HikingCultureHistorical

Venice Priority Access Tour: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica

4.3(194 reviews)Venice, Italy
2h15DurationGerman, English, French, SpanishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

This guided tour takes you through St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. You will start at St. Mark's Square, where your guide will share insights before you explore the Golden Basilica, known for its golden mosaics and intricate marble flooring. The second part of the tour includes a visit to the Doge’s Palace, where you will see the historic halls used by the Duke and his Council, as well as notable artworks from the Italian Renaissance, including Tintoretto's largest oil painting. The tour also includes a walk through the Bridge of Sighs leading to the new prisons. This experience is suitable for those interested in art, history, and architecture. It is not ideal for individuals seeking a casual stroll or those with mobility limitations. Be aware that this is a combined tour, and dress codes may apply for religious sites.

Itinerary

1

Piazza San Marco

Your guide will provide you with a wealth of information regarding Saint Mark's Square and then accompany you on a detailed tour of the Golden Basilica from Saint Mark's square, once the private chapel of the Doge of Venice, the only one of its kind in Italy, thanks to the sumptuous golden mosaics and impressive marble inlay flooring.

2

Basilica di San Marco

During the tour you will be able absorb the atmosphere whilst listening to your guide who will describe the biblical scenes represented throughout the building, together with history and particularities of this ancient Basilica. Visit Saint Mark's Basilica first floor museum and see the famous horses and admire Saint Mark's Square from the Basilica's terrace.

3

Palazzo Ducale

Continue your tour and skip the line inside the Doge's palace. Once inside the Palace, you will visit the halls where the Duke (Doge) and his Council controlled the fate of the Serene Republic, whilst surrounded by hundreds of artistic masterpieces and discover the political history of Venice and its people. You will be able to admire the paintings realised by some of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance, amongst them, the world's largest oil painting by Tintoretto.

4

Ponte dei Sospiri

Passing through the famous Bridge of Sighs, you will reach the new prisons. The bridge was given its name by the English poet Lord Byron, probably referring to the last breath of the prisoners, who had their last view of the lagoon and of Venice from the window of this bridge, before they were to be imprisoned.

5

Museo Correr

At the end of the tour, keep your Doge's Palace ticket to visit on your own: Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Saint Mark's square, opposite side of the Saint Mark's Basilica.

What's included / not included

S.Luca, S. Maria del Giglio, S. Maria del Rosario vulgo Gesuati, S. Maria FormosaAccess to the National Archaeological Museum, the monumental rooms of Marciana National LibraryPinacoteca Manfrediniana, Madonna dell'orto - S. Alvise, S. Andrea de la Zirada, S. AntoninS. Giovanni in Bragora, S. Marcuola, S. Maria dei Miracoli, S. Maria del Carmelo vulgo CarminiLive tour commentary provided in English, French, Spanish or GermanThe tickets for the Basilica allow you to visit (within 6 months) the following sitesSantuario di Lucia - SS. Redentore, The Human Safety NetS. Simeon Piccolo, S. Sofia, S. Stae, S. Stefano, S. TrovasoPersonal audio system and headset for tour commentaryProfessional local guideS. Beneto, S. Fantin, S. Felice, S. Giacomo dell’Orio, S. Giobbe, S. Giovanni elemosinarioThe tickets for the Doge's Palace allow you to visit: Bridge of Sighs, Armory, Correr MuseumSkip the line entrance and guided tour to the Saint Marks Basilica and Doge's PalaceS. Martino di Castello, S. Marziale, S. Pietro di Castello, S. Polo, S. Samuele, S. SebastianoBasilica di Santa Maria Assunta (Torcello), Sacrestia della Basilica della SalutePre-reserved tickets for St. Mark's basilica (€12) and Doge's Palace (€35)
GratuitiesEntrance feesMuseum and Loggia dei Cavalli on the 1st floorSecret itinerariesThe Hidden Treasures of the DogeHotel pick up and drop off

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. 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
  • Backpacks are not allowed inside the Basilica and the Doges Palace
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • 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 matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to St. Mark’s Basilica.

Traveller reviews

4.3194 reviews

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