Small Group St. Mark and Doge Palace with Venice Highlights
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join a Semi-private Venice Combo tour, limited to just six guests, for an intimate journey through the city’s highlights and skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Begin in Campo San Giacometto at Venice’s oldest church, stroll across the Rialto Bridge, and explore the neighborhood of Marco Polo. Enjoy skip-the-line access to the awe-inspiring St. Mark’s Basilica, known as the Golden Basilica for its shimmering mosaics. Then visit the stately Doge’s Palace, home to 120 Doges over seven centuries. Walk through ornate chambers, the Bridge of Sighs, and haunting prison cells. With a knowledgeable guide and exclusive access, discover Venice’s most iconic landmarks and hidden corners in one unforgettable tour.
Available options
Small Group St. Mark and Doge Palace with Venice Highlights
What's included
Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Hall of the Great Council
Priority entrance into Doge's Palace
Skip the line entrance into St. Mark's Basilica
Bridge of Sighs
Church of San Giacomo di Rialto
Expert English Speaking guide
Rialto bridge
Detailed itinerary
1
Campo San Giacometto
Church of San Giacomo di Rialto
Rialto bridge
The Grand Canal
Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
end in St. Mark’s square
2
Lunch Break
The cost of lunch is NOT included
3
Visit St Mark's Basilica with skip the line access
An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
4
Stop 4
Visit the Doge's Palace and end the tour in St Mark's square
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note: this tour is a combination at a discounted rate of two of our most popular tours—Highlights of Venice Walking Tour and St. Mark’s and Doge’s Palace Tour. The walking tour duration is two hours and the St. Mark’s and Doge’s palace is two and a half hours, giving you two hours of free time for a leisurely lunch in between and to make your way back to the meeting point. You will be informed of the exact start times and meeting points of each tour upon booking.
An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of Chiesa di San Giacomo in Campo San Giacometto al Rialto, Ponte Rialto.
Important notes
Please meet your guide 15 minutes before the tour start time.
An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
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
