VIP Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Tour — Step Into the Splendor of Venice’s Golden Age
Two of Venice’s greatest icons, one unforgettable experience.
Step beyond the crowds and into the grandeur of Venice’s past with our exclusive VIP tour of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. With private skip-the-line access and a licensed local guide by your side, you’ll uncover centuries of history, art, and intrigue — from the political heart of the Venetian Republic to its most breathtaking cathedral.
⚜️ Discover the Heart of Venetian Power — Doge’s Palace
Your journey begins inside the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), the beating heart of Venice’s government and the official residence of its powerful rulers. Once the center of diplomacy, justice, and ceremony, every marble staircase and gilded ceiling here tells a story of ambition and artistry.
- The Golden Staircase (Scala d’Oro): Ascend the magnificent staircase that once greeted foreign ambassadors, decorated with gold stucco and Renaissance frescoes.
- The Great Council Hall: Stand beneath Tintoretto’s colossal Paradise — the largest oil painting in the world — and imagine the grandeur of Venice’s ruling elite assembled here.
- The Bridge of Sighs & Prisons: Cross the enclosed bridge that carried prisoners from the opulent courtrooms to the dark cells below. Your guide will reveal the legends and human stories behind its name.
Every corner of this Gothic masterpiece invites wonder — and with your guide’s insider storytelling, history truly comes alive.
⛪ Experience the Splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica
Next, step into the dazzling world of St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice’s crown jewel of Byzantine architecture. Gold mosaics shimmer across domed ceilings, marble floors ripple with ancient patterns, and the scent of incense fills the air. Here, East meets West — a mosaic of faith, art, and history unlike anywhere else in the world.
Your private guide will illuminate the stories behind every glittering surface — from the relics of St. Mark himself to the priceless Pala d’Oro altar, a masterpiece of medieval goldsmithing adorned with nearly two thousand gemstones.
Dress code reminder: St. Mark’s Basilica is a place of worship — please cover shoulders and knees before entering.
✨ Why Choose a Private VIP Tour
- Skip-the-Line Access: Bypass the long queues with pre-reserved entry to both Doge’s Palace and the Basilica.
- Licensed Local Guide: Enjoy expert commentary that blends deep knowledge with engaging storytelling.
- Flexible Start: Convenient pickup directly from your hotel (when feasible) or from St. Mark’s Square by the Lion Column.
- Personalized Experience: Small group format for up to 7 guests ensures comfort, intimacy, and attention to detail.
Want to see Venice from the water too? Pair this experience with our Private 1-Hour Grand Canal Boat Tour for a truly comprehensive view of the city.
🕰️ Tour Details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Pick-Up: From your accommodation (where accessible) or at St. Mark’s Square, by the column with the Lion on top.
- Extra Pick-Ups: Available from Hilton, Marriott, San Clemente, Cipriani, and Lido Island (quoted separately).
- Entrance Fees: €30 per person for Doge’s Palace and €6 per person for St. Mark’s Basilica.
- Group Size: Up to 7 people without extra cost. Groups of 8–25 use a radio system for clear communication.
🕍 Opening Hours
- St. Mark’s Basilica: Monday–Saturday 09:30–17:15 (last entry 16:45). Sunday & holidays 14:00–17:15 (last entry 16:45).
- Doge’s Palace: November–March 09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00). April–October 09:00–19:00 (last entry 18:00). Note: closing procedures start 30 minutes before closing.
💡 Insider Tip
For a deeper exploration of Venetian art and faith, combine this experience with our St. Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Entry or add a visit to the Doge’s Palace Fast-Track Ticket for extra flexibility during your stay.
🎟️ Book Your VIP Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Tour
Walk through gilded halls, cross the Bridge of Sighs, and stand beneath golden domes — Venice’s most iconic landmarks await you.
