Venice Skip lines at Doge's & St. Mark's with Exclusive Sky Walk
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Unlock the secrets of Venice in just 3 unforgettable hours.
Step into the heart of the floating city and discover its rich past through two of its most iconic landmarks: the Doge’s Palace and the majestic St Mark’s Basilica.
Meet your expert guide in St Mark’s Square and get immersed in centuries of political and religious power.
Skip the lines to explore the Doge’s Palace: grand halls, secret prisons, and masterpieces by Titian and Tintoretto.
Then access St Mark’s Basilica and its exclusive terraces — a rare, breathtaking view over the city.
This small-group tour is only in English to ensure a high-quality, engaging experience. Ideal for art lovers and first-time visitors.
Looking for the full Venice experience?
Choose the 7-hour upgrade: start with a walking tour through hidden alleys and iconic sights, enjoy a 30-min gondola ride, and then join the same guided visit of Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica.
Select the correct option at checkout for the full experience.
Available options
Doge’s & St Mark’ Basilica
Duration: 3 hours<br/>Guided Tour: Skip the line for a 3h tour of Venice’s top landmarks, with access to stunning mosaics, grand halls & panoramic terraces!
Venice Full Day Upgrade
Duration: 7 hours<br/>Guided tour: Includes the Doge’s Palace and Basilica + a walking tour and a 30-mins gondola ride for the most complete Venice experience!
What's included
Guided walking tour + 30mins Gondola Ride (If upgrade option purchased)
Skip the line entrance to San Mark's Basilica
Access to the Prisons of the Doge’s Palace
Licensed English speaking guide
Palazzo Ducale visit
St. Mark's Basilica visit with exclusive acccess to terraces
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
This tour takes you inside the center of the religious power of Venice, the beautiful Basilica of St Marks with our skip-the-line access, where our expert history guide will give you a comprehensive and informative tour of this astonishing landmark-church that boasts a profusion of polychrome domes, walls clad in marbles and, inside, over 8000 square meters of glittering ceiling mosaics, many made with 24-carat gold leaf.
2
Stop 2
The highlight of the tour is our exclusive special visit of the Doge's Palace, the very symbol of political Venice, an impressive structure composed of layers of building elements and ornamentation, from its 14th and 15th century original foundations to the significant Renaissance and opulent Mannerist adjunctions and today hosting paintings from world renown artists like Titiano, Tiepolo, Tintoretto and Veronese and set to the grand ball of Venice Carnival.
We’ll have a very exclusive access to the closed-to-general-public secret passages including the old torture chambers and prisons.
From the prisons you will visit the courtyard and then the noble areas of the Doge’s public and private areas, to visit the great ballrooms, the great Councils hall, and the Doge’s lavish apartments and the “Opera Museum” boasting astonishing collection of portrait including Renaissance and Mannerism with prominent “Venitian school” paintings by Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese.
3
Stop 3
You will also have the chance to walk the famous bridge of sighs and learn the story behind the origin of its name.
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
19 reviews
5★
12
4★
4
3★
0
2★
0
1★
3
Tripadvisor
4.8
23 reviews
5★
22
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please let us know in advance any special need or impaired mobility of the clients and we will do our best to accomodate them.
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.
We are sorry to inform you that pets are not permitted on our tours
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
Standard tour: Meet at 1:45 PM in St. Mark’s Sq., under the lion column, in front of Doge’s Palace. Look for the white “Towns of Italy” sign.
Full Day Upgrade:
• 9:15 AM – Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
• 1:45 PM – Doge’s Palace & Basilica Tour
Same meeting point. Move independently. Be 15 min early!
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
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Free cancellation available
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