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Venice Express Half Day Tour: St. Mark's & Doge's Palace

Name: Venice Express Half Day Tour: St. Mark's & Doge's Palace
Brand: Walks

4 hours

Max 20 people

Commentary: Guide · en

Venice, Italy

About this activity

See Venice’s top sights in just four hours with skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge’s Palace with an expert guide.

Highlights

See Venice's top sights in a short amount of time.
Skip the line to St. Mark's and the Doge’s Palace.
Walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Explore the Rialto Market and Rialto Bridge.
Discover Venice’s history with an expert guide.

Full description

Experience the best of Venice in record time with this expertly crafted express tour. Designed for travelers with limited time, this tour ensures you see Venice’s most famous landmarks with ease. Start at the iconic Rialto Market and Bridge, where you’ll learn about Venice’s history and local life. Then admire the golden mosaic ceiling inside St. Mark's Basilica, and finally, delve into the history of Venetian politics and power at the Doge’s Palace. Wander through its opulent halls, explore the prisons, and cross the Bridge of Sighs—all while uncovering the city's fascinating untold stories. With skip the line access at both St. Mark's and the Doge's Palace, you'll enjoy seamless entry for an efficient visit. By lunchtime, you'll have experienced Venice's highlights, giving you the flexibility to spend your afternoon in Venice as you wish.

Begin near the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most iconic sights. Make your way through the lively Rialto Market, where locals shop for fresh seafood and produce, and learn about the city’s maritime heritage from your expert guide. You’ll uncover stories of how Venice rose from the lagoon to become a global power.

Next, you'll skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica to admire Venice's most famous church. Inside, your guide will point out the breathtaking Byzantine architecture, including its golden mosaic ceiling, and share its connection to the city’s religious and artistic heritage.

Finish your tour with a visit to the Doge’s Palace. You'll once again skip the line to wander through its luxurious halls, cross the haunting Bridge of Sighs, and explore the palace’s darker side in its historic prisons. There's no better place to discover fascinating insights into Venetian politics and power.

Included / Excluded

Local English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25€)

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Gratuities

Meeting point

Start Location

255 Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 255, Venezia, IT

Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 255, Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 255, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets outside the entrance of the Church of San Giacometto at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto 255, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.

Get directions →

Important information

Know before you book

Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.

Know before you go

Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
Sites visited on this tour occasionally close due to holy days, high tides, and/or flooding. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). The guide will modify the itinerary to include alternate dry paths whenever possible.
Large bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
Due to the religious nature of sites on this tour, all individuals (regardless of gender) must cover their shoulders and knees. It is acceptable to bring extra coverings to put on just before entering a holy site. Walks cannot be responsible for anyone denied entry.
Appropriate footwear recommended.
St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 3 days before the activity starts

Cancellations received greater than 3 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 3 days of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.