Giants' Staircase, flanked by statues of Mars and Neptune. Your guide shares tales of political drama as you ascend where doges were crowned. -
3
Tour the opulent halls and private apartments
Wander through vast ceremonial halls like the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, where enormous canvases by Tintoretto and Veronese stretch across walls. Then peek into the Doge's private apartments, filled with rich furnishings that show how Venice's rulers lived at their peak. -
4
Cross the Bridge of Sighs
From the palace, cross the famous Bridge of Sighs into dark prison cells. Despite its beauty, this enclosed stone passage holds tragic history—prisoners glimpsed Venice one last time through tiny windows before captivity. -
5
Enter St. Mark's Basilica with skip-the-line access
A short walk brings you to St. Mark's Basilica, where five grand domes command attention. Skip the long queue and step into the golden interior, where every surface shimmers with biblical scenes crafted from thousands of tiles. -
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Access the Basilica's terrace for panoramic views
Climb to the terrace for sweeping views over Venice. Below, Piazza San Marco hums with activity, while San Giorgio island floats in the lagoon and the Campanile rises above rooftops. Up close, admire the basilica's exterior mosaics and sculptures from this vantage point. -
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Your tour finishes at St. Mark's Basilica
After taking in the views, say goodbye to your guide on the terrace. Linger as long as you like in the basilica, or ask for insider tips on where to go next in Venice. You'll leave with stories, history, and a deeper appreciation for the city's artistic soul.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Dress Code: Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women to enter St. Mark’s Basilica; entry may be refused otherwise. Please avoid wearing sandals, hats, shorts, skirts, or tops that expose your shoulders.
ID Requirement: A valid government-issued ID is required for entrance to St. Mark's Basilica. The names on your ticket (entered at check-out) must match the name on your ID, or you will be refused entry.
Accessibility: This tour involves extensive walking, standing, and climbing stairs (to access the Doge's Palace interior and the Basilica's terrace). It is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
Weather Advisory: Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice due to adverse weather events, maintenance, or safety reasons. If this occurs, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Please Note: The guided portion ends after the visit to the Basilica’s terrace. You are free to stay longer to explore the Basilica area at your leisure. The tour includes skipping the line for entry but does not include skipping the line for security checks.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 2.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Fast-track, skip-the-line tickets to Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica
Guided tour of Doge’s Palace (including Giants’ Staircase and the Bridge of Sighs)
Guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
Access to Basilica’s terrace
Audio headsets
Maximum group size of 15
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Government-issued ID (mandatory for entrance to St. Mark's Basilica)
Shawl, scarf, or sweater (for covering knees and shoulders as required by the dress code)
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Customer Reviews
Had a very pleasant tour of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Our guide was extremely well versed in history, and spoke English clearly. She was very helpful addressing our accessibility needs (electric wheel chair, but could transfer and climb small stairs). We were able to see EVERYTHING in spite of our limitations. We spent NO time in lines, and really maximized our limited time in Venice. This tour provided great value!
Terrible customer service!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
It's always smart to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for most of the tour. A good camera or smartphone with a camera is also recommended.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
While the majority of Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica are wheelchair accessible, there are areas that can be difficult to navigate. If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand.
What happens if it rains?
We run this tour rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and either site is closed, we'll inform you as soon as possible.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
On the rare occasions the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible and work together on al alternative date or a refund.
Is there a dress code to enter the Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica?
Yes, there is a dress code to join this tour. Please avoid wearing sandals, hats, shorts, skirts, or tops that expose your shoulders.
Do Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica ever experience sudden closures?
During adverse weather events or due to maintenance or safety reasons, Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.
Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?
No, but our knowledgeable guides will happily point out excellent places to eat after your tour.
Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?
All ages are welcome on our Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica tour, and we offer a discounted rate for children. Please choose accordingly during the booking.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Venice.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You'll meet your guide outside the Doge’s Palace.
Where does this tour end?
This tour ends inside St. Mark’s Basilica. You're welcome to stay as long as you like and continue your exploration at your leisure.
