Cultural & Theme Tours in Venice

St Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace with Secret Passages Access (opens in a new tab)

392 3 h

A visit to Venice wouldn’t be the same without delving into its long and fascinating history as the world’s oldest republic. Go beyond the traditional route, stepping behind the scenes of the Doge’s Palace to explore the secret archives, offices, torture chambers, and the palace attic, home to top-security prison cells, including that of the famed Casanova! Finish next door at St. Mark's Basilica, combining a visit to Venice's top landmarks in one seamless tour.

Venice : St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs (opens in a new tab)

27 2 h 30 min

Immediately access the splendid St Mark's Basilica and the majestic Doge's Palace, where history and art intertwine. Admire the basilica's golden mosaics and stroll through the palace's sumptuous halls. Don't miss the romantic Bridge of Sighs and the historic New Prisons, which tell the story of the city's past. With the ticket you will also have access to the Museums of St. Mark's Square, the Correr Museum, the Marciana Library and the Archaeological Museum, making your visit complete and memorable.

Free cancellation

Full-Day Venice Lagoon Tour: Visit Murano, Burano and Torcello (opens in a new tab)

371 6 h

Meet your tour guide in the public square of Venice to begin your 6-hour tour in the Venetian Islands. Visit the enchanting islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello by boat. Your local guide will accompany you through the best and most-characteristic places of the Venetian Lagoon. Watch master glassblowers at work at a glass factory in Murano. Learn the history of the oldest inhabited island of Venice. See lace shops in Burano and photograph the most colorful island of Venice. Get explanations about the history and culture of Venice and its islands along the way. Starting from 1/02/2026, tickets for the Burano Lace Museum and the Torcello Museum can be purchased on board. Free time to visit Murano - 1.5 hours. (If most customers indicate a preference for staying longer on Murano for lunch, the stop may be up to 2.5 hours) Free time to visit Burano - 1 hour Free time to visit Torcello - 45 minutes

Free cancellation

St Mark’s Basilica Small-Group Guided Tour with Optional Gondola (opens in a new tab)

144 45 min – 1 h 30 min

Step into a world of shimmering gold and timeless beauty with this exclusive guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica. With priority access that lets you skip the crowds, you'll enter the breathtaking interiors of the Golden Basilica, where every surface tells a story through dazzling Byzantine mosaics. But here's what makes this tour truly special: you'll be accompanied by a Venetian tour guide who brings these ancient stones to life. While wandering alone might show you the beauty, only an expert guide can reveal the hidden meanings behind each glittering mosaic, explain the fascinating techniques used by medieval artisans, and share the captivating tales that shaped this thousand-year-old masterpiece. You'll discover details most visitors walk right past and connect with Venice's soul in a way that's simply impossible without expert insight. Want the ultimate Venice experience? During booking, you can choose the option with the gondola ride and get everything in one seamless package.

Private Tour of St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace (opens in a new tab)

62 2 h

This tour is unique because you will be able to understand the history of the Piazza di San Marco, the basilica and its millenary history, you will be able to admire the mosaics and marbles .... you will be able to see the Doges' Palace, where the events of the Serenissima Republic. But what will make the tour unique is the guide's passion and love for his city

Free cancellation

Interpreti Veneziani Ensemble Baroque Concert in Venice Ticket (opens in a new tab)

431 1 h 20 min

Enjoy a memorable evening concert of baroque music by the acclaimed Interpreti Veneziani ensemble in the heart of Venice. Head for the Palazzo Zaguri and take your seat for a performance of lilting baroque concertos and sinfonias by composers such as Mozart, Handel, Bach and Vivaldi. Immerse yourself in such soul-stirring works as Vivaldi’s "The Four Seasons" and Mozart’s "A Little Night Music," all brought to life by the passion and skill of the ensemble.

Create your Glass Artwork: Private Lesson with Local Artisan in Venice (opens in a new tab)

350 1 h 15 min

You will create a marvelous glass artwork with one of the most famous craftsmen of Venice: Massimiliano Caldarone. You are going to discover the secrets and techniques of glass-making art while you personally realize a unique item. A class with a celebrated Venetian craftsman who will teach you how to create a unique glass artwork, following the old Murano techniques. These procedures are known as lamp-work and it a typical venetian style to realize magnificent glass items. The master artisan will help you, step by step, during the whole experience to make you make your personal and inimitable glass masterpiece that, at the end, you will bring it at home as a special souvenir.

Free cancellation

St. Mark's Basilica: Golden Cathedral Priority Visit (Refundable) (opens in a new tab)

498 30 min – 1 h 30 min

Embark on a guided tour of one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks: the magnificent Saint Mark’s Basilica. With an expert guide, discover the rich history of the Golden Basilica, famous for its breathtaking gold mosaics. For an enhanced experience, you can add the terrace option and admire panoramic views over Saint Mark’s Square and the lagoon. The journey continues with an immersive virtual reality experience, transporting you back in time to see the Basilica as the Doge’s private chapel and the Palace as a medieval fortress. For even more exclusivity, choose the private tour option and enjoy a personal guide dedicated to making your visit unforgettable.

