How to Plan Your St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Tour in Venice

Are you planning a visit to Venice and wondering how to make the most of your time? Look no further than the St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Tour, a must-do when visiting this enchanting city. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this tour combines two of Venice’s top attractions, taking you on a journey through the city’s rich cultural history.

Experience

On this tour, you will enjoy the following experiences:

• Skip-the-line access to two of Venice’s most visited sights
• A guided tour by a local Venetian guide
• A behind-the-scenes visit of St. Mark’s Basilica
• An exclusive view of the city from the basilica’s balcony
• A visit to the opulent Doge’s Palace and the bleak New Prisons

Highlights

Join a knowledgeable and passionate local guide on this tour and explore two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. You will have the opportunity to skip the long lines at both attractions, taking full advantage of your time in this magical city. Explore the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, a true masterpiece combining Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture. In the company of your local guide, you will take a closer look at the basilica’s incredible art and history, including its dazzling gold mosaics and the Quadriga of four gold horses. Next, it’s off to the opulent Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Doge of Venice, the city’s ruler for over 1,000 years. Here, you will explore the grand chambers of this incredible palace, including the stunning council chamber, the Doge’s apartments, and the Doge’s private chapel, where you can marvel at works by Veronese and Tintoretto. The tour then takes a somber turn as you visit the New Prisons, where prisoners were held in unimaginable conditions during the city’s turbulent history. Your guide will share stories of those who were held there and the grim realities of life behind bars.

Full Description

This tour is a fantastic way to explore two of Venice’s top attractions in one day. Your day begins at St. Mark’s Basilica, where your local guide will introduce you to the history and architecture of this magnificent building. Built in the 11th century, St. Mark’s Basilica is a true masterpiece, with its sparkling gold mosaics, intricate marble floors, and grand domes. Your guide will take you through the grand entrance, where you will be awed by the sheer size and beauty of the basilica. As you explore the basilica further, your guide will point out some of the most significant pieces of art, including the Pala d’Oro, a stunning altarpiece made of gold and precious stones, and the Quadriga of four gold horses, which sit atop the basilica’s facade. Next, it’s off to the Doge’s Palace, where you will skip the long lines and enter the grand chambers of this former palace. Your guide will lead you through the grand council chamber, where Venice’s political leaders once met to govern the city, and into the private chambers of the Doge himself. As you explore the palace, you will have the opportunity to see some incredible works of art, including pieces by Veronese and Tintoretto. Finally, the tour takes a somber turn as you enter the New Prisons, where prisoners were held during the city’s tumultuous history. Your guide will share stories of those who were held there and the conditions they endured.

Booking Information

To book your St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Tour in Venice, head to GetYourGuide and secure your spot on this fantastic tour. Don’t miss this chance to explore two of Venice’s most iconic attractions with a knowledgeable local guide.

FAQ about Venice, Italy

Venice is a beautiful city located in northeastern Italy and is known for its romantic canals, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year. Here is a comprehensive FAQ that will help you plan your trip to Venice.

1. When is the best time to visit Venice?

Venice is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from May to November when the weather is warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that this is the peak tourist season, and the crowds can be overwhelming. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider traveling in the winter months, especially in December, when the city is beautifully decorated for Christmas.

2. How do I get to Venice?

Venice is easily accessible by plane, train, and car. The city has its own airport, Marco Polo Airport, which is located on the mainland and is connected to the city by bus and boat services. Alternatively, you can take the train to Venice’s Santa Lucia station or drive to the city and park in one of the many parking lots located on the edge of the city.

3. What are the must-see attractions in Venice?

Some of the must-see attractions in Venice include:

• St. Mark’s Basilica: This is a stunning Byzantine church and one of the most famous landmarks in Venice.
• Doge’s Palace: This Gothic palace was once the residence of the Doge of Venice and is now a museum.
• Rialto Bridge: This is one of the oldest and most famous bridges in Venice and offers fantastic views of the Grand Canal.
• Grand Canal: This is the main waterway in Venice and is lined with historic palaces and buildings.
• Bridge of Sighs: This beautiful white limestone bridge is famous for its name and connects the Doge’s Palace to the new prisons.

