2 h

About this activity

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Piazza San Marco, Veneto

Experience the opulence of La Serenissima, or the Republic of Venice, during this 2 hour small-group guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doges Palace, meeting at 1.50pm near St. Mark’s Square to begin your tour at 2.00pm.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Basilica di San Marco, Veneto

You’ll skip the line to enter the basilica as your guide points out a few significant artworks, including gold Byzantine mosaics, ornate altars, and a treasury of metalworks, jewels, and enamels. With an included headset you won’t miss any details, as your guide shares stories of the merchants, rulers, and artisans who contributed to Venice’s rise as one of the most powerful trading ports in Europe.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Ponte dei Sospiri, Veneto

You’ll also see the Bridge of Sighs and learn the legends of the condemned who walked its path from the Doge’s Palace to prison.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Doge's Palace, Veneto

Experience the pomp and ceremony of the magnificent Doges, arguably the most curious figures in Venetian history. Hear about the ancient tradition of selecting the most cunning and wise senior official to the role of ecclesiastical, civil and military ruler. Find out about the peculiar ceremonial wedding duties undertaken by the Doge, the opulent processions and other unique archaic traditions the role commanded. Explore the Doge’s Palace that stood as a monumental testament to the power of this role. Find out about the strict rules that governed their rule. Hear about the way one Doge intentionally set up a great international catastrophe just to turn a profit. Our expert tour guide will reveal the shrewd command held by the Doges over world powers in international trade, greatly influencing society and art in Venice and beyond. This tour also includes crossing the hauntingly beautiful Bridge of Sighs, the pathway of the condemned who carved their last desperate messages to the world on the walls of this unique place in Venice. Tour ends at 4.00 pm.
Please note, to enter the basilica, bags are not permitted and guests must have knees and shoulders covered for men and women.
The tour is not available in August, and alternate sites may be visited during religious events.

Duration: 1 hour

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Included

Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Professional guide
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Entry/Admission - Basilica di San Marco
Entry/Admission - Doge's Palace
Guaranteed to skip the lines

Not included

Gratuities

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless/backless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
Due to increased security, some delays in entry are to be expected. We do in any case offer the quickest possibly entry.
Bags (including purses, satchels, or pouches), backpacks or other varieties are no longer permitted in St Mark's Basilica
Please bring as few personal items as possible on this tour.
At times, St Mark's Basilica is closed for religious ceremonies, often without prior announcement. In these instances, the tour will proceed without entering into the Basilica. It is in any case free to enter at a later time via the regular entry queue.
Tour is not available in August
A current valid passport (or other photo ID) is required on the day of travel for all persons aged 17 years and under.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers