The Seat of Power: the Doge's Palace and the Basilica of Saint Mark
Joined 2025
Whether you are visiting Venice for the first time or you are already familiar with the city, a visit to St Mark's Square is a must: over the centuries, this square has been the heart of the Republic of Venice, symbolizing its power and wealth.
This tour is an excellent introduction to the city.
We will learn how Venice rose to become one of the major ports of the Mediterranean, visiting Saint Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, including the famous Bridge of Sighs and the historic dungeons.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel OR the two gigantic pillars of Saint Mark and Saint Theodore - facing the water front on the square of Saint Mark
- These columns once marked the ceremonial gateway to the city. In the days of exploration and trade, this was where visitors and ambassadors arrived, catching their first glimpse of Venice as they disembarked.
The Doge's Palace
Formerly the residence of the Doge and the seat of the Venetian government, the Doge’s Palace is now one of the city’s most visited museums. It houses an extraordinary collection of Renaissance works, including paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese.
The Bridge of Sighs and the New Prisons
Set aside any romantic notions associated with the Bridge of Sighs. Its true purpose was far grimmer: it led prisoners from the interrogation rooms of the palace to the prison cells, offering a last view of the lagoon before imprisonment—or, in some cases, execution. We will learn about the history of the New Prisons and walk through the narrow cells and dark corridors of the dungeons.
The Piazza and the Clock Tower
For centuries, St. Mark’s Square was the stage for Venice’s most important processions. Here, the Doge and his entourage displayed their power and received the acclaim of the people.
Surrounded by elegant cafés, the square has long been a hub of social life. We will also admire the Clock Tower, notable for its ingenious mechanism and striking Renaissance architecture.
The Splendid Basilica of Saint Mark
Once the Doge’s private chapel, the Basilica of Saint Mark is one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine art and architecture in Italy. Its golden mosaics, depicting stories from the Old and New Testaments, took centuries to complete and reflect the devotion and faith of the Venetian people.
Ending Point
The Ala Napoleonica / Correr Mueum entrance
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The guide fee
The pick up at the hotel (if in the city center)
The cost of the entrance tickets (about 45 USD per person)
The tickets handling fee - if needed
Food and drinks - if any
Gratuities
Tour Important Information
* This tour includes the visit of the church of Saint Mark: appropriate dress code is required (no sleeveless shirts, no mini skirts or shorts, no large rucksacks)
* This tour involves walking and climbing steps so be sure to wear comfortable shoes
* This tour is wheelchair accessible
On Sundays and festive days the Basilica of Saint Mark is closed in the morning so the tour should be in the afternoon
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Sabrina S.
Hi, I’m Sabrina and I have been a tour guide for over 20 years now. Sharing my knowledge of Venice has been my dream since I can recall and it’s the profession I would still choose today. It gives me freedom and the chance of meeting people from other cultural backgrounds with whom I can share values and a good laugh. I’m Italian but I’ve lived abroad for several years in America, Germany and Japan and when I offer tours I try to put myself on the shoes of the visitors to get a fresh, entertaining and authentic understanding of the city!
$500/ per group
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