Skip-the-Line: Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica Fully Guided Tour

Venice, IT
66% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (1869 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Skip the line Access and entrance ticket to the Doge’s Palace
  • inclusion
    Expert, English-speaking tour guide
  • inclusion
    Audio headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
  • inclusion
    Skip the Line Access to St. Mark’s Basilica
  • inclusion
    Groups of 25 people or less

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Food/beverage
  • exclusion
    Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Meeting Point

Meet at Doge's Palace P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE. Between the entrance of the Doge’s Palace and the Ponte della Paglia bridge, facing the lagoon. Your City Wonders guides will have City Wonders tour flag or sign at the meeting point for easy recognition.

Meeting point

30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice , Italy

End point

End Point

This tour ends inside Doges' Palace.

Meeting point

P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE , Italy

End point

What to expect

1
Piazza San Marco

There is so much to see and do in the incredible Floating City of Venice, so why should you spend your precious vacation time waiting in line? With Skip-the-Line Access to two of Venice’s unmissable sights, Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, you can immerse yourself in Venetian history and maximize your time in Venice on this carefully curated tour.

Duration 15 minutes
2
Doge's Palace

Once home to the Duke of Venice and the city’s courts, it is the center of Venetian history – and as one of the world’s oldest republics, that’s quite a history. We’ll explore all the best sights of the palace open to the public, from spectacular works produced on demand by artistic masters Tintoretto and Veronese, to the evidence of the genius checks and balances that made the republic so successful. With your guide on hand to lead you through the most important rooms, to explain magnificent frescoes and to tell you the tales behind every nook and cranny, your visit to the Doge’s Palace will be the perfect way to wrap up your tour through the history and culture of Venice.

Duration 75 minutes
Admission Admission Included
3
Basilica di San Marco

Next we admire the heart of Venice – St. Mark’s Square, once pronounced the “finest drawing room in all of Europe” by Napoleon. With Skip the Line Access we’ll get straight inside St. Mark’s Basilica, saving precious vacation time that would otherwise have been wasted in line. Marvel at the diversity of Venetian culture, where eastern architecture and western design have blended to create a structure with an onion dome, before following your guide through the beautiful frescoes inside the basilica. After the tour, at your own expense, you can also get the chance to climb up to the first floor terraces, which offer beautiful views over the piazza, photo opportunities and some down time to soak up everything you have learned on your tour.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Due to St. Mark's Basilica security regulations, a PASSPORT OR VALID ID DOCUMENT IS MANDATORY to join this tour. It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid document with you on tour. Passengers who fail to provide a valid proof of identity will be denied entry.
  • Additional information
    Please note that the itinerary for our tours may differ from the advertised order of destinations. We assure you that any changes made to the tour itinerary are carefully planned and intended to enhance your overall experience.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    The Municipality of Venice has introduced an Access Fee that applies on specific dates. To avoid any inconvenience, we recommend checking the official guidelines and completing the necessary registration through the provided link before your visit. (https://cda.ve.it/en/ Official Link for Registration)
  • Additional information
    We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
Provided by City Wonders Ltd

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit nearby Rialto Bridge after the tour.
  • icon
    Check local guidelines for entry fees.
  • icon
    Bring a camera for stunning views.
  • icon
    Explore St. Mark's Square post-tour.
  • icon
    Consider dining at nearby Osteria alle Testiere.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the enchanting beauty and rich history of Venice with the Skip-the-Line: Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica Fully Guided Tour. This tour is specifically designed for visitors with limited time in Venice, providing an immersive journey through the city's most iconic landmarks.

What to expect?

Embark on a captivating adventure as you explore the renowned Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. With skip-the-line access, you'll bypass the long queues, maximizing your time to discover the secrets held within these architectural marvels. Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture of the Doge's Palace while your expert guide unveils its fascinating history, from its role as the seat of Venetian power to its use as a prison. Immerse yourself in the opulent atmosphere as you wander through the grand halls adorned with stunning artwork. Next, step inside the awe-inspiring St. Mark's Basilica, a true masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Admire the shimmering mosaics and intricate details that adorn the interior, while your guide shares stories of the basilica's significance as the final resting place of St. Mark. Discover the secrets behind the stunning Golden Altarpiece and the Pala d'Oro, a magnificent gold and jewel-encrusted altarpiece.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for travelers with limited time in Venice who want to experience the city's highlights without missing out on its most famous landmarks. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply someone seeking to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of Venice, this tour caters to a wide range of interests.

Why book this?

By booking the Skip-the-Line: Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica Fully Guided Tour, you can avoid the hassle of long queues and make the most of your time in Venice. With a knowledgeable and friendly guide leading the way, you'll gain deep insights into the historical and cultural significance of these iconic sites. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience, allowing you to ask questions and engage with your guide. Immerse yourself in the rich history and beauty of Venice as you explore two of its most famous landmarks with ease and convenience.

Good to know

Please note that this tour does not include food or beverage, so it is recommended to have a meal before or after the tour. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are also not included, so make sure to arrange your transportation accordingly. For your convenience, audio headsets are provided when necessary, ensuring you can always hear your guide's commentary clearly. The tour ends inside the magnificent Doge's Palace, allowing you ample time to further explore or continue your Venetian adventure.

Reviews

Customers who have embarked on the Skip-the-Line: Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica Fully Guided Tour have been consistently impressed with the knowledgeable guides and seamless skip-the-line access. They have praised the engaging and informative commentary that brought the history of these iconic landmarks to life. Travelers have expressed their satisfaction with the small group size, which allowed for a more intimate and interactive experience. Overall, the tour has received glowing reviews for providing a comprehensive and unforgettable exploration of Venice's cultural treasures.

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