Venice Deluxe Tour
Description
Semi-private walking tour of the main attractions in the St. Mark’s area, including skip-the-line entrance to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Other highlights of this informative and entertaining 3-hour tour comprises hidden gems of Venetian architecture as well as insights into the history of Venice, its palaces and churches, and traditional crafts. The itinerary is designed to appeal to visitors looking for an authentic Venetian experience and the undivided attention of the passionate professional guide who is the heart and soul of this tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your guide will illustrate all the major sights in this area that was the center of power in the days of the Venetian Republic, including the Doges' Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.
The centre of political power and the official residence of the Doge, the spectacular rooms are literally lined with priceless masterpieces. See the halls of power in which the government of the Most Serene Republic convened and visit the notorious Prison in which Casanova was jailed.
Once the Doge's private chapel, the Basilica is covered in golden mosaics and priceless treasures. The iconic domes of the exterior top a loggia with the famous golden horses.
The oldest bridge over the Grand Canal, still lined with shops as it was in the Middle Ages it affords a breathtaking view of the magnificent palaces lining the canal banks.
The spiral staircase of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is one of the hidden gems of Venice, tucked away in a side alley between the Rialto and St. Mark's Square
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- 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 also not allowed inside St Mark's Basilica.
- In case of high tides or religious ceremonies preventing access to the interior of the Basilica, an extended tour of the outside of the basilica will be given instead.
- The Doge’s Palace may also occasionally be closed to the public due to strikes, exceptional closures, state visits, or other special occasions. In that event, a possible alternative may be the Correr Museum in St. Mark’s Square with the Imperial Rooms and Venetian Collection. Entrance included in the Doge’s Palace ticket.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough participants to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- The number of admission tickets available for the interior of St. Mark's Basilica is limited and operates on a first-come first-served basis. In the event of no availability, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- 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, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
- Access to St. Mark's Basilica now has a 72 hour cutoff time. Late bookings will be offered an alternative
- 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. Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to St. Mark’s Basilica.
- St Mark's Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person for tour guides.
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
Reviews(782)
Great information about the san marco basilica with a good touch of humour.
Antonio was a great personal tour guide of historic Venice. His family is from there and he explained all the history while skipping the lines and navigating the top sights!
Antonio was clearly enthusiastic about Venice and that showed throughout the tour. He was extremely knowledgeable and his linguistic skills were amazing, being able to converse with different members in the group in different languages and fluently. He always made sure he translated so everyone understood what he was saying.
Antonio was an excellent guide. He showed us around Venice highlighting history, landmarks, and places that are a must see for first time visitors. He was very friendly, patient, and humorous while guiding us. I would recommend Antonio to anyone coming to see Venice.
If you have the opportunity to take this tour with Antonio, do it! He’s a purebred born and raised Venetian with a wealth of knowledge. My husband and I enjoyed his enthusiasm while walking and talking about the major landmarks as well as having a delicious gelato. Additionally, he gave suggestions on where to dine, shop for carnival masks and certified Murano glass pieces. Reserve your space with Antonio Barbini, he’s amazing!
Antonio has been a perfect guide. He made the visit very pleasant with interesting explanations, always responding with curious facts that you would never find in an audio guide. You can tell that he knows the history and enjoys telling it. Without a doubt, we will repeat with Antonio when we return to Venice.
We really enjoyed the visit to the Basilica with Antonio. He helped us discover the history of this place as well as little-known anecdotes. Even though the tour was in English, Antonio also speaks French. I highly recommend it!
Antonio gave us a wonderful tour of Venice with his perspective as a native Venetian. In addition to a skip-the-lines tour of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica, he had a number of "surprise" venues he was eager to share. Our tour wrapped up with prosecco and sandwiches in St. Mark's Square. What a great afternoon! Be ready to walk and learn!
Antonio was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing his country’s history with my family.
Antonio made our Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica tour one of the highlights of our trip to Venice! He somehow managed to make centuries of history entertaining, easy to follow, and genuinely funny. His passion for Venice is contagious, and he had the perfect mix of fascinating stories, humor, and local insights. He even walked us over to the Murano glass-blowing demonstration afterward, which was a thoughtful touch and much appreciated. If you think history is boring, take a tour with Antonio—you’ll quickly change your mind. We came away with a much better understanding of Venice, plenty of laughs, and a new appreciation for the Doges (and a few fun facts we’ll probably be repeating for years). Highly recommend requesting Antonio if you get the chance!
