Recent Searches
Clear
Close

Are you interested in?

St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) Tours
189 Tours & Activities
Historical Tours
445 Tours & Activities
Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
973 Tours & Activities

Learn more about our Covid-19 response.

Read More

4-Hour Venice Walking tour with Skip the line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica

star-4.5
|
Venezia, Italy
(57)
4-Hour Venice Walking tour with Skip the line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica
Doge's Palace
Saint Mark's square
Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's square
See More (57)
57

From $122.58

Lowest Price Guarantee

Learn more about our Covid-19 response.

Read More

Select Date and Travelers

Number of travelers
0 Infants1 Infant2 Infants3 Infants4 Infants5 Infants6 Infants7 Infants8 Infants9 Infants10 Infants11 Infants12 Infants13 Infants14 Infants15 Infants0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children10 Children11 Children12 Children13 Children14 Children15 Children1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults10 Adults11 Adults12 Adults13 Adults14 Adults15 Adults
Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
Loading available options...
icon4 hours  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 4 more
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Read Less
Read More
Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
More questions?
(888) 651-9785

Overview

Saint Marks Basilica and the Doges Palace are two landmarks rarely left off any Venice Itinerary, but their popularity means that visitors often spend more time queuing outside than exploring inside. Visit both on this 4-hour tour, including skip-the-line entrance and a walking tour of romantic Venice.
  • Jump the queues with skip-the-line entrance to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace
  • Explore the campi, canals, and laneways of historic Venice on a walking tour
  • Walk in the footsteps of the Dukes of Venice on a tour of Doge’s Palace
  • Ideal introduction to Venice for first-time visitors or those short on time
Saved to wishlist!

From $122.58

Lowest Price Guarantee
Book Now
Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Professional guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
Skip the line entrance
Entrance fees
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Departure Point

Torre dell'Orologio, P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Departure Time

9:00 AM

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
Meet your guide in St. Mark's Square and take the time to admire the square’s grand monuments before setting off on a walking tour of the city. Discover the historic heart of Venice as you follow your guide around the maze of alleyways, canals, and campi (squares) and get a taste of modern-day life in the city.

After soaking up the atmosphere of romantic Venice, return to St Mark’s Square and use your skip-the-line tickets to visit the Doges Palace. Follow your guide around the magnificent halls, stopping to admire architectural highlights such as the Golden Staircase, see the famous Bridge of Sighs, and marvel at works by artists such as Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese.

The final stop of the day is at St Mark’s Basilica, where you’ll enjoy skip-the-line access and a guided tour of the Byzantine gem. As well as admiring the lavish interiors and peeking into the Treasury, explore the remarkable Golden Basilica, once the private chapel of the Doges of Venice.

