Explore the richly decorated rooms of the Doges Palace as you relive the European Middle Ages. Then, take a guided tour in the majestic Byzantine cathedral known as the Saint Mark's Basilica, the Golden Church.
Description
This tour is a combination of The Golden Basilica and The Doges Palace.
The Palazzo Ducale represented for centuries the seat of the Venetian political power. In these splendid rooms, plastered and immersed in hundreds of masterpieces of painting, the Duke and his Council controlled the fate of a thousand-year old republic. You'll live it together with a guide who will show you the halls of power, plunging you in a very particular historical context: the European Middle Ages and the immediately following centuries. You'll be surprised with the rich details of the gold staircase and the realism of the scenes depicted by many artists who have decorated this building. You will relive the anguish of the prisoners crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, and entering the Venetian prisons, famous for hosting Giacomo Casanova. An unforgettable tour not to be missed!
On the Saint Mark's Basilica tour, escorted by a tour guide accredited by the Curia of Venice, you will enjoy a full visit of the Golden Cathedral. This masterpiece of Byzantine art, a monument like no other in Italy, is filled with beautiful gold mosaics and marble inlaid floors. You can sit comfortably while our guide shows you the represented biblical scenes, the history and the particularities of this ancient basilica. Admire The Pala d'oro, an exquisite example of Byzantine art with its thousands of gems and precious stones. Enjoy the view of the Treasury, a splendor of the religious art collected along the centuries. The privileged entry and the special collaboration with the Curia of Venice allows us to avoid the queues!
After your tour of the Basilica, you can go on an optional trip (free of charge) by private boat to Murano Island and visit a glass factory to see and discover one of the greatest Venetian arts. The return to San Marco is included.
April to October Schedule (Summer)
English, German, French, Spanish: Monday to Saturday
November to March Schedule (Winter)
English: Monday to Saturday
German: Monday and Friday
French: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Skip the line ticket to Doge's Palace
Optional Glass Blowing Demonstration (if selected)
Skip the line ticket to St. Mark's Basilica
All our card payments are protected by thawte to give you peace of mind.
Schedule
Check in at St. Mark's Area
Doge's Palace
Enter the Doge's Palace and admire this masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Explore the splendid rooms which are plastered and immersed in hundreds of paintings. This historic building is the former residence of the "Doge of Venice" who ruled the former Republic of Venice.
St. Mark's Basilica
Avoid the long queues when you enter this masterpiece of Byzantine art. Marvel at the beautiful gold mosaics and marble inlays on the floors. Also, immerse yourself in the biblical scenes, rich history and the particularities of this ancient basilica.
Tour Ends at St. Mark's Area
(For Check-In) St. Mark's Square (St. Mark's Square, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy) Time: 10:30:00
(For Check-Out) St. Mark's Square (St. Mark's Square, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy) Time: 12:30:00
Check-in Time & Location
(For Check-In) St. Mark's Square (St. Mark's Square, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy) Time: 10:30:00
Check-out Time & Location
(For Check-Out) St. Mark's Square (St. Mark's Square, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy) Time: 12:30:00
Price & Options
Notes
For security reasons, sacks, bags, or knapsacks are not allowed inside the Basilica or Doge's Palace.
This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
Guests with a limited range of movement are not permitted to participate in this activity.
Walking shoes
Comfortable clothing
Clothing that covers from the shoulder to knee
No sleeveless, collarless shirts or T-shirts
No mini skirts
No flashy / gaudy clothing
During some days of high turnout or for reasons of force majeure (i.e. high tide or security problems), the waiting time to access St. Mark's Basilica might be longer than expected. In this case, please line up and respect the instructions provided by the guide.
Please note the schedules of the following guided tours in other languages: from Nov to March - English (Monday to Saturday) - German (Monday and Friday) - French (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) - Spanish (Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday) (the visit could be bilingual) from April to October every day in English, French, German, Spanish Saturday - in Italian (the visit could be bilingual)
Your admission ticket also gives you access to the following palaces around St. Mark’s Square that you may visit by yourself: Museo Correr, Venice National Archaeological Museum, and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana.
The optional tour of a glass factory with glass craftsman demonstration is not a part of the tour. Be kindly aware that this optional visit could take longer than the scheduled time and that it is not recommend if you have other reservation scheduled on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancellation Policy
Any cancellations made within 3 business days of your activity (after 10:45:00 local time) will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
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