4. What are the best tours to take in Venice?

There are many tours to choose from in Venice, but some of the best ones include:

• Gondola Ride: This is a must-do in Venice and offers a romantic and scenic view of the city’s canals.
• Walking Tour: A walking tour is a great way to explore the city’s historic architecture and landmarks.
• Food Tour: A food tour is a fantastic way to taste some of the best Italian food and wine in the city.
• Island Tours: Venice is surrounded by many islands, and taking a tour to some of these islands is a great way to explore the city’s surroundings.

5. What is the local cuisine like in Venice?

Venice is famous for its seafood, and some of the must-try dishes include seafood risotto, spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), and sarde in saor (sardines in sweet and sour sauce). The city is also famous for its cicchetti, which are small appetizers or snacks that are often served in local bars and restaurants.

6. What is the currency used in Venice?

The currency used in Venice is the Euro. Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you, especially if you’re traveling to some of the smaller islands.

7. Is it safe to drink tap water in Venice?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Venice, as the city’s water supply comes from underground natural springs. The water is regularly tested and is of high quality.

8. What is the best way to get around in Venice?

Walking is the best way to get around in Venice, as the city is relatively small and pedestrian-friendly. However, if you want to explore the city’s canals, taking a water taxi or vaporetto (public water bus) is a great way to do so.

9. What is the dress code in Venice?

There is no strict dress code in Venice, but it’s best to dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites. Comfortable shoes are a must, as the city’s streets and bridges can be quite uneven and steep.

10. What souvenirs should I buy in Venice?

Venice is famous for its Murano glass and lace, and these make fantastic souvenirs. Other popular souvenirs include Venetian masks, handcrafted leather goods, and traditional Italian food and wine.

Book Your Tour Now

Venice is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, food, or romance, Venice has it all. With this comprehensive FAQ, you should be able to plan your trip to Venice with ease and make the most of your time in this enchanting city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Venice

Venice, the city of canals, is a popular tourist destination located in northeastern Italy. Famous for its art, architecture, and history, Venice offers a unique and unforgettable experience for tourists. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to spend your time as a tourist in Venice.

1. Explore the Canals

Venice is famous for its canals, which attract millions of tourists every year. The best way to explore the canals is by taking a gondola ride. The gondolas are operated by licensed gondoliers who will take you on a picturesque journey through the canals. You can also take a vaporetto, which is a water bus that can take you to different parts of the city.

2. Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica

Saint Mark’s Basilica is a stunning church located in the heart of Venice. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and is known for its Byzantine architecture, mosaics, and artwork. Entrance to the church is free, but if you want to see the museum and the golden altar, you will need to pay a fee.

3. Walk Across the Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice. It is known for its stunning architecture and offers a great view of the Grand Canal. You can take a leisurely stroll across the bridge and browse through the souvenir shops and local markets.

4. Visit the Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace is a historic building located next to Saint Mark’s Basilica. It served as the residence of the Doge of Venice and is now a museum. The palace is known for its Gothic architecture, paintings, and sculptures. You can take a guided tour or explore the palace on your own.

5. Explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a modern art museum located in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. It is home to works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Jackson Pollock. If you’re an art lover, this museum is a must-visit destination in Venice.

6. Take a Day Trip to the Islands

Venice is surrounded by many small islands that are worth exploring. The most popular islands are Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Murano is famous for its glass-making factories, Burano is known for its colorful houses and lace-making industry, and Torcello is the oldest settlement in Venice. You can take a water taxi to these islands and spend a day exploring their unique cultures.

7. Try Local Cuisine

Venice is home to some of the best Italian cuisine. Seafood is a specialty in Venice, and you can find many restaurants that serve fresh seafood dishes. Some of the must-try dishes include Sarde in Saor (fried sardines with onions and raisins), Baccala Mantecato (whipped cod with polenta), and Fegato alla Veneziana (Venetian-style liver with onions). You can also try local wines and desserts such as tiramisu and gelato.

Book Your Tour Now

Venice is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or cuisine, Venice has it all. The city’s canals, landmarks, museums, and cuisine make it a popular tourist destination. By following this guide, you can make the most of your time in Venice and create unforgettable memories.