After a morning discovering the city, your tour ends back in St Mark’s Square.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Piazza San Marco
Starting in Saint Mark’s square, this atmospheric walking tour will then whisk you away from the crowded streets into the treasure filled pockets of the Castello area. A qualified guide will walk you through the hidden squares, winding canals and historical buildings providing you with a perfect introduction to the origins, symbols, traditions, architecture, and life in current day Venice. The tour starts with a historical introduction of St. Marks’s Square, and its architectural delights, allowing you to discover the history of the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, the illustrious Doge’s Palace, once the seat of the power of the Republic of Venice, and the extraordinary, renaissance clock tower.
... MoreLess
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
Leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its labyrinth of narrow alleys - “calli”, many bridges, winding canals and wide picturesque squares - “campi”. You can expect to discover campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the largest squares in Venice with its church, named after its visitation of the Holy Virgin.
... MoreLess
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo
Campo Santi Giovanni and Paolo where you will be able to admire the famous church, the resting place of several Doges; and the equestrian monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an Italian mercenary Captain.
... MoreLess
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Casa di Marco Polo
The former residence of Marco Polo in Corte Seconda del Milion, probably the most famous Venetian merchant.
... MoreLess
Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Not Included
Stop At:  
Teatro Malibran
The Malibran theatre (only external) is also part of the itinerary. The theatre of San Giovanni Grisostomo was built in only four months at the end of 1677. It was renovated many times and the renovation of 1919, gave us the theatre, as we know it today.
... MoreLess
Duration: 10 minutes
Admission Ticket Not Included
Stop At:  
Doge's Palace
Our guide will accompany you to the Doge’s Palace, which dominates Saint Mark's Square, the heart of Venice, standing out for its size and its extraordinary structure, where Byzantine, European and Oriental architecture collide. Immediately entering the Palace you will pass through the great courtyard and admire the wealth of detail on the famous Golden Staircase. Once inside the Palace, you will visit the halls where the Duke (Doge) and his Council controlled the fate of the Serene Republic, whilst surrounded by hundreds of artistic masterpieces and discover the political history of Venice and its people. You will be able to admire the paintings realised by some of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance, amongst them, the world's largest oil painting by Tintoretto. Passing through the famous Bridge of Sighs, you will reach the new prisons. The bridge was given its name by the English poet Lord Byron, probably referring to the last breath of the prisoners, who had their last view of the lagoon and of Venice from the window of this bridge, before they were to be imprisoned.
... MoreLess
Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
Basilica di San Marco
During the second part of the tour you will visit the Basilica, once the private chapel of the Doge of Venice, and the only one of its kind in Italy, thanks to the sumptous golden mosaics and impressive marble inlay flooring. During the tour you will be able to sit down in the church and absorb the atmosphere whilst listening to your guide who will describe the biblical scenes represented throughout the building, together with history and particularities of this ancient Basilica. The tour includes the visit of the famous Pala d'Oro, an altarpiece made of gold and silver and an exquisite example of Byzantine art with a myriad of gems and precious stones.
... MoreLess
Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
Museo Correr
At the end of the tour, keep your Doge's Palace ticket to visit on your own: Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Saint Mark's square, opposite side of the Saint Mark's Basilica.
... MoreLess
Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Included
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • 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;
  • Large bags or ruck sacks are NOT allowed on this tour;
  • On very few occasions the Basilica may be closed due to high water, the tour will not be cancelled but the explanation of the Basilica will take place form the outside;
  • Check-in is 15 minutes before the tour start time;
  • From November 1 to March 31, there is no skip-the-line entrance to the Basilica;
  • For all late arrivals or no show, NO REFUND.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Venice Events srl

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during 4-Hour Venice Walking tour with Skip the line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica?
A:
The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by 4-Hour Venice Walking tour with Skip the line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during 4-Hour Venice Walking tour with Skip the line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica?
A:
The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by 4-Hour Venice Walking tour with Skip the line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during 4-Hour Venice Walking tour with Skip the line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica?
A:
The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
See all safety measures taken by 4-Hour Venice Walking tour with Skip the line Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica.

Traveler Photos

See More (57)

