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A grand, ornate cathedral with multiple domes and intricate architectural details. 1
A historic building with a patterned facade and arched windows. 2
A wide, open square with historic buildings, a prominent tower, and a statue in the distance. 3
A grand, ornate building with multiple domes and spires, surrounded by a large open plaza with people walking around. 4
A historic square with a prominent tower, a large dome, and classical architecture. 5

Skip the Line Venice Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tour

By Very Viva Venice Srl
8.2 out of 10
Very good
Free cancellation available
Price is €115 per adult

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h 30m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

Discover the heart of Venice by visiting its two most iconic landmarks: St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Admire the Basilica's stunning Byzantine architecture, over 8,000 square metres of golden mosaics, exquisite marble floors, and priceless treasures. Visit the St. Mark's Museum, home to the original Horses of St. Mark, then enjoy breathtaking views over St. Mark's Square and the Venetian Lagoon from the panoramic terrace. Continue to the magnificent Doge's Palace, once the residence of the Doge and the political centre of the Venetian Republic. Explore its grand halls, artistic masterpieces, and elegant chambers before crossing the legendary Bridge of Sighs into the historic New Prisons, where you'll discover fascinating stories of Venetian justice and the famous escape of Giacomo Casanova.

Activity location

  • Basilica di San Marco
    • Piazza San Marco 328
    • 30124, Venice, Italy

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Campo S. Zaccaria, 4683g
    • 4683g Campo San Zaccaria
    • 30122, Venezia, Veneto, Italy

Check availability

Tour in English PM

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • English

Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Squar

Language options: English
Starting time: 14:45
Price details
€115.00 x 1 Adult€115.00
Total
Price is €115.00
Until Mon, 10 Aug

Tour in Spanish PM

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • Spanish

Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Squar

Language options: Spanish
Starting time: 14:45
Price details
€115.00 x 1 Adult€115.00
Total
Price is €115.00
Until Mon, 10 Aug

Tour in English AM

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • English

Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Squar

Language options: English
Starting time: 11:00
Price details
€115.00 x 1 Adult€115.00
Total
Price is €115.00
Until Mon, 10 Aug

Tour in French AM

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • French

Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Squar

Language options: French
Starting time: 11:00
Price details
€115.00 x 1 Adult€115.00
Total
Price is €115.00
Until Mon, 10 Aug

Tour in Spanish AM

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • Spanish

Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Squar

Language options: Spanish
Starting time: 11:00
Price details
€115.00 x 1 Adult€115.00
Total
Price is €115.00
Until Mon, 10 Aug

Private Tour English

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • English

Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Square

Language options: English
Price details
€430.00 x 1 Adult€430.00
Total
Price is €430.00
Until Mon, 10 Aug

Private Tour French

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • French

Private Tour French

Language options: French
Price details
€430.00 x 1 Adult€430.00
Total
Price is €430.00
Until Mon, 10 Aug

Private Tour German

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • English

Private Tour in German: Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Squar

Price details
€430.00 x 1 Adult€430.00
Total
Price is €430.00
Until Mon, 10 Aug

Private Tour Italian

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • Italian

Private Tour in Italian : Explore the exquisite city of Venice on a 2-hour walking tour that covers the most significant highlights of St. Mark’s Squar

Language options: Italian
Price details
€430.00 x 1 Adult€430.00
Total
Price is €430.00
Until Mon, 10 Aug

Private Tour Spanish

  • Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes2h 30m
    2h 30m
  • Spanish

Private Tour Spanish

Language options: Spanish
Price details
€430.00 x 1 Adult€430.00
Total
Price is €430.00
Until Mon, 10 Aug

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Professional guide
  • Inclusions
    Headsets to hear the guide clearly (for groups larger than 10 people)
  • Inclusions
    2.5 hours tour
  • Inclusions
    Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Exclusions
    Hotel pickup and drop-off

Know before you book

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • 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
    • Because of security checks you might experience a line to get inside the Doge Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. You will skip the line for non-reserved tickets but security check is mandatory.
    • Maximum of 25 people on each tour
    • On certain dates, most travellers 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
    • PLEASE PROVIDE THE FULL NAMES OF ALL TRAVELERS WHEN BOOKING. FAILURE TO PRESENT A VOUCHER WITH ALL TRAVELERS' FULL NAMES AT THE TICKET OFFICE PRIOR TO ENTRY MAY RESULT IN DENIED ENTRY TO THE ATTRACTION.
    • EACH TRAVELER MUST PRESENT A VALID PASSPORT OR ID DOCUMENT THAT MACHES THE NAME PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF BOOKING FOR SUCCESSFUL ENTRY TO ST. MARK'S BASILICA.
    • St Mark’s Basilica entry tickets are priced at €12 per person
    • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
    • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Piazza San Marco (Pass by)

Your journey begins in the heart of Venice, the magnificent St. Mark's Square, often described by Napoleon as "the finest drawing room in Europe." Surrounded by elegant arcades and some of the city's most iconic monuments, the square has been the political, religious, and social centre of Venice for over a thousand years. As you stroll through this extraordinary setting, discover the stories behind the Republic of Venice, its powerful Doges, and the architectural masterpieces that transformed this square into one of the world's most celebrated landmarks.

Basilica di San Marco

  • 1h 15m
  • Admission ticket included
Mark the Evangelist, the Basilica reflects centuries of artistic influences brought to Venice through its maritime trade with the East. Admire the shimmering golden mosaics covering over 8,000 square metres, the magnificent marble floors, and the rich decorations that earned this monument the nickname "The Golden Basilica." Continue your visit to the St. Mark's Museum, where you'll discover remarkable treasures linked to the Basilica's history, including the famous original Horses of St. Mark, masterpieces of classical antiquity that once stood proudly above the main façade. The experience culminates on the Basilica's panoramic terrace, offering breathtaking views over St. Mark's Square and the Venetian Lagoon. From this privileged vantage point, admire the square from above while appreciating the architectural details of the Basilica and the timeless beauty of Venice's most iconic landmarks.

Doge's Palace

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Continue your visit inside the spectacular Doge's Palace, the former residence of the Doge and the political heart of the Venetian Republic. This remarkable Gothic palace was far more than a royal residence: it housed the government, the courts, and the administrative offices of one of the longest-lasting republics in history. Wander through magnificent chambers adorned with masterpieces by artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese, climb the grand ceremonial staircases, and discover how Venice became one of Europe's most influential maritime powers.

Ponte dei Sospiri

  • 2m
Walk across the legendary Bridge of Sighs, one of Venice's most iconic symbols. Built in the early 17th century, this enclosed limestone bridge connected the interrogation rooms inside the Doge's Palace with the New Prisons. According to tradition, it takes its name from the sighs of prisoners who caught their final glimpse of Venice through its small stone windows before facing imprisonment. Today, it remains one of the city's most photographed landmarks, rich in history, legend, and emotion.

Palazzo delle Prigioni

  • 5m
  • Admission ticket included
Conclude your experience by exploring the historic New Prisons, among the first purpose-built prison complexes in Europe. Walk through the austere corridors and narrow cells where justice was administered during the Venetian Republic, and learn about the lives of those imprisoned here, from common criminals to famous figures such as Giacomo Casanova, whose daring escape became legendary. This final stop offers a fascinating insight into the judicial system of Venice and provides a striking contrast to the splendour and opulence of the Doge's Palace.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Basilica di San Marco
    • Piazza San Marco 328
    • 30124, Venice, Italy

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Campo S. Zaccaria, 4683g
    • 4683g Campo San Zaccaria
    • 30122, Venezia, Veneto, Italy

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