Skip-the-line Doge’s Palace, San Marco Venice Private Tour
Active
2h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy an in-depth & personal tour of the Doge’s Palace, an iconic landmark of San Marco Square, the former seat of Venetian government & prison. See works by Veronese, Titian & Tintoretto. Optional: visit the Correr Museum & the Marciana Library
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs & interests:
2-hour: Doge's Palace
This option includes skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace. See highlights of St. Mark's Square, including St. Mark's Basilica(outside only).
4-hour: Doge's Palace & Correr Museum
This option includes skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace, Correr Museum & Mariana Library. See highlights of St. Mark's Square.
Join us on a private tour of the Doge’s Palace(Palazzo Ducale) one of the most prominent symbols of Venice. Explore the beautiful palace interiors with an Expert Guide to discover nearly 1,000 years of history & heritage hidden within these walls. Immerse yourself in the story of the City of Water, its rulers & ordinary citizens.
Available options
2-hour: Doge's Palace
Duration: 2 hours: This option includes skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace. See highlights of St. Mark's Square.<br/>,: including St. Mark's Basilica (outside only).<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - ITVE004.
4H: Doge's Palace & Correr Mus
Duration: 4 hours: This option includes skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace, Correr Museum and Mariana Library. <br/>,: See highlights of St. Mark's Square. <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - ITVE004.
What's included
Skip-the-line tickets to the Correr Museum and Marciana Library (4-hour option only)
Private Tour of the Doge's Palace, Correr Museum and Marciana Library -
Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace (all options)
Personalized experience with tips on the local restaurants, cafes and other points of interests
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
- (number of attraction depends on the selected option)
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your guide in front of Hotel Londra Palace (opposite Monument to Victor Emmanuel II), Riva degli Schiavoni, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy. Please do not enter the building, as the staff are not informed about the tour.
2
Stop 2
Visit Doge’s Palace with skip-the-line tickets that allow you to jump the queue and save time. Before entering the palace interiors, you will explore Piazza San Marco to admire the palace’s ornate Venetian Gothic facade.
3
Explore the nearby monuments like St. Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Bell Tower. At every step, you will learn new interesting facts and legends of Venice’s San Marco, the Old Town.
4
Inside Palazzo Ducale you will discover luxurious interiors in different architectural styles, from Byzantine to Gothic to Byzantine. You will visit Doge’s Apartments, which are decorated with paintings by Veronese, Titian and Tintoretto that depict the history of Venice. You will also explore the inner courtyard, the Maggior Consiglio hall, the Institutional Chambers, the armoury, the prisons, and more. Your Private Guide will share stories about the 120 Dukes who ruled the city from the palace, as well as the story of the famous lover, Giacamo Casanova, who escaped the palace prison. Do not miss out on this top attraction in Venice!
5
Visit Museo Correr and the Marciana Library (Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana). For your convenience, skip-the-line tickets to all attractions are included. The Museo Correr is one of the most important art and history museums in Venice, exploring Venetian life and culture over the centuries. The beautiful Marciana Library is a hidden gem of the Old Town with works by some of the greatest Italian masters, including Titan, Veronese and Tintoretto.
What's not included
Tour of the Correr Museum and Marciana Library (in 2-hour tour)
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
PL
FR
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.
Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. Guided tours of the Correr Museum and the Mariana Library are not included in the 2-hour option.
Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace include a pre-booked time slot for entry. You can skip the line at the ticket xounter but not for the ticket and security checks at the entrance.
Headphones/audio whisper systems will be provided for groups larger than 10 inside the Doge's Palace.
For the best experience, we will limit the group size to 25 guests per guide, so that everyone can get personal attention, ask questions and hear commentary clearly. The price will be higher if you need more than 1 guide.
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
Meet your guide in front of Colonna di San Todaro, P.za San Marco 3, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy (next to Caffè Gelateria Al Todaro Dal 1948).
Important notes
Information for the customer (Know before you go)
• Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.
• Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. Guided tours of the Correr Museum and the Mariana Library are not included in the 2-hour option.
• Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace include a pre-booked time slot for entry. You can skip the line at the ticket xounter but not for the ticket and security checks at the entrance.
• Headphones/audio whisper systems will be provided for groups larger than 10 inside the Doge's Palace.
• For the best experience, we will limit the group size to 25 guests per guide, so that everyone can get personal attention, ask questions and hear commentary clearly. The price will be higher if you need more than 1 guide.
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
