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Rating Star

4 (257)

Location Icon Venice

Venice: Skip the Line Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Tour

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150

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo See the best of Venice with the Skip the Line Venice Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tour. This walking tour lets visitors discover the rich history and art of Venice without waiting in long lines. The tour focuses on two iconic Venetian landmarks: St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.

Visitors will explore St. Mark's Square, the heart of Venice, and marvel at St. Mark's Basilica's stunning Byzantine architecture, golden mosaics, and the story of St. Mark and Bible episodes depicted inside. Then, skip the line at the Doge's Palace, once the center of Venetian power and justice. Walk through the Bridge of Sighs Corridor, a somber path with a fascinating history.

This 2.5-hour tour includes a professional guide who will provide engaging commentary and headsets to clearly hear the guide (for groups larger than 10 people). It excludes hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour ensures visitors experience the best of Venice's art, history, and culture, led by expert guides, through featured locations, and unique insights. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Skip the Long Lines: Save valuable time and enter St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace without waiting.

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Expert Local Guide: Learn about Venetian history and art from a knowledgeable professional.

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See Iconic Landmarks: Visit St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs.

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Hassle-Free Experience: Enjoy a well-organized tour with headsets provided for larger groups.

Sentiment Analysis

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Most customers highly recommend this tour for its efficiency and informative guides, though some mention crowds and a slightly fast pace. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers say the skip-the-line access is a huge time-saver.

    Positive Highlight Icon Many appreciate the guides' knowledge and ability to bring the history to life.

    Positive Highlight Icon Visitors loved the detailed information about the art and architecture.

    Positive Highlight Icon The tour is well-organized and moves at a good pace.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some found the crowds inside the attractions overwhelming.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few felt the tour was a bit rushed.

The Journey

1

St. Mark's Square

Step into St. Mark's Square, the vibrant heart of Venice and its principal public space. Surrounded by architectural masterpieces like St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Campanile, this bustling piazza has been the stage for Venetian life for centuries. Admire the stunning facades, listen to the echoing footsteps of history, and soak in the lively atmosphere as you become part of Venice's timeless story.

2

St. Mark's Basilica

Enter the breathtaking St. Mark's Basilica, a dazzling testament to Italo-Byzantine architecture and one of Venice's most revered landmarks. Marvel at the shimmering gold mosaics that adorn the interior, depicting biblical scenes and the history of Venice. Ascend to the terrace for panoramic views of St. Mark's Square and the lagoon, a truly unforgettable experience that blends artistic splendor with historical significance. Don't miss the St. Peter's Door.

3

Doge's Palace

Discover the Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture and a symbol of Venice's power and glory. Once the residence of the Doge, the supreme ruler of the Venetian Republic, this opulent palace is now a museum filled with stunning art and historical artifacts. Wander through its lavish chambers, imagine the intrigues of the past, and gain insight into the political and cultural heart of Venice during its golden age.

4

Bridge of Sighs

Cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs, an enclosed bridge of white limestone connecting the New Prison to the Doge's Palace. Designed by Antonio Contino, this iconic bridge offers a glimpse into the somber reality of Venetian justice. Legend has it that prisoners sighed as they caught their last view of Venice through the bridge's barred windows before their imprisonment, making it a poignant and unforgettable landmark.

5

Bridge of Sighs Corridor

Venture through the corridor that traverses the Bridge of Sighs, a passage built in 1614 linking the Doge's Palace to the New Prisons. Experience the separation of the two corridors once used by prisoners, one leading to chambers of law and criminal justice, the other to state advocacy rooms. Explore the service staircase connecting the depths of the 'Pozzi' cells to the heights of the 'Piombi,' and feel the weight of history as you walk in the footsteps of those who once crossed this infamous bridge.

Know Before You Go

This tour includes a professional guide and headsets for groups larger than 10 people to ensure everyone can hear clearly. The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and guarantees skip-the-line access to both St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Guests should meet their guide at the designated meeting point. This walking tour explores key locations like St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs.

Hot Tip

Reviewers suggest arriving at the meeting point a little early to ensure a smooth start. Also, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

From €115 Price

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As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.