Venice Private Tour: St Mark’s, Doge’s Palace & Hidden Gems

Venice

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Price from: €394Check availability

Venice Private Tour: St Mark’s, Doge’s Palace & Hidden Gems

Price from
€394
Duration
3 h
Group size
Up to 14 travellers
Guide languages
English

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Overview

Discover Venice on a 3.5-hour guided walking tour that begins in Hidden Venice and ends with its most iconic monuments. Start in the quiet backstreets and canals behind St Mark’s, where your guide reveals everyday Venetian life, charming bridges and intimate campos, and introduces two hidden gems: the exterior of La Fenice Theatre and the graceful Bovolo Staircase. Then enjoy skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace, exploring its opulent halls, masterpieces by Tintoretto and Veronese, and crossing the Bridge of Sighs to the old prisons. Finish inside St Mark’s Basilica with skip-the-line entry, where golden mosaics, Byzantine domes and marble inlays come to life through your guide’s stories. This is a small-group tour, also available as a private tour option for guests who prefer a fully personalized experience.

What's included

Whisper audio system for clear listening
3,5 hrs Professional English-speaking local guide
Guaranteed to skip the long lines to Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica

Not included

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks

What you will do

Piazza San Marco
Your guide will give you a brief introduction to the history of Venice and of the Doge's Palace
30 min
Palazzo Ducale
Enjoy a 2-hour (from 11.10am to 1.30pm) in-dept tour of the Doges Palace and visit the famous Prisons.
1 h 30 min
Scala dei Giganti di Palazzo Ducale
While standing in the courtyard as your guide will introduce you to the Doges Palace architecture and history, see and learn about the Giant Staircase leading up to the Palace and used for formal entrances.
Pass by, no stop
Ponte dei Sospiri
Walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs connecting the Doge's Palace to the Prisons and learn why it was given this name.
Pass by, no stop
Porta Della Carta
Learn about the Main entrance of the Doges Palace, the paper door that links the Doges Palace to St Mark's Basilica.
Pass by, no stop
Basilica di San Marco
We'll discuss the famous landmarks of St. Mark's square, you'll enjoy an in-depth tour of St. Mark's Basilica, to admire the astonishing interior covered in rich and lavish mosaics and you'll learn about the strong Byzantine influences on the city that helped Venice realize its own unique style of architecture.
30 min
Teatro La Fenice
Marvel at Teatro La Fenice and delve into its fascinating legacy.
10 min
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Discover the hidden gem of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo on a guided visit to its iconic spiral “snail” staircase. Hear the story of the Contarini family and the blend of Gothic and Renaissance design.
10 min

Meeting point

Entrance to the Royal Gardens, on the waterfront of St Mark's Square - You'll meet Avventure Bellissime tour coordinator outside the gardens, in front of the wrought iron Gate holding a sign with the name of the tour and Avventure Bellissime logo written on it.

End point: Entrance to the Royal Gardens, on the waterfront of St Mark's Square - You'll meet Avventure Bellissime tour coordinator outside the gardens, in front of the wrought iron Gate holding a sign with the name of the tour and Avventure Bellissime logo written on it.

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless 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
Large bags and rucksacks are not allowed inside St Mark's Basilica
At certain times it may not be possible to enter any of the visited churches due to religious functions taking place. These closures are beyond our control so no refunds or discounts will be issued
On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable.
Small group Tour - maximum 14 - Min 5 people
ID Cards and Passports of all participants are mandatory to enter inside the St. Mark's Basilica.
Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
St. Mark’s Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.