Free cancellation

Basilica, Doge's Palace, History Gallery & Bell Tower Option (opens in a new tab)

689 1 h – 3 h

Experience an exclusive guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, iconic landmarks of Piazza San Marco. Admire the grandeur of the Golden Staircase and stunning artworks in the Doge's Palace, and cross the Bridge of Sighs to explore the historic prisons where Casanova was held, reminiscent of Alcatraz’s mystique. Visit St. Mark's Basilica, known as the Golden Basilica, to marvel at its glittering mosaics, as dazzling as any European cathedral. Then, enjoy a virtual reality experience at the History Gallery of Venice. With a VR headset, see Piazza San Marco as it once was, imagining the Basilica as the Doge's private chapel and the Palace as a medieval fortress. Choose the St. Mark's Bell Tower option for panoramic views of Venice, much like viewing New York City from above. An elevator ride to the top offers breathtaking vistas of the domes, St. Mark's Square, and the lagoon. Enhance your visit with an audio guide and digital map for deeper insights.

Free cancellation

Early Entrance Doge Palace & St Mark's Basilica Terrace Tour (opens in a new tab)

36 2 h 30 min

Gain early priority access to the Doge’s Palace, before the normal public access times, allowing you the chance to admire this wonder in a whole new light. Gain Skip-the-line priority access to St. Mark’s Basilica and its terrace, where you will get to admire the opulence and the luxuriousness of the Basilica and also witness the panoramic view of Piazza San Marco, the island of San Giorgio, the Campanile and the Clock Tower that will surely be a sight to behold. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Venice and fall in love with its culture, religion, art and food while marveling at the incredible architecture and history of this city on water.

Venice Carnival Mask Workshop & Casanova Prison Palace Experience (opens in a new tab)

9 1 h 15 min

Skip the typical Venice walking tour, this is where history meets creativity. Inside the historic Prison Palace near St. Mark’s Square, you’ll hear the story of Casanova’s escape, then create your own Venetian Carnival mask in a hands-on workshop led by a local artisan. It’s more than sightseeing, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind Venice souvenir you made yourself.

Venice's Best Seller: Basilica & Doge, Gondola + Casanova Lunch (opens in a new tab)

419 5 h – 6 h

Experience the Magic of Venice with Our Venice Grand Tour Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica, where stunning golden mosaics and intricate frescoes tell stories that span centuries. Our local experts will guide you through this architectural marvel. Next, step into the grandeur of Doge's Palace. This blend of art and history will transport you back in time, making you feel like a character in your own Venetian adventure. Enjoy an unforgettable Rialto Bridge walking tour in the city center. Finally, upgrade your visit with a breathtaking gondola ride along romantic venetian canals. Glide past historic landmarks and soak in the panoramic views that have inspired countless artists and dreamers. Reserve your spot today and embark on an unforgettable Venice journey that combines history, culture, and stunning scenery.

Free cancellation

Skip-the-Line St. Mark’s Basilica: Guided Tour in Venice (opens in a new tab)

339 1 h

Discover one of the world’s most majestic cathedrals, a true masterpiece of Byzantine art in the heart of Venice. An official guide will provide you with a wealth of information regarding St Mark's Square and then accompany you on a detailed tour of the Golden Basilica, once the private chapel of the Doge of Venice, the only one of its kind in Italy, thanks to the sumptuous golden mosaics and impressive marble inlay flooring. During the tour you will be able to absorb the atmosphere whilst listening to your guide who will describe the biblical scenes represented throughout the building, together with history and particularities of this ancient Basilica. The tour lasts one hour and concludes outside the Basilica in Saint Mark's Square.

Venice: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Private Guided Tour (opens in a new tab)

3 3 h

Explore Venice’s two most iconic landmarks with an expert private guide, uncovering the history, legends, and artistic treasures hidden within St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. This experience provides a deep dive into the heart of the Venetian Republic, revealing the grandeur and political intrigue that shaped the city for centuries. Step inside St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, where golden mosaics and opulent treasures, including the Pala d’Oro, reflect Venice’s powerful past. Then, enjoy the panoramic views from the Loggia dei Cavalli, where the famous bronze horses overlook Piazza San Marco. At the Doge’s Palace, walk through halls adorned with Renaissance masterpieces, learn about the city’s government, and cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs—a poignant passage to the New Prisons. With personalized commentary and skip-the-line access, this private tour ensures a seamless, and unforgettable journey through Venice’s most treasured sites.

