Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line guided tour

Venice , Italy

Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line guided tour

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About this experience

Immerse yourself in the history of Venice by taking part in this two-hour visit to the most prestigious attractions of the city: the Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica.

The Doge’s Palace, residence of the Doge and seat of local magistrates until the fall of the Venetian Republic. The Palace houses many extraordinary masterpieces that you will have the opportunity to admire up close, like the Giants’ and the Golden.

Staircases or the canvas that portray the Paradise by the famous painter Tintoretto. You will also cross the Bridge of Sighs and tour the New Prisons where, during the Serenissima, the criminals were detained.

Afterwards, your guide will take you to St. Mark's Basilica. You will visit the naves on the ground floor, admire the golden mosaics decorating the domes, and hear the interesting history of Venice's most important church.

Available options

GERMAN

English

SPANISH

FRENCH

ITALIANO

What's included

Guided visit to the Doge’s Palace, including the Bridge of Sighs and the New Prisons

Skip the line entrance ticket to the Doge’s Palace

Access and Guided tour of St Mark's Basilica

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Doge's Palace

Stop 2

St. Mark's Basilica

What's not included

What is not specified under "Inclusions"

Entry ticket to the Treasure

Entry ticket to the Pala d’Oro

Entry ticket and access to the Museum and the Terrace

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay up to 10 € access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Please note that this tour combines different activities. Therefore, the second part of the tour may not take place immediately after the end of the first part of the tour. At the meeting point you will be notified of the exact starting time.

If you choose the tour departing at 11:45, there will be a break of approximately 45 minutes between the visit to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica (Doge's Palace 11:45 - 13:00; St. Mark's Basilica 13:45 - 14:45).

To visit St Mark's Basilica it's necessary to dress appropriately (no overly revealing clothing) and backpacks are not allowed for safety reasons.

This is a shared tour, which means there might be other participants going on the tour with you

To visit St Mark's Basilica it's necessary to dress appropriately (no overly revealing clothing) and backpacks are not allowed for safety reasons.

Meeting point

TURIVE kiosk, located on Calle larga de l'Ascension, near the St. Mark's Post Office, behind Correr Museum.

Important notes

• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the indicated departure time.
• At the tour departure point you will meet a TURIVE representative who will check your vouchers and give information to do the tour.
• If you choose the tour departing at 11:45, there will be a break of approximately 45 minutes between the visit to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica (Doge's Palace 11:45 - 13:00; St. Mark's Basilica 13:45 - 14:45).
• To visit St. Mark's Basilica it is necessary to dress appropriately (no shorts or vest or tops) and backpacks are not allowed for safety reasons.
• Collective tour.
• No credit or refunds will be given in the case of a no show (if you don't show up at the meeting point at the time indicated on your voucher). Therefore we advise you to locate in advance the departure point and how to get there in order to avoid being late.
• In exceptional cases and/or reasons of force majeure (i.e. acts of nature, strikes, exceptional closures,serious unexpected events or health problems experienced by the person in charge with the service after which it is really impossible to find a substitute) the service you booked might be cancelled. If this should happen, you will be informed as soon as possible and, according to the type of service you booked, you will have the possibility to choose between postponing the service on the first date available or receiving a total refund of the price paid, if the cancellation policy of the service itself allows a refund
• For emergencies on site, please contact us at +39 041 8877441 or info@insidecom.it or chat with us on Venetoinside Facebook Messenger from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm CET.

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