Traveler Tips

  • "To skip the line for either exhibit is worth paying for a tour." See review
  • "Highly recommended to take you off the beaten path and learn about Venice, they were also born and raised in Venice and truly enthusiastic about their birthplace!" See review
  • "This tour is very good my guide was very knowledgeable and I certainly felt it was worth the spend." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
15 Reviews
5 stars
11
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
0
Reviews by Viator travelers
Showing 1-10 of 15 reviews
star-5
Backroads of Venice
pedidentalasst67
, Jan 2020
Rosanna was great and extremely informative..on our 2nd part of the tour we had another guide whose name was similar to Rosanna and she was just as fabulous!!! Highly recommended to take you off the beaten path and learn about Venice...they were also born and raised in Venice and truly enthusiastic about their birthplace!!
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Feb 2020
Thank you for this feedback and we hope to have you back in venice in the next future have a nice day
... MoreLess
HelpfulHelpful
star-5
Doge’s and St Marks
munio1
, Oct 2019
Great tour guide. We learned a lot. She answered all of our questions and was very engaged. We would recommend this
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Oct 2019
Thank you for this great review we will pass your comments over to the guide. We hope to see you again in the near future.
... MoreLess
HelpfulHelpful
star-5
Really good, great!
christina c
, Aug 2019
So I’m usually not into tourist activities but decided I needed to see as much as possible in my last few days here. This tour is very good my guide was very knowledgeable and I certainly felt it was worth the spend. In fact it was so rich with history and knowledge I was amazed at what we had covered in the time. Do this one it’s worth the spend.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Aug 2019
Dear Christina, Thank you for your positive review about our tour. We are really pleased it was a memorable experience with us. Your feedback is appreciated and we look forward to seeing you again. Best regards, Venice Events Team.
... MoreLess
HelpfulHelpful
star-4
Too much walking
Sherpa325105
, Sep 2018
This tour could have been slightly better. The tour guide was nice and knowledgeable but for the walking tour I would have prefer seeing a couple of different sights that was not seen within the area walked. As for the Doges Palace and the San Marco Basilica, they were worth seeing.
... MoreLess
HelpfulHelpful
star-5
Venice walking tour
michelletravelag2018
, Sep 2018
Our guide was Annemarie. Boy did she know her stuff, she was so smart and knowledgeable about what we were seeing. She explained the history of Venice, and the difference between the local artists and those in other parts in Italy. Our group sat in the Basilica while she explained the artwork on the walls and the ceiling. We never felt rushed, she took her time and answered questions. The line to get in without being part of a tour is just as bad as the Vatican. To skip the line for either exhibit is worth paying for a tour.
... MoreLess
HelpfulHelpful
star-5
Great overview of Venice whilst...
Alison R
, Nov 2017
Great overview of Venice whilst visiting the highlight locations and some lesser known sites. Good to do as soon as you get to Venice to help get around. Guide was very knowledgeable and informative and utilised a radio system so everyone could hear the commentary.
... MoreLess
HelpfulHelpful
star-4
I have given this tour 4 stars as...
Irene B
, Jun 2017
I have given this tour 4 stars as the only part which was not so good was the walking aspect. The group was too large, the streets too crowded and we didn't really see much on the walking part of this tour. The Golden Bisilica and Doges Palace were unbelievable and not to be missed. The guide provided good background info on these two places.
... MoreLess
HelpfulHelpful
star-3
The guide, Rosanna, was very good...
Robert K
, Apr 2017
The guide, Rosanna, was very good, knowledgeable, passionate about her subject and had a good sense of humour. Just as well really because whilst the content was great we were dogged with interference on the radio sets and spent a good amount of time trying to avoid other guides using the same technology/frequency. The first part walking tour was excellent with interesting insights into the history and culture of Venice. The second part Doge's Palace apart from the technology was also very good. Both these parts had a group size of about 20. The third part Basilica with the technology finally sorted out could also have been great except that the group size more than doubled 40 and if you were at the back you lost the impact of some of the highlights. All in all a worthwhile experience which could have been excellent value but for the faulty equipment and oversized group.
... MoreLess
HelpfulHelpful
star-5
Again another tour made worth every...
Brett F
, Feb 2017
Again another tour made worth every penny by the passion and enthusiasm of our guide , she was very knowledgeable regarding the Venice history and had time for all questions , English was very good and did not rush the tour. The Golden Basilica and Doges Palace are amazing and would recommended paying that bit extra to jump the queue as l would say it would take as least an hour normally . well worth the money and 10 out of 10 again.
... MoreLess
HelpfulHelpful
star-2
I don't remember our guide's name...
llbacurin
, Jan 2017
I don't remember our guide's name, but she had a large, brown, fur Russian-style hat. Our tour guide's accent was extremely, extremely difficult to understand I heard several others on the tour say the same. Even with the headset, we couldn't understand much of what she said. She was also a bit rude when people couldn't understand her. We asked her for a restaurant recommendation, and I really question whether she perhaps got a kick-back from the place she recommended. On other tours we took, we asked for restaurant recommendations, and the guides always gave great ones with reasonable prices. The place she took us to was ridiculously expensive and was not very good at all. We later passed a number of restaurants with the same food for a third of the price.
... MoreLess
HelpfulHelpful

Questions?

Viator Help Center
Product code: 3303P19

Explore Similar Things to Do

City ToursWalking ToursHistorical ToursHalf-day ToursWalking & Biking ToursCultural & Theme ToursLuxury & Special OccasionsTours & SightseeingVeniceCity Tours - VenetoWalking Tours - VenetoHistorical Tours - VenetoHalf-day Tours - VenetoCity Tours - TrevisoWalking Tours - TrevisoHistorical Tours - TrevisoHalf-day Tours - TrevisoCity Tours - PaduaWalking Tours - PaduaHistorical Tours - PaduaHalf-day Tours - PaduaCategory

Attractions in Venice

DorsoduroVenice Cruise Port (Terminal Crociere Venezia)Church of San Vidal (Chiesa di San Vidal)MazzorboChurch of Santa Maria Assunta (I Gesuiti)Church of Santa Maria Formosa (Chiesa di Santa Maria Formosa)San Gallo Theater (Teatro San Gallo)Villa Foscari (La Malcontenta)Brenta RivieraSan Marco Chamber Orchestra (Virtuosi di Venezia)Venice Lido (Lido di Venezia)Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Collezione Peggy Guggenheim)San Lazzaro degli ArmeniCorrer Museum (Museo Correr)Piombi Campo Santa Maria FormosaCampo Santa MargheritaChurch of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli)Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell'Accademia)Frari Church (Basilica dei Frari)