Quick Details
Venice: Early Morning Doge’s Palace VIP Tour & St. Mark’s Basilica w/ Terraces
Discover the major highlights of Venice: Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica on an exclusive VIP tour led by an expert local guide. Experience early morning access to Doge’s Palace. Then, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, including its stunning terraces.
Begin your adventure at the famous St Mark’s Square and dive into the city’s origins and its historical, social, and political significance in this renowned public space.
Step behind closed doors and enter the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of Venice’s supreme rulers. Enjoy privileged access to the Palace as the city awakens, allowing you to bypass long lines and crowds. Your expert guide will lead you through the grand halls and chambers, providing fascinating insights into Venice’s political past. See the intricate works of 14th-century sculptors, and step inside the New Prison to learn about the darker side of Venice’s history. Cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners once glimpsed their last view of the city.
Next, visit St. Mark’s Basilica, where you can experience Venice’s most famous church with your pre-reserved tickets—Marvel at the golden mosaics, grand altars, and awe-inspiring architecture. Learn about the Basilica’s significance as a symbol of Venice’s wealth and power, and why it’s called the Church of Gold. Admire the exotic elements of the Cathedral as they mix with the classic Venetian-style Renaissance Art. Uncover the intriguing stories behind the life-sized Horses of Saint Mark and their connections to Istanbul.
Conclude your journey as your guide leads you to the stunning terraces, where you’ll take in panoramic views of St. Mark’s Square. Capture the beauty of Venice from above and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
Your admission ticket also includes entry to the Correr Museum on St Mark’s Square. After the tour has ended, you can enjoy the Correr Museum at your own leisure.
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- St.Mark’s Square
- Doge’s Palace (VIP access)
– Bridge of Sighs
– New Prisons - St.Mark’s Basilica (pre-reserved tickets)
- Life-size horses on the terraces facing St. Mark’s Square
- Correr Museum (self-guided)
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- Experience VIP access to the Doge’s Palace on an exclusive early morning tour.
- Walk through the Bridge of Sighs and New Prisons without the usual crowds.
- Visit the beautiful St. Mark’s Basilica and admire its stunning golden mosaics.
- Benefit from terrace access and enjoy breathtaking views of St. Mark’s Square.
- Discover Venice’s iconic landmarks with an exclusive tour led by a local guide.
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- Early morning exclusive tour
- VIP access to Doge’s Palace
- Small group experience (maximum 20 people)
- Pre-reserved tickets to St. Mark’s Basilica
- Terrace access at St. Mark’s Basilica
- Expert local guide
- Admission tickets for Correr Museum
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- Transport to the meeting spot
- Guided tour of the Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana
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- Bring your passport or ID card in order to prove your age if you have selected a discounted ticket.
- Do not bring large bags or luggage. These items are not allowed and there is no place to leave them so you will be denied entry.
- Please note that carrying any type of weapon or sharp objects, such as a knife, is not allowed for this tour.
- Basilica is a holy place, please wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- Acqua Alta (high tide) in Venice can cause delays in entering the Basilica.
- Religious authorities may decide to suspend skip-the-line priority because of the high number of visitors. We are only allowed to stay inside the Basilica for 20 minutes.
- In case of denied access, you will be provided with entrance tickets to visit the Basilica on your own at the assigned time.
- Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, you will be contacted before your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
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- Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
- Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
- Venice can be warm in the summer. Please be advised that this tour includes portions that are outside and could be in the full sun. Please bring a hat, small umbrella, or sunscreen if you are sensitive to the sun.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
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We meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe”.