Venice:Early Access Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica + Balcony

See two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks with access that makes all the difference. Start early in St. Mark’s Square before the daytime crowds build, then enter the Doge’s Palace with specially secured early access before it opens to the general public. Explore the palace’s magnificent rooms as your expert guide brings the power, politics and scandals of the Venetian Republic to life. See the Doge’s Apartments and Hall of the Great Council, home to Tintoretto’s monumental Paradise, before crossing the legendary Bridge of Sighs into the stark New Prisons. Skip the line at St. Mark’s Basilica to discover its golden mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Climb up to step onto the basilica’s balcony for sweeping views across St. Mark’s Square and the Venetian Lagoon. With early access to the Doge’s Palace, skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica and balcony access, this tour is designed to optimise Venice’s two must-see landmarks in the best possible way.

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.

Pickup

Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.

Ticket type

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Group size

Up to 25 travellers

Operated by

Walks - Italy & Spain

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
• Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
• Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
• No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
• If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
• All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.