Venice 3,5 hrs tour: Doge's Palace, St Mark's and Hidden Gems

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.

1. 1

   Piazza San Marco

   30 min

   Your guide will give you a brief introduction to the history of Venice and of the Doge's Palace

2. 2

   Palazzo Ducale

   1.5 hours

   Enjoy a 2-hour (from 11.10am to 1.30pm) in-dept tour of the Doges Palace and visit the famous Prisons.

3. 3

   Scala dei Giganti di Palazzo Ducale

   Pass by

   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.

4. 4

   Ponte dei Sospiri

   Pass by

   Walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs connecting the Doge's Palace to the Prisons and learn why it was given this name.

5. 5

   Porta Della Carta

   Pass by

   Learn about the Main entrance of the Doges Palace, the paper door that links the Doges Palace to St Mark's Basilica.

6. 6

   Basilica di San Marco

   30 min

   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.

7. 7

   Teatro La Fenice

   10 min

   Marvel at Teatro La Fenice and delve into its fascinating legacy.

8. 8

   Scala Contarini del Bovolo

   10 min

   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.

• 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

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.