Discover the highlights and peaceful corners of Venice on an immersive walking tour. Stroll down narrow alleys to picturesque squares where Venetians conduct their daily social lives. Skip the long lines to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 4 - 4.5 hours
- Starting time 9:00 AM
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, German, Spanish, French, Italian
- Audio guide/headphones
- English, German, Spanish, French
Experience
Highlights
- See the highlights and most iconic symbols of Venice
- Marvel at the masterpieces of art in the Doge's Palace
- See gold mosaics and the gem-encrusted Pala d'Oro in St. Mark's Basilica
- Discover picturesque corners where Venetians gather to socialize
- Learn interesting facts about Venice and life in a city built on water
Full description
Meet your guide on Piazza San Marco for the start of an immersive walking tour. Learn the story of Venice and the Venetian Empire at monuments such as the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark's Clock Tower and the Procuratie, built over the arcades of Piazza San Marco (external views only).
Stroll over to Campo Santa Maria Formosa to admire the church of SS. Giovanni e Paolo and its famous Pantheon. Next, go to the Scuola Grande di San Marco, also knowns as the “Great School of Charity” whose members ((Captains of Fortune) included some of the great Italian explorers of the 15th century. Head back to Piazza San Marco to admire the Teatro Malibran, once the "biggest, most beautiful and richest theatre in the city." Walk down the shopping street of Le Mercerie to see the boutiques of top designers in what was once the pulsing heart of the city's commercial life.
Along the way, wander the small alleys known as “calli” and discover picturesque squares where Venetians still gather to conduct their everyday social lives. Find hidden gems and learn interesting facts about the "Serenissima" and its everlasting story.
Then, skip the long lines to the Doge’s Palace and explore one of the most important symbols of Venice. As the seat of Venetian political power for centuries, the majestic rooms contain hundreds of masterpieces of art that will take your breath away.
Next, enter the beautiful Byzantine monument of St. Mark's Basilica and learn about Saint Mark and how his ruins came to rest here. See stunning mosaics of gold and marble inlays, and learn the history of the architectural masterpiece and its priceless treasures. Go to the Treasury to look at a splendid example of religious art, and marvel at the thousands of gems and precious stones of the Pala d’Oro.
Includes
- Entrance ticket to the Doge's Palace
- Skip-the line access to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
- Guide
- Transport
- Food and beverages
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meeting point varies depending on option booked.
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- Until further notice, entrance inside St. Mark’s Basilica is not possible due to ongoing restoration work. Tours will visit the basilica's Terrace and its Museum instead
- Due to security measures, lines to enter the Doge's Palace may be expected even for travelers with skip-the line access. All travelers are required to go through the safety checks
- On bank holidays and special dates a large number of participants may be expected. This is not a private or small group tour
- For security reasons, backpacks/bags are not permitted inside St. Mark's Basilica and must be left at the free deposit in Calle San Basso. Please take as few bags as possible in order to avoid the long lines at the deposit
- Please wear appropriate clothes to enter St. Mark's Basilica (no bare knees/shoulders)
- No refunds will be given for no shows or late arrivals. The tour takes place even in the event of rain. In the event of exceptionally high tides, the tour may be cancelled and a refund will be provided
