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Basilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option

545 Reviews 4.84 out of 5 stars Based on 545 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Venice, Italy

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On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 1 more
French

Overview

Experience an exclusive guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, iconic landmarks of Piazza San Marco. Admire the grandeur of the Golden Staircase and stunning artworks in the Doge's Palace, and cross the Bridge of Sighs to explore the historic prisons where Casanova was held, reminiscent of Alcatraz’s mystique.

Visit St. Mark's Basilica, known as the Golden Basilica, to marvel at its glittering mosaics, as dazzling as any European cathedral. Then, enjoy a virtual reality experience at the History Gallery of Venice. With a VR headset, see Piazza San Marco as it once was, imagining the Basilica as the Doge's private chapel and the Palace as a medieval fortress.

Choose the St. Mark's Bell Tower option for panoramic views of Venice, much like viewing New York City from above. An elevator ride to the top offers breathtaking vistas of the domes, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. Enhance your visit with an audio guide and digital map for deeper insights.

What's Included

  • Rialto Bridge Visit (if option is selected)
  • Bell Tower Priority Ticket (if the option is selected)
  • Bridge of Sighs Entrance
  • Hotel pickup & Drop Off
  • Food & Drinks
  • Guided Tour to Archeological Museum
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Calle de le Rasse
4536, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Doge's Palace

Visit the imposing Doge’s Palace with its marvelous rooms rich of artistic artwork made by famous venetian artists. You will discover the halls of power where the Doge and the highest politicians decided the faith of the Venice Republic. In these rooms you will be stunned in front of the “Last Judgment” by Tintoretto, one of the largest paintings in the world. Then the guide will escort you down in the old venetian prisons, passing through the magnificent Bridge of Sighs!
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1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Basilica di San Marco

The guided visit will proceed to the Basilica of Saint Mark, known also as the Golden Basilica, thanks to its uncountable mosaics made of pure gold! The guide will explain the history and meaning of the masterpieces that decorate the cathedral. (OUTSIDE TOUR IF THE BELL TOWER OPTION IS SELECTED)
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Piazza San Marco (pass by)

The two symbols of Venice are in the middle of the marvelous Saint Mark's Square.
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Campanile di San Marco

St. Mark's Bell Tower option for breathtaking views of Venice from above, including the domes of St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. An elevator ride takes you to the top, offering a unique panorama. Standing at 98 meters, the campanile is the tallest structure in Venice. (SELECTING THE BELL TOWER OPTION YOU WILL ENJOY THE ST. MARK'S BASILICA VISIT FROM OUTSIDE ONLY)
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • On Sundays, feast days and in case of unplanned religious celebrations the Basilica tour foresees the visit with direct access to the Terrace and to St. Mark's Museum situated on the first floor.
  • Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
  • Please note that the Marciana Library is closed on Sundays

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Basilica, Doge’s Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-21441P20

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.84
545 reviews

Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 545 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
485
4 stars
41
3 stars
12
2 stars
4
1 star
3

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Rialto Bridge Visit (if option is selected)
  • Bell Tower Priority Ticket (if the option is selected)
  • Bridge of Sighs Entrance
  • Skip the line ticket to Marciana Library (Closed on Sundays)
  • Skip the Line Ticket to Doge's Palace
  • Skip the line Ticket to the St. Mark's Cathedral
  • Skip the line ticket to Archeological Museum
  • St. Mark's Cathedral Terrace Entrance Ticket (if option is selected)
  • History Gallery - Venice in the past VR Experience
  • Skip the line Ticket to Royal Palace - Correr Museum (Empress Sissi Rooms & Napoleon Dancing Hall)
  • Guided tour by a qualified guide to Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Cathedral (if option is selected)
  • Hotel pickup & Drop Off
  • Food & Drinks
  • Guided Tour to Archeological Museum
  • Guided Tour to Marciana Library
  • Guided Tour to Royal Palace - Correr Museum

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
  • A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
  • Comfortable shoes suggested.
  • On Sundays, feast days and in case of unplanned religious celebrations the Basilica tour foresees the visit with direct access to the Terrace and to St. Mark's Museum situated on the first floor.
  • Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
  • Please note that the Marciana Library is closed on Sundays
  • On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
  • Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
  • For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).

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