Guided tour of Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
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Kick off your day at the grand Doge's Palace, once the residence of Venice's duke and the hub of his government. As a guide escorts you through its majestic chambers and council rooms, they'll highlight artwork by esteemed Venetian artists such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll learn about how Venice was governed from within these walls and hear tales of its infamous inmates, including Casanova. Experience their journey as you traverse the Bridge of Sighs from the palace into the austere New Prisons.Next, it's a brief stroll to St. Mark's Basilica, the city's most significant church. Bypass the lengthy queues and be awed by an exquisite fusion of Eastern and Western architecture, particularly the resplendent golden mosaic ceiling. As you explore the basilica, your guide will share intriguing (and occasionally scandalous) stories behind the basilica’s most precious artefacts, many of which arrived in Venice under curious circumstances.In just a couple of hours, you’ll have delved into Venice's art, politics, and folklore at two of the city's premier attractions with fewer crowds and greater understanding thanks to your knowledgeable local guide.
Highlights
- The tour begins at the grand Doge's Palace, once the residence of Venice's duke
- You'll be escorted through majestic chambers and council rooms, highlighting artwork by esteemed Venetian artists
- There will be intriguing tales about how Venice was governed and its infamous inmates, including Casanova
- A brief stroll leads to St
- Mark's Basilica, the city's most significant church I
- t's an opportunity to delve into Venice's art, politics, and folklore at two of the city's premier attractions
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Activity package
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Facilities
Free cancellation
mobile
2 hours
Available in English
What's included
- Guided walking tour
- Headsets (to hear the guide)
- Skip-the-line tickets
Not included
- Tips (optional)
- Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Where you'll meet
Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign.
Operated by
Walks
Important information
Know in advance:
* All guest including children must provide first and last name at the time of booking
* Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, they will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client's responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time
* If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, the local operator cannot be held responsible and no refund will be issued
* St. Mark's Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas
Remember to bring:
* All guests must bring photo ID on the day of their tour as it is required to visit the St. Mark's Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. Name changes are not permitted
* Appropriate footwear recommended
* Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry