Exclusive Entrance Doge Palace & St. Mark's Basilica Terrace Tour

Venice , Italy

Exclusive Entrance Doge Palace & St. Mark's Basilica Terrace Tour

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About this experience

Gain early priority access to the Doge’s Palace, before the normal public access times, allowing you the chance to admire this wonder in a whole new light.

Gain Skip-the-line priority access to St. Mark’s Basilica and its terrace, where you will get to admire the opulence and the luxuriousness of the Basilica and also witness the panoramic view of Piazza San Marco, the island of San Giorgio, the Campanile and the Clock Tower that will surely be a sight to behold.

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Venice and fall in love with its culture, religion, art and food while marveling at the incredible architecture and history of this city on water.

Available options

Early entrance 8.30 AM

Early entrance 8.00

TOUR MONDAY

What's included

Professional local guide

Headsets

Special early Entrance for the Doge’s Palace and the St. Mark’s Basilica + Rooftop

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your guide will firstly accompany you to the Doge’s Palace. This Venetian Gothic architectural masterpiece is said to have been built in 1340 and extended and modified throughout the following centuries. Being one of the main landmarks of Venice, this was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Republic.

The Doges palace acted as the heart of all affairs of the which constituted with a central body and imposing towers at the corners, helping form this masterful gothic architectural wonder.

The Doge’s Palace offers an extraordinary experience for anyone interested in this magical floating city and the designs of the interior of the palace decorated in gold along with the elegance of the Verona marbles is sure to impress you by its luxurious nature. You will then get to pass across the famous Bridge of Sighs “Il Ponte dei Sospiri” that connect to the new prisons, your guide will explain the interesting stories that lie behind this unique name.

Stop 2

After having experienced the opulence of the Doge’s Palace, you will make your way towards one of the most imposing monuments of the city.
St Mark's Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic diocese of Venice. It is one of the best-known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture. The cathedral declares and displays the wealth of Venice over centuries with its domes and turrets and gold mosaic standing out over the square. This Cathedral acted as a temple of civic life as well as of religious faith, bearing witness to the greatness of Venice. For about a thousand years it had served as the Ducal Chapel. It had always been the church where the Venetian people and the government have held their highest celebrations.
The access to the Basilicas terrace will surely top of this marvelous experience of witnessing the majestic cathedral below. The panoramic view of Piazza San Marco, the island of San Giorgio, the Campanile and the Clock Tower will surely be a sight to behold.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Pick-up and drop-off

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

25 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

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 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

Column of Saint Mark, 30100 Venezia VE – In front of or under the Columns of San Marco (Under the Column of the Lion) You will find our guide with a white sign with a company logo Wander in Italy

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