Venice Private Tour fast access, Doge Palace, St Mark's Basilica

Venice , Italy

Venice Private Tour fast access, Doge Palace, St Mark's Basilica

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(9 reviews)

If you cancel at least 2 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Dive into the magic of Venice with a 2-hour private tour designed for travelers who demand the best—skipping the crowds, unlocking hidden stories and stepping into history like a VIP.
Why book this private tour?
St. Mark's Square: Begin your Venetian adventure in the heart of the city, where stunning architecture & rich history surround you.
Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected): Step inside this masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine design and marvel at its intricate mosaics.
Doge's Palace: Walk through the grand hall of this former seat of Venetian power and explore its lavish rooms filled with priceless art& history.
Bridge of Sighs: Discover the intriguing and poignant stories behind this famous bridge, which once linked the Doge’s Palace to the prison cells. Hear tales of notorious prisoners, including the infamous Casanova.
You will explore the city's most iconic landmarks with your expert passionate private guide.
Book Now your amazing experience in Venice!

Available options

German

With Doge Palace Indoor Only.
Basilica Outdoor

3 hours with Basilica & Rialto

English

English : With Doge Palace Indoor Only.
Basilica Outdoor.

Spanish

With Doge Palace Indoor Only.
Basilica Outdoor

French

With Doge Palace Indoor Only.
Basilica Outdoor

Basilica access

What's included

Skip-the-line tickets

Entry/Admission - Doge's Palace

Private guide for 2 hours

Entry to St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)

Private guide for 3 hours (if rialto option selected)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour will start when you meet your guide in St. Mark’s Square, who will tell you the history and curiosities about the square.

Stop 2

Admire St. Mark’s Basilica inside (only if option selected)

Stop 3

Your tour will continue walking on the baroque Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sights).

Stop 4

Walking on the Bridge of Sights, you will reach the Doge’s Palace, which is the political center of the town of Venice, once the Venice Doge’s home.

Stop 5

Visit the stunning Canal Grande

Stop 6

Rialto is known for its famous markets as well as for the monumental Rialto Bridge across the Grand Canal. Visit Rialto district with our private guide (if option selected)

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

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

If you arrive late you might loose the entrances reserved

Please note: in some areas of the attractions the stroller may be carried by yourself in your arms, due to architectural restrictions

The access to St. Mark's is included only if option selected

Please note: the basilica is included indoor only if option selected

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

Meeting point at St. Mark's Square, between the 2 columns. Your guide will have a sign with your name.

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
• A moderate amount of walking is involved
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• If you arrive late you might loose the entrances reserved
•Please note: the basilica is included indoor 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