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

Highlights

Itinerary

1. 1

   St. Mark's Square

   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 center 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.

   Pass by (no stop)•Admission free•See on map

2. 2

   St. Mark's Basilica

   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 meters, 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.

   1h 15m•Admission included•See on map

3. 3

   Doge's Palace

   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.

   1 hour•Admission included•See on map

4. 4

   Bridge of Sighs

   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.

   2 minutes•Admission free•See on map

5. 5

   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.

   5 minutes•Admission included

Meeting point

The meeting point is in Campo San Zaccaria at "The Tour Shop" opposite the church in the square.

The map shows Venice. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

Pickup

• Everyone meets at the start point

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation 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 travelers 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
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• Tickets must be collected from the meeting point at Campo San Zaccaria, at ‘The Tour Shop’ opposite the church on the square. PRIVATE TOUR ONLY_Tickets must be collected from one of our staff members, who will be standing in ‘Piazzetta dei Leonici’ (between the two lions) holding a sign saying ‘Very Viva Venice’

Cancellation and refunds

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.