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

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• Piazza San Marco (Pass by)

  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.

  Admission ticket free
• 1
  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.

  1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 2
  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 ticket included
• 3
  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.

  2 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4
  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket included

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

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