Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Additional service & facility | Fast Track |
| Sightseeing type | Historic site tour |
| Transport | Walking |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Reminders
Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536; look for the sign at the entrance. Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time.(Venice Tours, Calle de le Rasse, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy)
Accessibility:Not suitable for wheelchairs, and those with reduced mobility
Extra fees to be paid on-site:The official St. Mark’s Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs
Please note that on certain days between 18th April 2025 and 27th July 2025, every visitor to Venice is required to pay, directly to Venice Municipality, an access fee, unless otherwise excluded. For dates, payment methods, to benefit from exclusions and for all information about it, please visit the dedicated website of Comune di Venezia
Know in advance:With the same ticket, you can visit by yourself other museums in St. Mark's Square: Old Royal Palace now Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and the monumental rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
During days of high turnout or for reasons of force majeure (such as high tide or security problems) the waiting time to access St. Mark's Basilica might be longer than expected
Remember to bring:A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica
FAQ
Doge's Palace served as the heart of political power for the Venetian Republic for centuries. It was the official residence of the Doge, the supreme authority, and housed the city's main governmental institutions and law courts. Its architecture is a testament to Venice's wealth and influence during its peak as a maritime empire, making it a crucial symbol of the city's rich history and former glory.
A typical guided tour of Doge's Palace usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration allows for a comprehensive exploration of key areas like the Doge's Apartments, the institutional chambers, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs, all while benefiting from an expert guide's detailed insights. If you wish to explore further independently after the tour, consider allocating an additional hour.
Generally, Doge's Palace requires a purchased ticket for entry. However, certain specific categories of visitors may be eligible for free admission, such as Venetian residents on designated days, young children under a certain age, or individuals with specific disability passes. It is highly recommended to verify the current eligibility criteria and any specific conditions directly with the palace's official information channels before your visit.
A guided tour of Doge's Palace typically delves into significant public rooms, the opulent Doge's Apartments, and the impressive Great Council Hall featuring Tintoretto's massive painting "Paradise." It also guides visitors across the famous Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the New Prison. Some tours may highlight the Armoury and various institutional chambers, offering a deeper understanding of Venetian governance and justice.
A guided tour significantly enhances the experience of visiting Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica by providing invaluable historical context, fascinating anecdotes, and explanations of intricate architectural and artistic details. Expert guides can bring these iconic Venetian landmarks to life, ensuring a much deeper appreciation and understanding of their significance that might be missed during self-guided exploration, all while navigating efficiently.
You can conveniently acquire tickets for both Doge's Palace and the Golden Basilica through various online booking platforms. For example, by booking through KKday, you can secure your admission in advance, which often includes benefits like streamlined entry processes. This method helps you avoid the common long queues, saving valuable time and ensuring a smooth start to your exploration of these popular Venetian attractions.
To bypass the often-long entrance queues at Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, visitors should purchase "skip-the-line" tickets in advance or book a guided tour that explicitly includes this benefit. These pre-booked options provide access through a dedicated, expedited entrance, significantly reducing waiting times, especially during peak tourist seasons, and allowing more time to enjoy the attractions.
Skip-the-line access for Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica means that you are granted entry through a separate, reserved, or expedited entrance rather than joining the standard general admission queue. This usually involves presenting a pre-purchased e-ticket or being part of an organized tour group with special arrangements. The primary benefit is a quicker and more efficient entry process, minimizing wait times.
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