Skip the Line Venice Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tour
Description
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 meters 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 center 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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(268)
It was a It was an educational and interesting tour of two beautiful monuments. We highly recommend doing this. Joining a skip the line tour is really great option and we were highly recommend you do that. Our guide was very knowledgeable with lots of interesting and fun facts and information. She was very energetic!
Average experience. It allows you to skip the line which is helpful. Be sure and note the dress code required to enter church ahead of time or you will need to buy scarf to ensure shoulders/knees covered. Guide was disinterested in engaging much but distantly polite. Provided some interesting insights. We’ve certainly had better guides in other cities that seemed more interested in their job. Meet up location is not at the church/Doge site and requires map to get to ticket counter to start.
Denise was our guide, what an excellent guide she is too. Made our tour fun and entertaining with information and anecdote on the Doge's. The meeting point is easy to find as they have their own shop/booth. Well worth the money.
The tour was amazing. The guide was very knowledgeable about both St. Peter's Basilica and Doge's Palace. Lots of great history along with the incredible buildings themselves. Skip the line option was definitely worth the cost.
Our guide was excellent tour and history provided interesting- some narrow stairs and climbings. Prison part was cool- must do in Venice.
Tour operator ignored my communication over several days and failed to allow me to join tour on day scheduled.
you made reservation through Viator and it is clearly indicated that you can cancel or cgange up to 24 hours in advance but you have to do it through Viator
Amazing and knowledgeable tour guide Denise provided much history of both the basilica and palace. Highly recommend
Our guide Max, was very knowledgeable! The Basilica was amazing, as well as the Doge. Great to connect our knowledge and history with someone who was really was educated in facts
Our guide held a sign at shoulder level, very difficult to keep track of her. She also started telling us of the item she was explaining before we could even locate it. She walked quickly and it was hard to keep the group together. She didn’t indicate very well which direction she was going to help us keep together.
Our tour guide was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. She was very pleasant and courteous. I would book again with her for any tour!