Private tourFree cancellation

Crafted Gondola Ride under Breathtaking Bridge of Sighs™ (opens in a new tab)

171 45 min

Step aboard for an exclusive journey through Venice’s enchanting canals, drifting beneath the iconic Bridge of Sighs and through the serene waters of St. Mark’s Basin. Uncover the fascinating history and craftsmanship of Venetian gondolas before setting off on a ride to remember. Capture stunning views as you glide under picturesque bridges and through hidden waterways—perfect for sharing with loved ones. Step into the heart of Venice with an immersive virtual reality experience inside a dedicated gallery. With your VR headset, journey through centuries of Venetian history as the city’s rich heritage unfolds around you. Make the most of your visit with complimentary access to our EasyGuide mobile app, packed with curated itineraries and must-see landmarks. Crafted Gondola Ride under breathtaking Bridge of Sighs™ © Venice Tours S.r.l. Licensed to City Tours Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Best of Venice Private Tour: St. Mark's Doge Palace Gondola Ride (opens in a new tab)

134 4 h 30 min

Enjoy an exclusive tour of Venice with a private expert guide, and make the most of this incredible city and see all of the highlights. Begin in Saint Mark's Square for a perfect view of Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, the private chapel of the dukes of Venice until the 19th century. Get privileged access, and skip the long lines to enter the grand basilica and enjoy up-close views of the golden mosaics. Then skip the lines to the Doge's Palace to travel through 7 centuries of history as you see the palace prisons and court rooms, and stop on the Bridge of Sighs to see the last view of Venice that prisoners saw before they were locked in their cells. Your guide will then give recommendations for lunch, and after a short break continue your tour. Walk to the covered Rialto Bridge and discover the house where Marco Polo once lived. Go to the Renaissance church of the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, where you will end your perfect day true Venetian style in a private gondola ride

Free cancellation

Venice Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs Guided Tour (opens in a new tab)

17 2 h

Step into the heart of Venetian history with an expert-led guided tour of the magnificent Doge’s Palace. Marvel at the opulent chambers, grand staircases, and timeless works of art that once embodied the power of the Venetian Republic. Conclude the experience with a walk across the legendary Bridge of Sighs, leading into the old prisons, and uncover the secrets behind Venice’s most iconic symbols. Begin with a short introduction to the city’s history. Enter the Doge’s Palace through the fast-track line and explore the rich Gothic architecture. Walk through rooms where the Doge and Venetian Council ruled the Republic. Admire the Golden Staircase, the Chamber of the Great Council, and impressive frescoes. Cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, leading to the New Prisons. Learn about the daily lives of prisoners and the symbolism behind this iconic bridge.

Venice Skip the Line Saint Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Private Tour (opens in a new tab)

77 3 h

The tour will show you the most important institutional rooms of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark's Basilica with its golden pala Oro and the Museum with the Horses Loggia The Doge’s Apartment, the Bridge of Sights, and the Prisons will be explored and you will admire the paintings by Titian, Giorgione and Tintoretto. The guide will also lead through the fast track entrance of St. Mark's basilica to admire its wonderful architecture and mosaics, Behind the main altar you can admire the Pala d'Oro, the only example in the world of large Gothic jewelery that has remained intact. You'll also have access to The Museum and the Horses Loggia The Museum exhibits the sumptuous works of Flemish and Medicean tapestry. The Horses are the arrival point of the entire museum itinerary, until 1977 on the loggia of the Basilica of San Marco, after restoration, were replaced by reproductions and hospitalized in the museum in 1982, for conservation needs.

Free cancellation

Venice Unveiled: A Stress-Free Small-Group Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

168 2 h

Discover the magic of Venice on a captivating 2-hour walking tour through its most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Start in the vibrant Dorsoduro district, filled with artisan shops, stylish boutiques, and charming cafés, before continuing to the stunning Basilica dei Frari, home to priceless Renaissance masterpieces and the tomb of Titian. Then admire the legendary Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most iconic viewpoints over the Grand Canal. Led by a local expert, uncover the stories, history, and authentic atmosphere of the “City of Bridges” as you wander through picturesque canals and atmospheric streets. Choose between a small-group experience for a social vibe or a private tour for a more exclusive and personalized journey through Venice.

Venice: Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour with Synagogues Visit (opens in a new tab)

150 2 h

A side of Venice most visitors never see: Explore the Cannaregio district and the historic Jewish Ghetto, far from the crowds and main tourist routes. Deep cultural and historical insight: Go beyond dates and facts to understand Venice’s Jewish history through powerful stories, landmarks, and living traditions. Visit the synagogues for a fuller experience, offering rare insight into sacred spaces. Authentic local atmosphere: Walk through residential streets lined with artisan workshops, galleries, small shops, and traditional delis. Hidden details with big meaning: Discover Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, founded in 1516, and its symbolic bas-reliefs—important sites that most Venice visitors miss entirely.