Ultimate Guide to the St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Tour in Venice

If you’re visiting Venice, one of the must-see sights is the St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. These two incredible landmarks offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of this beautiful city. However, with so many tourists, the lines to get in can be incredibly long and tiresome. That’s why we recommend the St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Tour.

Experience

This tour offers skip-the-line access to two of Venice’s most visited sights: St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. With a knowledgeable local Venetian guide leading the way, you’ll see the best of these landmarks and learn about their fascinating histories.

Highlights

• Skip-the-line at St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace
• Join a local Venetian guide for an incredible tour
• Go behind the scenes at St. Mark’s Basilica
• Step out onto the basilica balcony for an exclusive view
• Visit the opulent Doge’s Palace and the bleak New Prisons

Full Description

The tour starts with a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice’s most important church. With your pre-reserved tickets, you’ll be able to skip the line and enter the basilica without waiting. Your guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the church, showing you its incredible art, architecture and mosaics. You’ll get to see some of the lesser-known areas of the basilica, including behind the scenes and a balcony for an exclusive view of the square.

Next, you’ll head to the Doge’s Palace, which was once the center of Venetian government. Your guide will give you a fascinating insight into this important building, its architecture, artwork, and criminal history. You’ll be able to skip the line and see the most important areas of the palace, including the grand halls, the armory, and the prison. With the 8 AM tour option, you’ll also get early access to the palace, allowing you to enjoy the grand halls in peace before the crowds arrive.

The tour ends with a visit to the New Prisons, where you’ll see where Venetian criminals were once held. Your guide will tell you about the prison system, the punishments, and the famous prisoners who were held there.

How to Plan Your Tour

The St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Tour can be booked online through the GetYourGuide website or app. The tour takes around 2.5 hours, and is available in the morning or afternoon. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as there are stairs to climb and some walking involved.

It’s important to note that this tour does not include transport to or from the landmarks. You’ll need to make your own way to St. Mark’s Basilica, which is located in the Piazza San Marco. Your guide will meet you outside the Basilica and lead you to the Doge’s Palace from there.

It’s also important to respect the dress code at St. Mark’s Basilica, which requires shoulders and knees to be covered. Bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the basilica, and there is no storage facility on-site. Make sure to leave any large bags or backpacks at your hotel.

Book Your Tour Now

The St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Tour is the perfect way to see two of Venice’s most important landmarks without wasting time waiting in lines. Your knowledgeable local guide will give you a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the city, making this a tour you’ll never forget. Book your tour here and let us know about your experience in the comments below!

Everything You Need to Know About Venice: A Comprehensive FAQ

Venice is a city filled with romance, culture, and history. If you’re planning to visit this beautiful city or want to know more about it, this comprehensive FAQ will answer all your questions. From the best time to visit to the top attractions and from the local cuisine to the transportation options, we have covered everything.

1. When is the Best Time to Visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is from late spring to early fall (May to October). During this time, the weather is pleasant, and various festivals and events take place. However, keep in mind that this is also the busiest time of the year. The peak season is during July and August when the city is overcrowded with tourists. If you want to avoid the crowd, visit Venice during the shoulder season, from April to May and from October to November. During this time, the weather is still pleasant, and the city is less crowded.

2. How to Get to Venice?

There are various ways to get to Venice, depending on your starting point. The city has its airport, Venice Marco Polo Airport, which is located on the mainland. You can take a bus, train, or water taxi to get to the city center from the airport. If you’re coming from other parts of Italy or Europe, you can take a train to Venice’s Santa Lucia Station, which is located near the city center. If you prefer driving, there are parking lots available outside the city, and you can take a water taxi to reach your destination.

3. What are the Top Attractions in Venice?

Venice is known for its canals, bridges, and historic buildings. Some of the top attractions in Venice are:

• Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco is the main square of Venice and is located in the heart of the city. It’s surrounded by various historic buildings, such as St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Clock Tower.

• Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the oldest and most famous bridges in Venice. It spans across the Grand Canal and offers a stunning view of the city.

• Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is the main waterway in Venice and is lined with various palaces, churches, and other historic buildings.

• Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and is now a museum. It’s known for its beautiful architecture and stunning artwork.

