Venice Skip the Line Saint Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Private Tour

Venice , Italy

Venice Skip the Line Saint Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Private Tour

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(74 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

The tour will show you the most important institutional rooms of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark's Basilica with its golden pala Oro and the Museum with the Horses Loggia The Doge’s Apartment, the Bridge of Sights, and the Prisons will be explored and you will admire the paintings by Titian, Giorgione and Tintoretto. The guide will also lead through the fast track entrance of St. Mark's basilica to admire its wonderful architecture and mosaics, Behind the main altar you can admire the Pala d'Oro, the only example in the world of large Gothic jewelery that has remained intact. You'll also have access to The Museum and the Horses Loggia The Museum exhibits the sumptuous works of Flemish and Medicean tapestry. The Horses are the arrival point of the entire museum itinerary, until 1977 on the loggia of the Basilica of San Marco, after restoration, were replaced by reproductions and hospitalized in the museum in 1982, for conservation needs.

Available options

Private tour

Private tour : Tour is private and lasts 3 hours

What's included

Private tour

Skip the line Entrance to Doge's Palace

Professional art historian guide

Skip the line St. Mark's Basilica, Pala Oro, Horses Loggia and Museum entrance fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Meet your guide at the column with a lion on the top

Stop 2

skip the line entrance to the basilica, visit to the Pala Oro : the only example in the world of Gothic goldsmith's work of considerable size that has remained intact, The Museum and The Marcian quadriga with the four horses which can be reached along the exhibition of a series of stone fragments and capitals from the late antique and mid-Byzantine era.
The four horses, until 1977 on the loggia of the Basilica of San Marco, after restoration, were replaced by reproductions and admitted to the museum in 1982 for conservation reasons.

Stop 3

the former site of the Venetian government, and have a preferential entrance into the building. Here your professional guide will walk you through important institutional rooms of the Doge’s Palace, where you will see the masterpieces painted by Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese.

Stop 4 Pass by

Pass through the famous Sights bridge and learn why it was called like this

What's not included

Gratuities

Transportation to/from attractions

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

DE ZH-TW RU EN ZH-CN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

51 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

23 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

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

Child under 18 old must provide valid ID to have reduced price to museums

Food and drinks are not allowed in the museums or churches

It is forbidden to enter the Basilica with luggage, backpacks or voluminous bags.

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

Guide will wait for you by the column with a lion on Top - the column is near the water

Important notes

It is forbidden to enter the Basilica with luggage, backpacks or voluminous bags. PLEASE DO NOT BRING THE ABOVE MENTIONED ITEMS WITH YOU THE DAY OF THE TOUR as this can cause big delays of the visit which we can't not manage

Your tour is confirmed, there is no need of confirming

Only for emergencies or urgent communications please call our offices at:
+39 366 544 6336
• 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
• The terrace of St. Mark's Basilica,is not wheelchair-accessible. For those interested in wheelchair friendly tours in Venice, please contact us.
• Between November 3rd and March 31st, there is no skip the line access to St. Mark's Basilica, nevertheless, lines at this time of year are usually minimal.
• Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own carer
• Child under 18 old must provide valid ID to have reduced price to museums
• Pictures inside the St Mark’s Basilica is not allowed and Doge’s Palace allowed only if flash is off
• Food and drinks are not allowed in the museums or churches

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