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

Get your discount tickets for the Skip the Line Venice Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tour, save up to 18% !

Select your ticket

Overview

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.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

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

Language Offered

English-AUDIO

English-GUIDE

Italian-AUDIO

Italian-GUIDE

French-AUDIO

French-GUIDE

Spanish-AUDIO

Spanish-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Piazza San Marco
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.
2. Basilica di San Marco
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.
Duration: 75 mins
3. Palazzo Ducale
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.
Duration: 60 mins
4. Ponte dei Sospiri
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.
Duration: 2 mins
5. Palazzo Delle Prigioni Nuove
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.
Duration: 5 mins

Inclusion

Professional guide

Headsets to hear the guide clearly (for groups larger than 10 people)

2.5 hours tour

Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Exclusion

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

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

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

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

Supplied by Very Viva Venice Srl

Reviews

4.0

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 267 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
145
4 stars
37
3 stars
39
2 stars
24
1 stars
22

Explore other options