Skip-the-line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Square with wine tasting

Venice , Italy

Skip-the-line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Square with wine tasting

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About this experience

Venice: the city of love, art and good wine!

Come with us to explore one of the most fascinating place in the world with our skip-the-line private guided tour.

Starting from the wonderful San Marco's Square, accompanied by our top rated guide, you will discover the famous Doge’s Palace. The Palace is the very symbol of Venice and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Walk through artistic treasures and decorated halls, relive the magnificent Golden Age of the Serenissima Venetian Republic! You will cross the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the Doge’s Palace to the jails, where the prisoners caught their last glimpse of Venice before being locked up. At the end of the visit, you will reach by walking a traditional wine parlor where you can taste diffent kinds of local wine with typical appetizers.

Our walking tour lasts approximately 2,5 hours.

It is a great experience to explore the highlights of Venice, unique city in the world!

Available options

Skip-the-line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Square with wine tasting

What's included

Light refreshments

Private tour

Professional guide

Alcoholic Beverages

Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Wine tasting (3 kinds of local wine)

Headsets to hear the guide clearly (for a group up to 5 people, whisper are not required and not included)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Our guide will meet you in Saint Marco Square to start your full immersion in the history of this incredible city! Starting from the largest square in the city, the guide will describe you all the monuments around (only outside): St Marco’s Basilica, the bell tower and the Procuratie. Saint Marco’s Basilica was commissioned in 1071 and built in Venetian-Byzantine style, a mixture of western and eastern styles.Nicknamed the "Church of Gold" because of its opulence, it has been the seat of the Patriarch of Venice. The Bell tower, that stands 98.6 meters tall (323 ft) and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The Procuratie, located along the square, are buildings that housed the apartments and offices of the procurators.

Stop 2

The visit will continue inside the Doge’s Palace, official residence in Venice of the doges, who were the elected leaders of the former Venetian republic. This impressive structure, built around a courtyard and richly decorated, was the meeting place of the governing councils and ministries of the republic. In its successive rebuildings, the palace incorporated characteristics of Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance architecture.
Our guide will accompany in this journey into the beautiful decorated halls where you can admire paintings by Tiziano,Tintoretto and Veronese. Learn about the history of the city and the important decisions took in these rooms by the Council who made great the Venetian Republic.

At last but not least, you will walk across the Bridge of Sighs as the enemies of the Republic did before being locked up in the prisons. Thanks to our tour, you will relive the ancient atmosphere of the Serenissima Republic of Venice!

After filling your eyes with much beauty, you will delight your taste buds with our wine tasting! Venice's region is very famous for its wine production and, after your guided tour, you will have the chance to taste three local wines with typical appetizers in a traditional venetian wine parlor.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Minimum drinking age is 18 years

Meeting point

You will meet the guide at 10.00am outside Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommendedMinimum drinking age is 18 years

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