Skip the Line Venice Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The greatness of Venice has always been reflected in the richness of St. Mark’s Basilica, the perfect synthesis of Venetian art and a unique blend of Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic elements. Five Oriental-looking domes crown the shadowy, mysterious interior gleaming with golden mosaics, coloured marbles, precious stones and pearls, and guarded by the four gilded bronze horses that stand proudly atop the central entrance. The glittering mosaics of the interior tell the story of St. Mark and episodes from the Bible.
We enter the Doge’s Palace, the highest achievement of Gothic architecture in Venice, through the Porta del Frumento (Corn Door) on the waterfront. The monumental complex was the symbol and center of the political and administrative life of the Serenissima.
At once the Doge’s residence, seat of government and court of justice and prisons, the Palace was for centuries the symbol of the wealth and power of the Venetian Republic.
Available options
Tour in Spanish PM
Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Squar
Tour in French AM
Tour in French: Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Square, with entrance to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.
Private Tour French
Private Tour French
Private Tour English
Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Square
Tour in English AM
Tour in English: Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Square, with entrance to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.
Tour in Spanish AM;
Tour in Spanish: Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Square, with entrance to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.
Private Tour German
Private Tour German
Private Tour Spanish
Private Tour Spanish
Private Tour Italian
Private Tour Italian
Tour in Italian PM
Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Squar
Tour in English PM
Tour in English PM
Tour in Italian AM
Tour in Italian: Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Squar
What's included
Professional guide
Headsets to hear the guide clearly (for groups larger than 10 people)
2.5 hours tour
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
The principal public square of Venice
2
Stop 2
The most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture.
- Enter St. marks's Basilica through the St. Peter's Door
- Visit the Basilica interior and hear a detailed description of the gold mosaics
- Visit to the Museum and the Terrace
3
Stop 3
The Doge's Palace is a palace built in Venetian Gothic style, and one of the main landmarks of the city of Venice in northern Italy. The palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic, opening as a museum in 1923. Today, it is one of the 11 museums run by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.
4
Stop 4
The Bridge of Sighs is a bridge in Venice, Italy. The enclosed bridge is made of white limestone, has windows with stone bars, passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. It was designed by Antonio Contino, whose uncle Antonio da Ponte designed the Rialto Bridge. It was built in 1600.
5
A corridor leads over the Bridge of Sighs, built in 1614 to link the Doge's Palace to the structure intended to house the New Prisons. Enclosed and covered on all sides, the bridge contains two separate corridors that run next to each other. That which visitors use today linked the Prisons to the chambers of the Magistrato alle Leggi and the Quarantia Criminal; the other linked the prisons to the State Advocacy rooms and the Parlatorio. Both corridors are linked to the service staircase that leads from the ground floor cells of the Pozzi to the roof cells of the Piombi.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.0
221 reviews
5★
119
4★
33
3★
30
2★
21
1★
18
Tripadvisor
3.9
42 reviews
5★
23
4★
4
3★
8
2★
3
1★
4
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Because of security checks you might experience a line to get inside the Doge Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. You will skip the line for non-reserved tickets but security check is mandatory.
Maximum of 25 people on each tour
On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Meeting point
Departure Point: Campo San Zaccaria 4683/g in front of the Church of San Zaccaria
Important notes
• No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• No voluminous bas or bagpacks are allowed into the Basilica of St. Mark's a free deposit is available before entering
About Venice
Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.
Top Attractions
St. Mark's Basilica
A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury
Doge's Palace
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour
Rialto Bridge
The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.
Architecture
30 minutes
Free
Grand Canal
The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.
Nature/Scenic
30-60 minutes
€7.50 for a vaporetto ticket
Murano
An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day
Free to explore, €10 for museum
Burano
A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.
Cultural/Scenic
Half-day
Free to explore, €5 for lace museum
Must-Try Local Dishes
Risotto al Nero di Seppia
A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.
Main Course
Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.
Sarde in Saor
Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.
Appetizer
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.
Bigoli in Salsa
Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.
Main Course
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.
Frito Misto
A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.
Appetizer
Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.
Popular Activities
Kayaking in the canals
Cycling on Lido di Venezia
Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon
Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia
Enjoying a gondola ride
Visiting a spa or wellness center
Attending a concert or opera
Visiting museums and galleries
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, German
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Use official taxis and ticket vendors
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests
Getting there
By air
- Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center
By train
Santa Lucia Railway Station
By bus
Piazzale Roma
Getting around
Public transport
The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps
Rentals
Neighborhoods
San Marco
Dorsoduro
Cannaregio
Castello
Day trips
Burano and Murano
10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day
Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.
Lido di Venezia
20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day
A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Padua (Padova)
40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day
A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.
Festivals
Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary)
Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September
Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
- Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
- Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
- Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
