Skip-the-Line Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace
See St. Mark’s & the Doge’s Palace on a small-group tour with pre-reserved entry!
Don't spend half your vacation waiting in line! This Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Tour gives you skip-the-line access to Venice’s top landmarks, paired with insider tales from an expert local guide. Discover the grandeur of Venetian history in a small group, without the hassle. Let us handle the tickets; you focus on feeling the overwhelming wealth and imagining those poor souls walking over the Bridge of Sighs to prison. An essential experience for your first time in Venice.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert, English-speaking guide
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Pre-booked tickets
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St. Mark's Basilica
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Doge's Palace
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Bridge of Sighs
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Group size of 15
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Hotel pick up
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Guide gratuity
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Meals
Tour Itinerary
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1
St. Mark’s Square
Begin in the city’s symbolic heart, admiring the soaring Bell Tower, marble lions, and ornate façades while learning about Venice’s storied past. -
2
St. Mark’s Basilica
Step inside to see golden mosaics and the Byzantine domes. -
3
Doge’s Palace
Explore majestic chambers and council halls while your guide shares tales of politics, conspiracies, and justice. -
4
Bridge of Sighs & New Prisons
Walk across the famous bridge and glimpse the historic prisons of Venice. -
5
Correr Museum
End your tour with entry to the Correr Museum, featuring art, royal history, and daily life in historic Venice.
Additional Information
St. Mark's and Doge's Palace Full Description
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Expert local guide
Guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace
Skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace
Insider stories of Venetian history and art
Bell Tower, Clock Tower, Bridge of Sighs and New Prisons
Small-group experience
Venetian Icons
Meet your guide in St. Mark’s Square, the city’s glittering heart. Snap selfies with marble lions, gawk at soaring façades, and try not to get dizzy staring up at the campanile. This is where Venice’s stories come to life: chaotic, charming, and just a little bit mischievous.
Golden Domes & Gothic Drama
Skip the lines and step into St. Mark’s Basilica, where golden mosaics practically sparkle with secrets. Then wander into the Doge’s Palace, where Venetian power plays, conspiracies, and council chatter are practically part of the décor. Don’t forget the Bridge of Sighs, perfect for dramatic selfies and imagining the fates of Venice’s not-so-lucky prisoners.
Stay & Explore Like A Doge
Your adventure ends inside the Doge’s Palace, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there. Peek into the Correr Museum, once Napoleon’s pad, full of art, royal stories, and a dash of Venetian daily life. In three hours, you’ll see Venice’s icons, uncover hidden tales, and leave with stories worthy of your own gondola gossip.
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Customer Reviews
Our guide made history exciting and easy to follow. So glad we chose this company. Would do it again!
I can’t believe how grand the Doge’s Palace is. So much art, gold, and mystery! Fantastic tour all around.
This tour covered everything beautifully. It felt personal and unique. The group size was small, making it comfortable and interactive. Venice at its best!
The mix of storytelling, architecture, and history made it special. Our guide clearly loved Venice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Bring your passport or ID if you selected a discounted ticket. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees for the Basilica. In summer, consider a hat, sunscreen, or small umbrella for sun protection.
What to bring?
Bring your passport or ID if you selected a discounted ticket. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees for the Basilica. In summer, consider a hat, sunscreen, or small umbrella for sun protection.
Are there any restrictions?
No large bags, luggage, or weapons/sharp objects are allowed. Basilica access may be restricted during holy days, high tides, or religious decisions.
Can I join late?
No. Timed tickets expire quickly (5–10 minutes). It’s not possible to join the tour after it has started.
What if Basilica access is denied or limited?
Skip-the-line priority may be suspended during high visitor numbers. In that case, you will receive tickets to visit the Basilica on your own at the assigned time. The visit inside the Basilica is limited to 20 minutes.
What if the Correr Museum is closed?
If you take the 2:00 PM tour, the museum may close before your tour ends. You will be given tickets to visit the museum the next day.
