Skip the queues at Venice's two greatest landmarks and see the city that surrounds them, on a guided tour that connects Venice's streets, its seat of power, and its most sacred space.

Getting started

Meet your guide at the designated meeting point near St. Mark's Square. Arrive a few minutes early and look for the Gray Line representative. The tour runs rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather.

What to expect

Walking tour of Venice

Before entering any landmark, your guide takes you through the lesser-known corners of the city. Wind through narrow calli and across stone bridges, pausing at Campo Santa Maria Formosa, the SS. Giovanni e Paolo church and its adjoining square, the Scuola Grande di San Marco, and the Malibran Theatre. The route loops back through the Mercerie, once Venice's main commercial artery connecting the Rialto Bridge to St. Mark's Square. Note that this portion of the tour is entirely outdoors and does not include entry to any sites.

Doge's Palace

The Doge's Palace served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. Skip the queue and head inside with your guide, who will lead you through the gilded halls and council chambers where the Doge and his government once ruled. Admire masterworks by Tintoretto and Veronese on the walls and ceilings, walk through the Golden Staircase, and cross the Bridge of Sighs into the New Prisons, where the weight of Venetian justice becomes tangible.

St. Mark's Basilica

A short walk from the palace brings you to St. Mark's Basilica, one of the most ornate cathedrals in the world. Your guide leads you through this Byzantine landmark, unpacking the stories behind its shimmering golden mosaics, marble floor inlays, and the treasures brought to Venice from across the known world. Your audio receiver keeps the commentary clear throughout.