Venice Doge Palace & St Mark Basilica fast entrance Private 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
Discover the heart & soul of Venice on this exclusive private tour, designed to showcase the city's most iconic landmarks. Perfect for all travelers & families.
Why book this private tour:
St. Mark's Square: begin your adventure in the heart of Venice, surrounded by breathtaking architecture.
Enjoy a fast entrance to St. Mark's Basilica, a masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine design & learn about St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice represented with a lion's symbol.
Doge's Palace: Step into the former residence of Venice's rulers & explore its opulent rooms adorned with priceless art. This palace symbolized Venice's power & wealth during its golden age.
Bridge of Sighs: Hear the fascinating & bittersweet stories behind this iconic bridge which connected the Doge's Palace to the historic prisons where Casanova was imprisoned
Visit a Murano Glass Factory & witness a live demonstration by a skilled Venetian glassblower.
Book now & Enjoy a personalized experience with a passionate local guide.
Available options
English
with Basilica access
with Basilica access
German
Spanish
French
What's included
Local guide
Entry/Admission - Doge's Palace
entry to St. Mark's (if option selected)
Private Guide for 2 hours
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your tour starts at St.Mark's square where the guide will let you admire the beauty of the most famous square of the city
2
Stop 2
After seeing the famous square you will admire St. Mark's Basilica from outdoor
3
Stop 3
At this point you will move to the Doge's Palace and visit it without wait in the line thaks to your skip the line ticket
4
Stop 4
have a walk through the Venice's Canal and discover the most romantic bridge of the city
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. 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
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please be on time to avoid losing entry and thus missing the tour.
Please note: if you need the wheelchair, you may not be able to access all the areas of the attractions, due to architectural restrictions
Please note: in some areas of the attractions the stroller may be carried by yourself in your arms, due to architectural restrictions
Please note: The tour will include also the free glass blowing demonstration in a traditional glass factory, in Venice city centre.
Please bring comfortable shoes and a refillable water bottle.
Please make sure you ask the guide any curiosities you may have during the tour, we want to ensure you have the very best experience!
The order of the itinerary and start time is subject to change according to ticket availability and security reasons. You will always be notified.
Please note: the Basilica is a religious place and as such, local authorities can decide to close it without any previous announcement. In this case, you will spend more time visiting the rest of the itinerary.
Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person. Doge's Palace tickets are priced at €30 per adult. All additional charges are considered administrative costs
Meeting point
St. Mark's Square, between the 2 columns. Your guide will have a sign with your name on it.
Important notes
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. 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
Please note: the Basilica is a religious place and as such, local authorities can decide to close it without any previous announcement. In this case, you will spend more time visiting the rest of the itinerary.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please be on time to avoid losing entry and thus missing the tour.
Please note: if you need the wheelchair, you may not be able to access all the areas of the attractions, due to architectural restrictions
Please note: in some areas of the attractions the stroller may be carried by yourself in your arms, due to architectural restrictions
Please note: The tour will include also the free glass blowing demonstration in a traditional glass factory, in Venice city centre.
Please bring comfortable shoes and a refillable water bottle.
Please make sure you ask the guide any curiosities you may have during the tour, we want to ensure you have the very best experience!
The order of the itinerary and start time is subject to change according to ticket availability and security reasons. You will always be notified.
The visit to the Basilica inside is included only if option selected
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
