Venice Tour: Explore Piazza di San Marco

Immerse yourself in the millenary history and stunning mosaics of the Basilica of San Marco in Venice. Explore the Piazza di San Marco, admire the Doges’ Palace, and experience the guide’s passionate love for the city.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Basilica di San Marco - Visit of Piazza San Marco, external and internal explanation of the Basilica of San Marco with its splendid mosaics
    External explanation of the ducal palace. Small break of about 15 min and then continuation of the visit in the ducal palace. Visit to the institutional halls, bridge of sighs and passage through prisons
    -…
What's Included
  • Small group of maximum 6 people
  • Tour available for even two participants
  • Carbonated beverages included
What's Not Included
  • entrance ticket to the ducal palace; possible skip the line basilica
  • do not carry bulky backpacks or bags
  • you should not take photographs or make videos in the basilica
  • to dress in a manner appropriate to the sacred place for the basilica, in summer the women will have to cover themselves
Additional Information

This expedition stands out due to the detailed understanding you’ll gain of the Piazza di San Marco, the basilica and its thousand-year-old history, which includes getting to appreciate the beautiful mosaics and marbles. You’ll also have a chance to explore the Doges’ Palace, the heart of the historical events of the Serenissima Republic. What sets this…

Location
Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
Piazza San Marco
between the columns of Marco and Todaro
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(46 Ratings)
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Quest22119667623
May 30, 2026
Expert tour by a guide who loves his history - Alessandro is an instant classic. His passion for everything Venice just flows from every sentence, expression and movement. Such a joy to be around and his knowledge is unmatched. If we can remember 1% we will be experts. Enjoy your visit and leave your worries behind.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sara_t
Apr 24, 2026
Visit Top - Very good, passionate and engaging driving. Point out particulars and explain in depth.
Review provided by Viator
855sarat
Apr 23, 2026
Visit Top - Very engaging and passionate guide of Venice
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N3319yesandyt
Apr 9, 2026
Fabulous tour - Alex was a first class guide. Entertaining, knowledgeable helpful. Will highly recommend him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brendany668
Apr 1, 2026
Personal Family Tour of Venice - We had a wonderful day with Alessandro. He speaks excellent English and, being a Venetian, is very knowledgeable of the area. Personalized tour of San Marco, Doge's Palace, and final stop in Murano. A special day with family in Venice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z7322cgcraigh
Mar 27, 2026
Great time - Super fun. Very informative.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Northstar41735338493
Mar 14, 2026
Wonderful private tour!! - We had a wonderful tour today with Alessandro!! He was very knowledgeable, interesting, and so friendly. His English is perfect and his love for this city, and these places was evident in the way he shared the history with us. He made us love this city even more. Thank you Alessandro for a very memorable experience! Your new friends, Mark & Julie.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel507668
Feb 16, 2026
Unreal private tour, a must! - It was really amazing. Alessandro is so knowledgeable and personable. He is a local and has such a deep passion for Venice and its history. I was truely overwhelmed with joy throughout the tour and would highly recommend to anyone seeking to tap into Venice’s rich culture and traditions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meredithh93
Dec 30, 2025
History from a native Venetian! - Alessandro is a native Ventian and an historian, making his insights into Venice especially meaningful. Starting in St Mark's square early one morning, we learned about the very early history of Venice's foundings, the history of St Mark's arrival, and the exterior of the Doge Palace. We then went into the Doge Palace, seeing everything from the courtyard and its marble adornments to the glorious art in the many governmental rooms that the Doge and the senate worked in. We saw the prison cells and walked over the bridge of sighs. It was spectacular! Then, because we had a difficult time getting tickets into St Mark's that coordinated with Alex's schedule, we met with Alex again in the late afternoon to go into St. Mark's Basilica. The church is astounding but the guide made all the difference - talking about all the mosaics, their dates and restorations, their religious significance, their origins, and the floods that have threatened the basilica. We even got to see the Pala d'Oro, and Alex's tidbits about it were so interesting and informative. Between his knowledge, passion for Venice, and flexibility with our schedule, his company was invaluable. He even got us pointed to a less touristy gondoleer so we could have that experience too. Bottom line - Alex is a fantastic resource and a lovely guide who gives the art and history of Venice life with his passion and knowledge. We were so thrilled with him and the tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shela_k
Nov 9, 2025
Fabulous - Alejandro is very passionate and knowledgable. Private tour was fabulous. So glad we did it. We learned so much!!
Review provided by Viator
From $137
up to 7 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).