Venice:Early Access Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica + Balcony

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   Meet your guide in St. Mark’s Square at 8am, before the daytime crowds arrive. Discover how this magnificent piazza became the political and religious heart of Venice as your guide sets the scene for the landmarks you’re about to explore.

   15 minutes•Admission free

2. 2

   Enter the Doge’s Palace with specially secured early access, before it opens to the general public. Explore the Doge’s Apartments and Hall of the Great Council, home to Tintoretto’s monumental Paradise, one of the world’s largest oil paintings. Hear stories of Venetian politics, power and scandal as you explore the former seat of the Republic

   1h 15m•Admission included

3. 3

   Skip the line into St. Mark’s Basilica and discover its spectacular Byzantine architecture and glittering golden mosaics. Hear the story of St. Mark and his connection to Venice before climbing to the upper level and stepping onto the balcony for sweeping views over St. Mark’s Square and the Venetian Lagoon.

   1 hour•Admission included

4. 4

   Cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs along the route once taken by prisoners from the Doge’s Palace to the New Prisons. Step inside the stark cells where the Venetian Republic held its convicted prisoners offering a striking contrast to the opulent halls you’ve just explored.

   30 minutes•Admission included

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.

The map shows Venice. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

Pickup

• Everyone meets at the start point

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
• 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.
• 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, we 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.
• No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
• If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
• All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
• Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
• St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• - Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows. - Due to the religious nature of the Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. A scarf or shawl is acceptable. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry. - 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, we 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. - Large bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour. - No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort. - If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. 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. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside. - Appropriate footwear recommended. - All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted. - Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.

Cancellation and refunds

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.