



Highlights
- Skip the lines at St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace – Avoid long waits with priority access to Venice’s two most iconic landmarks.
- Step inside the Doge’s Palace—Venice’s former seat of power – Walk through lavish halls, historic courts, and grand council chambers.
- Cross the Bridge of Sighs into the Palace’s hidden past – Follow the path of Venetian prisoners and uncover the city’s darker history.
- Marvel at St. Mark’s dazzling golden mosaics – Learn the fascinating story behind Venice’s most famous church and its stolen relics.
- Explore St. Mark’s Square & hear the stories behind its landmarks – See the bell tower, clock tower, and historic Procuratie buildings.
Tour description
A Private Journey Through the Power & Prestige of Venice
Venice is a city of majesty and mystery, shaped by rulers, artists, and centuries of political intrigue. On this Private Legendary Venice Tour, experience St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace as they were meant to be seen—up close, with an expert guide to unlock their secrets.
With skip-the-line access, you’ll explore the city’s most breathtaking landmarks, walk through the seat of Venice’s once-mighty rulers, and cross the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners glimpsed their last view of the city before imprisonment.
Unlike the exclusive after-hours tour, this experience offers a deeper dive into Venice’s political past and a rare look inside the Doge’s Palace—a must for history lovers.
Skip the Lines & Step Inside St. Mark’s Basilica
Avoid long lines and step directly inside Venice’s most famous church.
- Gaze up at 99,000 square feet of golden mosaics – Discover how Venice’s wealth and power are reflected in every shimmering detail.
- Learn the fascinating story of St. Mark’s relics – Hear how the remains of St. Mark were smuggled into Venice in a barrel of pork.
- Admire the breathtaking Pala d’Oro – One of the world’s most stunning altarpieces, adorned with hundreds of precious gems.
Uncover the Secrets of the Doge’s Palace
Step inside the Doge’s Palace, where Venice’s rulers once governed a vast maritime empire. Your guide will take you through:
- The Doge’s opulent apartments – See the lavish rooms where Venice’s rulers lived and worked.
- The Grand Council Chamber – Walk through the enormous hall where Venetian laws and history were shaped.
- Tintoretto’s Paradise – Discover one of the largest paintings in the world, covering an entire wall with breathtaking detail.
Follow the Footsteps of Prisoners Across the Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks, but few people know its real story. You’ll walk the same path as Venetian prisoners, stepping inside the palace’s eerie prison cells, where some of history’s most notorious captives were once held.
- Hear the legend of the Bridge of Sighs – Learn why prisoners sighed as they crossed into the palace dungeons.
- See the dark side of Venice’s history – From political betrayals to criminal trials, uncover the city’s past beyond its beauty.
Why Choose a Private Legendary Venice Tour?
- A rare opportunity to explore Venice’s political and religious past – Unlike the after-hours St. Mark’s tour, this experience includes the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs.
- Skip the long lines – Enjoy priority access so you can spend more time exploring, not waiting.
- Led by a Walks expert guide – With insider knowledge and deep storytelling skills, your guide will bring Venice’s history to life.
Sites visited
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
- St. Mark's Basilica
- Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior)
- Marciana Library (exterior)
- Doge’s Palace
- New Prisons
- Bridge of Sighs