How to Plan Your Venice Highlights Tour: St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace

Venice is a city of wonders, delights, and unending beauty. Its charm is unbeatable and entices tourists from all over the world. If you’re visiting Venice, you must experience the magic of the city with an expert guide who can show you the secrets of this fascinating place. With a 3-hour small group or private tour, you can see two of Venice’s top highlights: the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. This blogpost will guide you on how to plan your Venice highlights tour, including what to expect, how to select the right tour company, and what you can do to make your tour unforgettable.

Experience

The highlights tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace allows you to experience the grandeur and magnificence of these Venetian landmarks. With pre-reserved tickets, you won’t have to wait in long queues, and you can make the most of your valuable time. The local expert guide will provide insider knowledge on major monuments, and you’ll leave with enough information to explore the city independently. The tour takes 3 hours, and you can choose a small group or private tour for a more personalized experience, depending on your preferences.

Highlights

The tour includes a visit to the Basilica of St. Mark, one of the most famous churches in the world, and the Doge’s Palace, the seat of power in Venice for centuries. Along with these two iconic landmarks, you’ll get entry to the Correr Museum National Archeological Museum and Biblioteca Marciana. With the expert guidance of the local guide, you’ll discover the art, architecture, history, and culture of these incredible places.

Choosing the Right Tour Company

It’s essential to choose the right tour company for your highlights tour in Venice. Do your research, read reviews, and check out the company’s website. Look for a company that offers pre-reserved tickets, small group or private tours, and local expert guides. Check if there are any hidden costs, and ensure that the company is reputable and reliable.

We recommend booking through GetYourGuide, a trusted third-party booking website. The link to book the tour is https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t388071?partner_id=UWJ1LS2, where you can choose from various dates and tour options. Booking through GetYourGuide provides you with a seamless and secure booking process, and you’ll get instant confirmation of your tour.

Tips for an Unforgettable Tour

To make your tour unforgettable, here are some tips you can follow:

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as the tour involves walking and standing for extended periods.
• Carry a water bottle and some snacks, as food and drinks are not allowed inside the monuments.
• Avoid carrying bulky backpacks, as they are not allowed inside the monuments.
• Listen carefully to the local guide and ask questions, as they can provide you with valuable information.
• Take plenty of photos, but remember to be respectful of the monuments and other tourists.

Conclusion

A highlights tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace in Venice is a must-do for anyone visiting the city. With a small group or private tour, pre-reserved tickets, and a local expert guide, you can experience the grandeur and magnificence of these Venetian landmarks. Booking through GetYourGuide is easy and secure, and you’ll get instant confirmation of your tour. Follow our tips for an unforgettable tour, and make the most of your valuable time in Venice.

Book the tour here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Venice

Venice is a unique city built on water located in the northeastern part of Italy. It is well known for its canals, gondolas, and beautiful architecture. However, planning a trip to Venice can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. To make it easier for you, we’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about Venice.

1. When is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is comfortable, and the crowds are fewer. Summers can be hot and crowded, and winters can be cold and damp. If you plan to visit in the summer, be prepared for long queues and high prices.

2. How do I get to Venice?

Venice can be easily reached by air, train, or car. The Marco Polo airport located on the mainland is the main airport that serves Venice. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to the city center. Venice is also connected to the mainland by a railway bridge, and you can reach it by train from various parts of Italy. You can also opt to drive to Venice, but it is advised to park your car at the parking garages on the mainland and take public transportation or water taxis to the city.

3. Do I need a visa to visit Venice?

If you are an EU citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Venice. However, if you are a non-EU citizen, you may need a visa depending on the length of your stay and the purpose of your visit. It is advised to check the visa requirements before planning your trip.

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

Venice has several must-see attractions, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. You should also take a gondola ride to see the city from the water and explore the narrow streets and alleys of Venice.

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

The tap water in Venice is safe to drink, but it has a slightly odd taste due to its high mineral content. You can drink bottled water if you prefer, but it is not necessary.

6. Where should I stay in Venice?

The best place to stay in Venice is in the city center, close to the main attractions. The San Marco and San Polo districts are the most popular areas for tourists. However, these areas can be very crowded and noisy. If you prefer a quieter stay, consider staying in the Cannaregio or Dorsoduro districts.

7. What is the best way to get around Venice?

The best way to get around Venice is on foot or by boat. The city is easy to navigate and is relatively small. However, if you need to go to a distant location or have heavy luggage, you can take a water taxi or a water bus (vaporetto).

8. What are some local dishes to try in Venice?

Venetian cuisine is unique and delicious, and there are several dishes you should try while in the city. Some of the must-try dishes include Sarde in Saor (sweet and sour sardines), Risotto al Nero di Seppia (squid ink risotto), and Frittelle (sweet fritters).

9. Are there any customs and etiquette I should be aware of while in Venice?

While in Venice, it is essential to know the local customs and etiquette. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and avoid walking bare-chested or in a bikini. It is also important to greet people with a simple “buongiorno” (good morning) or “buonasera” (good evening) and say “grazie” (thank you) after receiving a service.

10. Can I visit the nearby islands while in Venice?

Yes, you can visit the nearby islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello while in Venice. These islands are picturesque and have a distinct charm of their own. You can take a water bus or hire a private water taxi to visit these islands.

Conclusion

Venice is a magical city that is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. It has a lot to offer, from historic sites to delicious food, and exploring the city can be a unique experience. With the answers to these frequently asked questions, we hope your trip to Venice will be more enjoyable and stress-free. Don’t forget to plan and make bookings beforehand, and you will have an unforgettable trip to Venice.