Legendary Venice St Mark’s Basilica, Terrace and Doge’s Palace
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Full details
This Legendary Venice tour takes you on a tour of two of the floating city’s most important buildings: St. Mark’s Cathedral, and the Doge’s Palace. As you explore these jaw-dropping spaces, your expert local guide will bring them to life with the histories and stories of how they were built and the human dramas that played out inside.
Our guide to Legendary Venice St Mark’s Basilica, Terrace and Doge’s Palace
Start in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square, taking a moment to appreciate the space before diving into St. Mark’s Cathedral.
Here you will get a deep look at the way that Venice built a mercantile empire that once spanned the entire Mediterranean. As you gape at the mosaics and other treasures inside, your expert Venetian guide will explain how the city begged, borrowed, and yes, stole, almost all of them as it grew from a tiny island to one of the biggest powers in the Medieval world. You’ll also get special access to the first-floor terrace where you can see the famous horses stolen from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade as well as amazing views over St Mark’s Square and the city.
Next, it’s off to the Doge’s Palace, where pre-reserved tickets once again get us past the lines and inside what was the political heart of the empire for hundreds of years. Here you’ll visit the Doge’s own opulent apartments and the Hall of the Great Council where matters of state were decided under beautiful frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto, You’ll also see the armoury and the New Prisons, where you’ll learn about the grim lives of anyone unlucky enough to be taken prisoner. You’ll also find out the secret behind the mysterious black veil that interrupts the official series of Doge’s portraits. Hint: it will make you not want to work in Venetian government.
Finally, you’ll wander over the Bridge of Sighs and learn why this romantic icon is a little grimmer than you have probably been taught.
Venice is a beautiful city but it doesn’t really come to life until you have an expert, local Venetian guide to show you around and tell you the stories that take you deep into the history and lore of the city. In a small group of no more than 25 people, you will have intimate access to your guide and be able to ask them all the questions you want about the improbable history of one of the world’s most unique cities.
Departs
Daily.
Start times
2.00pm
Duration
3 hours
Terms and conditions
Terms and conditions for Legendary Venice St Mark’s Basilica, Terrace and Doge’s Palace
- You will receive a voucher for this experience. Please read it thoroughly.
- Itinerary is subject to change without notice.
- Gratuities to guides are appreciated but never obligatory.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes before the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.
- This tour has a maximum capacity of 25 guests.
- Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers.
- St. Mark's Basilica can be subject to unforeseen closures due to particular liturgical celebrations. In the case in which the basilica is closed, we will give you explanations from the outside.
- Please remember that the Basilica is a holy place and attire must be appropriate: Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks of Italy cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress. Backpacks are prohibited inside of St. Mark's Basilica.
- This tour runs rain or shine. However, occasionally St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are closed to the public, without previous notice, due to high tides or particular festivities. In these cases, we endeavour to contact customers as soon as possible to arrange a suitable alternative.
- Tours depart precisely at the scheduled tour start time. If you show up late or cannot find the meeting point, for any reason, refund requests are not honoured per policy. For most tours, it is not logistically possible to join the group after it has started.
- Cancellation Policy: A full refund will be given on cancellations made more than 72 hours before tour commencement. Cancellations received within 72 hours before the tour are non-refundable. We will, however, do our best to reschedule you for another tour. Please note, this is subject to availability and price changes.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for Legendary Venice St Mark’s Basilica, Terrace and Doge’s Palace
Can I take a bag with me into St. Mark's Basilica?
Only small bags are allowed. Anything bigger than a purse - backpacks or luggage - is prohibited. There is no coat check either, so do not bring any large bags with you.
