3.6(34 reviews)
Venice: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Fast Access Tour
From€69.9
2 hours
Venice, Italy
About this activity
Experience Venice's iconic Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica with fast-track access and expert guidance, delving into the city's rich history and art.
Highlights
- Explore Doge's Palace's opulent halls
- Admire St. Mark's Basilica's golden mosaics
- Learn Venice's rich history from expert guides
- Enjoy priority access, skipping long lines
- Capture stunning photos of iconic landmarks
Full description
Dive into Venice's rich history with this exclusive tour of Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Skip the long lines and step into the opulent halls of Doge's Palace, once the seat of Venetian power, where you'll be captivated by its intricate architecture and art. Then, marvel at the golden mosaics and architectural splendor of St. Mark's Basilica, a testament to Venice's artistic heritage. Led by expert guides, this tour offers deep insights into the city's past, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience. Don't miss the chance to capture stunning photos of these iconic landmarks, making your visit truly unforgettable.
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace
- Skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica
- Expert guide providing historical insights
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
1
The Doge's Palace serves as the official residence of the Governor of the Venetian Republic. To truly immerse yourself in the rich history of Venice, a visit to the Doge's Palace is indispensable. This architectural gem, showcasing the pinnacle of Gothic design, boasts elements dating back to the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, seamlessly blending with the majestic Basilica of San Marco. Guided tours offer access to key highlights including the enchanting Courtyard, the opulent Golden Staircase, the awe-inspiring Staircase of the Giants, and the prestigious Sala del Consiglio Maggiore. Within the Sala, visitors can marvel at masterpieces by renowned artists such as Tintoretto, Veronesi, and Titian, further enriching the cultural experience of this magnificent palace.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
2
Cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners once lamented their fate and learn a little bit more about their history
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
St. Mark's Basilica with an skip the line access is a stunning cathedral located in Venice, Italy. It's famous for its exquisite Byzantine architecture, intricate mosaics, and ornate design. Built in the 11th century, it's one of the city's most iconic landmarks, attracting visitors from around the world.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
4
To conclude your tour, experience the ancient art of Murano glass blowing with a captivating demonstration, offering a glimpse into this traditional Venetian craft in and old factory near Saint Mark Square
Duration: 15 minAdmission: YES
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Check the local weather forecast and dress accordingly.
- Be aware that the tour may be conducted in a group; private tours may be available upon request.
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 guide instructions.
Cancellation policy
0All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Visits inside Saint Mark's Basilica are limited to a maximum of 15–20 minutes, as determined by Basilica authorities.
- Please note the importance of arriving on time, as each attraction operates on a strict schedule. Delays could result in missing your tour, and late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
- As Saint Mark's Basilica is a religious site, all visitors are required to wear appropriate attire. Both men and women must ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered.
- To ensure we can reach you with any updates to your reservation, please provide the correct telephone number, including the country code.
- During the summer season, please allow up to two hours to travel from the train station to Saint Mark’s Square, as water taxis are in high demand and delays are common due to heavy crowds.
- Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person. Doge's Palace tickets are priced at €30 per adult. All additional charges are considered administrative costs
- The tour runs in all weather conditions. Please note that during certain times of the year, high tide may occur. In that case, raised walkways are set up to allow access and disposable shoe covers can be purchased in front of the entrance.
- Meeting time is subject to change; if this occurs, you will receive a call or message from the activity provider. Please provide your correct phone number and country code.
- The itinerary of the tour can change in the order depending on the tickets availability
- 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.
Traveler reviews
3.634 reviews
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Disastrous experience. We paid for a guided tour in Spanish, and 24 hours before, they informed us that it would be in English.
Disastrous experience. They can change the language without the possibility of a refund because they do not notify you in advance. They offer a self-guided app in Spanish, but it is useless. It does not follow the same order of explanation. Terrible, as if you were watching a documentary on YouTube. It is not a translator of the guide that explains it, so it is terrible. I do not recommend it; I felt scammed.
MARISA_MMay 19, 2026VIATOR
This tour was extremely...
This tour was extremely disappointing. We booked an English tour and were given an Italian tour. When I brought that up to the provider, the only solution they wanted to provide was an audio guide. Definitely not the same as a guided tour. Nothing was provided for Doge Palace. The guide, although she spoke English was annoyed if any questions were asked since we did not speak not understand Italian. Extremely disappointed that this provider nor Viator would offer a partial refund since we did not get what we paid for for six people.
Julie_SMay 10, 2026VIATOR
The tour was very nice...
The tour was very nice and our tour guide was absolutely amazing! The guide was very knowledgeable about the history and also was extremely friendly and engaging.
Baylie_MApr 30, 2026VIATOR
Paula was good but the...
Paula was good but the two attractions were Too crowded. Still glad we took the tours. Would be better in off season
Jamie_WApr 29, 2026VIATOR
Very interesting...
Very interesting explanation of the history of the cathedral and palace. The glass blowing creation of a horse was fascinating to watch.
Michael_HApr 13, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
Visits inside Saint Mark's Basilica are limited to a maximum of 15–20 minutes, as determined by Basilica authorities.
Please note the importance of arriving on time, as each attraction operates on a strict schedule. Delays could result in missing your tour, and late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
As Saint Mark's Basilica is a religious site, all visitors are required to wear appropriate attire. Both men and women must ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered.
To ensure we can reach you with any updates to your reservation, please provide the correct telephone number, including the country code.
During the summer season, please allow up to two hours to travel from the train station to Saint Mark’s Square, as water taxis are in high demand and delays are common due to heavy crowds.
Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person. Doge's Palace tickets are priced at €30 per adult. All additional charges are considered administrative costs