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

From€99
3 hours
Venice, Italy

About this activity

Experience Venice's iconic landmarks with priority access and expert guidance on this 3-hour tour of Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.

Highlights

  • Skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace
  • Explore the opulent Doge's Palace
  • Admire the golden mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica
  • Discover the Pala d'Oro altarpiece
  • Learn about Venice's rich history

Full description

Dive into the heart of Venice's history and art with this exclusive 3-hour tour. Skip the lines at Doge's Palace, once the seat of Venetian power, and explore its opulent halls and chambers. Then, marvel at the golden mosaics and intricate details of St. Mark's Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Your expert guide will share captivating stories and insights, enriching your understanding of Venice's rich heritage. This tour offers a seamless blend of art, history, and culture, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of Venice.

Included / Excluded

  • Priority access to Doge's Palace
  • Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica
  • Visit to Pala d'Oro
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

1

St. Mark's Square has always been the most important Square in Venice and it has been defined as "the most beautiful drawing room of Europe".

Duration: 50 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: The Doge's Palace is one of the finest example of Venetian Gothic style. It was the residence of the Doge, and the political and judicial heart of the city.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Pass by: St. Mark's Bell tower is one of the iconic symbol of Venice. Discover its history and how it was rebuilt after the collapse of 1902.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Pass by: The Clock Tower is an early Renaissance building on the north side of the Piazza San Marco.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Pass by: The Procuratie (literally, "procuracies") are three connected buildings on St Mark's Square. They are also connected to St Mark's Clocktower. They are historic buildings over arcades, the last of them completed under Napoleon's occupation.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

St. Mark's Basilica is also known as the Golden Basilica due to its precious mosaics. It originally served as the chapel of the Doge, the head of the Republic of Venice. It's still considered one of the best known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture. Admission not permitted on sundays.

Duration: 40 minAdmission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; check availability for other languages.
  • Children under 6 years old can join for free; a valid ID is required.
  • The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Bring a valid ID for entry into religious sites.
  • Photography may be restricted in certain areas; please follow the guide's instructions.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days before the activity starts

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • Please be aware that shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted. Both men and women must have their knees and shoulders covered to enter. Failure to comply with these dress code requirements may result in refused entry.
  • If you're planning a day trip to Venice and staying outside the city, please note that an access fee will be required on certain dates. For more information, including details about exemptions and the specific dates when the fee applies, 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 matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to St.Mark’s Basilica
  • Entrance ticket is included and it costs 24,00 Euro per person (St. Mark’s Basilica and Museum)

Traveler reviews

3.1
52 reviews
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21

Excellent English tour with Denise

Denise is a great tour guide very proud of her native city and makes a very interesting presentation of the Dukes life on the palace

Marcela_AMar 13, 2026VIATOR

Horrible experience

It was cancelled by the tour operator with NO NOTICE to us after we delayed our departure from Venice

Keith_CSep 26, 2025VIATOR

We just aware...

We just aware skip-the-line tickets for st. Mark’s basilica tour was not available when we arrived and told by the tour guide today (21Sep), which was very disappointed. We come all the way from Hong Kong to Rome to Florence & Venice and this is part of our important journey. Since we will fly to London tomorrow, there’s no time for us to visit anymore. Therefore, please refund the St. Mark’s Basilica skip-the-line tickets (x3 people) for me in cash. Pls reply by email at anitalam@gmail.com for the arrangement as soon as possible. Thanks with regards, Anita Lam

WAIMAN_LSep 21, 2025VIATOR

NO SHOW FOR THIS PRIVATE GUIDE

Booked through Get Your Guide and confirmed booking. Waited over an hour in searing heat and the private guide did not arrive for our booking. Another family were also waiting for their guide who did not turn up either. After many telephone calls and messages, they said that there was no guide available. Very upsetting for our family and children in tears. Not apologetic at all, and all GYG could do was a refund. Use another company!

BleepersJul 12, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Great toyr guide

Great guide with lots of knowledge experience made our tour great. My son who is 4 was interested in the exhibits.

Alex_AOct 21, 2024VIATOR

Additional information

Please be aware that shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted. Both men and women must have their knees and shoulders covered to enter. Failure to comply with these dress code requirements may result in refused entry. If you're planning a day trip to Venice and staying outside the city, please note that an access fee will be required on certain dates. For more information, including details about exemptions and the specific dates when the fee applies, please visit (https://cda.ve.it).