• St Mark’s Basilica

St Mark’s Basilica is one of the most famous churches in Venice and is known for its beautiful Byzantine architecture and stunning mosaics.

4. What is the Local Cuisine in Venice?

Venice has a rich culinary tradition, and its cuisine is heavily influenced by seafood. Some of the must-try dishes in Venice are:

• Sarde in Saor

Sarde in Saor is a traditional Venetian dish made from sardines, onions, and vinegar. It’s typically served cold and is a staple at local taverns.

• Risotto al nero di seppia

Risotto al nero di seppia is a black risotto made from squid ink. It’s usually served with seafood and is a popular dish in Venice.

• Fritto misto

Fritto misto is a mixed seafood dish that’s deep-fried in a light batter. It’s a popular street food in Venice and is usually served with polenta.

• Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a popular dessert that originated in Venice. It’s made from ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and coffee-flavored liquor.

5. What are the Transportation Options in Venice?

Venice is a city without cars, and the primary mode of transportation is walking or taking a boat. There are two main types of boats in Venice:

• Vaporetto

Vaporetto is a public water bus that operates on the city’s canals. It’s an affordable and convenient way to get around Venice.

• Water Taxi

Water taxis are private boats that can be hired for a more luxurious way to get around the city. However, they are more expensive than vaporettos.

Book Your Tour Now

Venice is a city with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the romance and beauty of Italy. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or food, Venice has something for everyone. We hope that this comprehensive FAQ has answered your questions and helps you plan your trip to this beautiful city.

How to Spend your time as a Tourist in Venice

If you are planning to visit Venice, then you must be aware that there are a lot of things to do and see in this beautiful city. From exploring the canals to indulging in delicious Italian cuisine, there’s something for everyone. In this blog post, we will share some tips on how to spend your time as a tourist in Venice.

1. Go on a Gondola Ride

One of the most iconic things to do in Venice is to take a ride on a Gondola. The gondolas are traditional Venetian boats and are best for exploring the canals of the city. It’s a romantic and relaxing experience that you must not miss. You can hire a gondola for a private tour or opt for a shared ride. Prices vary depending on the duration and type of experience you choose. It’s recommended to negotiate the price with the gondolier before starting the ride.

2. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is a beautiful monument located in the heart of Venice. It’s a significant landmark and a symbol of Venice’s prosperity and power during the Middle Ages. The Basilica has beautiful mosaics, marble floors, and gold leaf decorations that create a stunning interior view. You can take a free tour of the Basilica or opt for a guided tour to learn more about its history.

3. Explore the Canals

Venice is home to over a hundred canals, making it a unique city to explore by boat. You can rent a water taxi, hop on a vaporetto (water bus), or explore the canals on a gondola ride. Exploring the city from the water will give you a unique perspective, and you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the buildings and bridges along the canals.

4. Visit the Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. It’s a beautiful stone arch bridge that spans across the Grand Canal. The bridge connects the San Polo and San Marco districts and is an excellent location for sightseeing and taking photos. You can also find many shops and restaurants near the bridge, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the view.

5. Visit the Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace is a magnificent building located in St. Mark’s Square. It was once the residence of the Doge (ruler) of Venice and is now a museum. You can explore the palace’s history and intricate architecture, including its famous Bridge of Sighs. You can also opt for a guided tour to learn more about its historical significance.

6. Take a Food Tour

Italian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and delicious dishes, and Venice is no exception. Taking a food tour is an excellent way to learn about the city’s culinary traditions and explore the local food scene. You can sample traditional dishes such as cicchetti (small bites), seafood, and pasta. You can also pair your food with local wines and spirits, such as Prosecco and Spritz.

7. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a modern art museum located on the Grand Canal. It has an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí. If you’re an art enthusiast, you cannot miss this museum.

8. Take a Day Trip to the Islands

Venice is home to many small islands, each with its unique charm and features. You can take a day trip to visit these islands, such as Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Murano is known for its glass-making traditions, while Burano is famous for its colorful houses and lace-making. Torcello is an island with a rich history and ancient ruins.

Final Thoughts

Venice is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. There is a lot to explore and experience, from the canals to the historic landmarks and food scene. You can use this guide to plan your itinerary and make the most of your time in Venice. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera to capture the beautiful moments!