The 5 Venice Luxury Tours That Earn the Upgrade

1.Legendary Venice: Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s & VIP Terrace Access

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,033 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $76Our pick

Explore Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace in a 2 to 3 hour English tour. See golden mosaics, grand council rooms, Veronese and Tintoretto paintings, the Bridge of Sighs, and, with the right option, the basilica terrace overlooking St. Mark’s Square. Early entry is available on the 8 AM departure.

“Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, understandable, and personal. The tour was packed with information and history. Having been to Venice once before, I can say that this tour really made all the difference in the world as I now have a much better understanding of the rich history of Venice.”

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2.After-Hours St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace VIP Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 393 reviews · from $157

Spend 3.5 hours with an English-speaking guide inside Venice’s Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica after closing. You’ll see the Great Council Hall, prisons, Bridge of Sighs, Pala d’Oro, and crypt with far fewer people. Guides have included Roberta, Elena, Nico, and Giulia.

“Our guide (Ellen, I think) was spectacular. Born and raised in Venice (still living here), she had contextual knowledge you cannot memorize. Having said that, she also was a wealth of historical information and has a great sense of humor. The best tour guide I had while in Italy - bar none, Also, paying extra money not to be herded around with little time for photos or no time to take in the sheer wonder of what you are seeing/experiencing — along with having plenty of elbow room — is worth every penny you pay for this tour. The experience was incredibly enjoyable and I would not see the Doges…”

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3.St Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace with Secret Passages Access

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 204 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $131

Spend about 2½ hours touring Doge’s Palace beyond the usual route, including Casanova’s cell, hidden rooms, archives, prison passages, and the Bridge of Sighs. Finish with a 30-minute guided visit to St. Mark’s Basilica. Expect stairs, narrow spaces, standing, and a small group of up to 20 people.

“Our tour guide Roberta was phenomenal! She has an amazing way to talk all things history in an intriguing way and could answer all additional questions easily. It was a pleasure to follow her everywhere as she was super friendly with everyone we had contact with.”

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4.VIP Luxury Chauffeur Service – Venice to Dolomites, Cortina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews · 2 to 20 minutes (approx.) Top rated

Travel privately from Venice toward Cortina and the Dolomites in a Mercedes V Class van or long-wheelbase S Class sedan. Luxury Transfer Services Venezia arranges pickup, professional drivers, onboard WiFi on request, water, and hand disinfectant. Confirm the exact route and drive time before booking, since the listed duration is only 2 to 20 minutes.

“Massimo and his team were very responsive and accommodating of a large group and lots of last minute requests. A pleasure!”

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5.VIP Private Luxury Boat Tour – Riva Aquariva Yacht Venice

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Spend about four hours on a private Riva Aquariva yacht with an English-speaking assistant or driver. See St. Mark’s, San Giorgio Maggiore, Poveglia, Lido, La Certosa, Vignole, and Murano. At the glass factory, you’ll watch a master glassblower at work. Hotel pickup and refreshments, including Prosecco and espresso, are included.

“This was an amazing experience on a beautiful boat!! Worth it, 100%! There is no better way to see all that Venice has to offer along with its other islands without going out into the Lagoon. This experience was the highlight of our Venice trip, there is nothing like a Riva and these beautiful Italian islands!! Perfecto!!!”

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