Early Access Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Balcony

Highlights

• Early access to the Doge's Palace
• Exclusive St. Mark's balcony
• Bridge of Sighs & New Prisons

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Stop 1

   15min

   Meet your guide in St. Mark’s Square at 8am, before the daytime crowds arrive. Discover how this magnificent piazza became the political and religious heart of Venice as your guide sets the scene for the landmarks you’re about to explore.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   1h 15min

   Enter the Doge’s Palace with specially secured early access, before it opens to the general public. Explore the Doge’s Apartments and Hall of the Great Council, home to Tintoretto’s monumental Paradise, one of the world’s largest oil paintings. Hear stories of Venetian politics, power and scandal as you explore the former seat of the Republic

3. 3

   St. Mark's Basilica

   1h

   Skip the line into St. Mark’s Basilica and discover its spectacular Byzantine architecture and glittering golden mosaics. Hear the story of St. Mark and his connection to Venice before climbing to the upper level and stepping onto the balcony for sweeping views over St. Mark’s Square and the Venetian Lagoon.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30min

   Cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs along the route once taken by prisoners from the Doge’s Palace to the New Prisons. Step inside the stark cells where the Venetian Republic held its convicted prisoners offering a striking contrast to the opulent halls you’ve just explored.

Before you go

Location