Absolute Venice - Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & More with Priority Access
Duration
Open today
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
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Begin with a walking tour through Venice's quieter side, covering the calli, campi, and landmarks like Marco Polo's House and the Mercerie shopping district.
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Skip the queues and step inside the Doge's Palace, where gilded council chambers, masterworks by Tintoretto and Veronese, and the Bridge of Sighs tell the story of a thousand-year republic.
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Cross the Bridge of Sighs and enter the New Prisons, where your guide brings the darker side of Venetian justice to life.
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End the tour inside St. Mark's Basilica, a Byzantine masterpiece of golden mosaics, marble floors, and centuries of Venetian faith and power.
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An audio receiver device is included so you never lose a word of your guide's commentary, even in Venice's busiest spaces.
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Expert English, German, French, or Spanish-speaking tour guide
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Walking tour of Venice’s famous alleys
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Priority entry & guided tour of The Doge’s Palace
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Priority entry & guided tour of St Mark’s Basilica
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Personal audio device
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Hotel transfers
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Food & beverages
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You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Skip the queues at Venice's two greatest landmarks and see the city that surrounds them, on a guided tour that connects Venice's streets, its seat of power, and its most sacred space.
Getting started
Meet your guide at the designated meeting point near St. Mark's Square. Arrive a few minutes early and look for the Gray Line representative. The tour runs rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather.
What to expect
Walking tour of Venice
Before entering any landmark, your guide takes you through the lesser-known corners of the city. Wind through narrow calli and across stone bridges, pausing at Campo Santa Maria Formosa, the SS. Giovanni e Paolo church and its adjoining square, the Scuola Grande di San Marco, and the Malibran Theatre. The route loops back through the Mercerie, once Venice's main commercial artery connecting the Rialto Bridge to St. Mark's Square. Note that this portion of the tour is entirely outdoors and does not include entry to any sites.
Doge's Palace
The Doge's Palace served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. Skip the queue and head inside with your guide, who will lead you through the gilded halls and council chambers where the Doge and his government once ruled. Admire masterworks by Tintoretto and Veronese on the walls and ceilings, walk through the Golden Staircase, and cross the Bridge of Sighs into the New Prisons, where the weight of Venetian justice becomes tangible.
St. Mark's Basilica
A short walk from the palace brings you to St. Mark's Basilica, one of the most ornate cathedrals in the world. Your guide leads you through this Byzantine landmark, unpacking the stories behind its shimmering golden mosaics, marble floor inlays, and the treasures brought to Venice from across the known world. Your audio receiver keeps the commentary clear throughout.
What to bring
- Carry a valid government-issued ID matching the name on your booking. Entry may be refused without it.
What's not allowed
- Backpacks and large bags are not permitted inside St. Mark's Basilica. Only small bags, no larger than a purse, are allowed. There is no cloakroom at the Basilica, so do not bring large bags to the tour.
Accessibility
- The Doge's Palace is wheelchair accessible. However, since it is also a walking tour, this experience may not be suited for those with limited mobility.
Additional information
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St. Mark's Basilica is a place of worship. Shoulders and knees must be covered for entry; visitors who do not meet the dress code will be refused entry.
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The tour runs in all weather conditions. In the event of exceptional high tide, the tour may be cancelled and a full refund will be issued.
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On certain dates, Venice's city access contribution applies. Check the Comune di Venezia website for registration requirements and fees before your visit.
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No refunds are provided for no-shows or late arrivals.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly
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Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID to your guide
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If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification. Students must show their valid Student IDs
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Kindly ensure that you arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays
Meeting Point
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Your meeting point is Torre dell'Orologio (Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy)
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This is also known as St. Mark's Square's famous clock tower
Get Directions to the Meeting Point
Getting There
By Ferry
- Nearest ports are Fermanta S Marco and San Marco- San Zaccaria, both 3-minute walks to the meeting point
- Board ferries 1 & N stop hereValidity
This ticket is valid for the date and time selected during checkout
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