Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace: Skip The Line + Guided Tour

Two-hour tour with a professional guide of Venice’s most important venues

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Highlight

Maximize your visit to La Serenissima with a guided tour of its main highlights, led by an experienced guide (and avoid waiting in lines)
Experience these unique spots through engaging and informative narratives shared by your guide
Witness exceptional treasures such as 'The Paradise', a masterpiece painting, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs!

Summary

In case you find yourself with limited time during your visit to Venice, selecting the best options is important. One suggestion could be to opt for a guided tour to explore the top attractions in Venice. An experienced guide can bring iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), and the Bridge of Sighs to life through fascinating stories. You will surely appreciate the wise decisions you make during your visit.

Description

When your time in Venice is restricted, decision-making becomes crucial. Ensure your decisions are wise. Opt for a guided tour of the top attractions in Venice. The expert guides unveil fascinating tales that breathe life into iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), and the Bridge of Sighs. Your discerning choices will surely bring you satisfaction.

The journey commences at the heart of Venice, which is St. Mark's Square. This location was once the hub of political and social activities for the Venetian Republic. Nowadays, it serves as the main destination where millions of tourists arrive annually, yet its charm remains undiminished despite the bustling crowds.

Once you grasp the reason behind Napoleon's reference to this place as "the drawing room of Europe", you will proceed to St. Mark's Basilica, renowned as one of the most iconic churches in the world. With a history of enduring fires, plundering, and storms - though not always unharmed - the basilica showcases a diverse array of architectural styles and anomalies, contributing to its distinctive and unique appeal.

Having your guide leading the way, you will be able to bypass the lengthy queues at the basilica's entrance (thus saving you a couple of hours under the scorching sun or heavy rain - the prevailing weather conditions in Venice). As soon as you enter, you will be amazed by the grandeur; 4000 m2 of mosaic art sparkling and shining in the natural light. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to visit the terraces with magnificent views and St. Mark's Museum.

Following your visit to the church, you will explore the renowned Palazzo Ducale, which was once the headquarters and residence of the Venetian Doge.

Visiting the power palace during the tour allows you to admire its notable features, such as the stunning gilded and marble staircases. One of the main attractions is the Great Council Hall, particularly known for the grand painting by Tintoretto called The Paradise which covers the entire east wall. Considered one of the largest and most exquisite paintings in the world. As part of the tour, you will also have the opportunity to walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs where the tired sighs of prisoners being led to the Doge's Prison were their last breaths of freedom echoing through the city.

Without a doubt, immersing yourself in the history and beauty of Venice is sure to make you crave a light meal. Therefore, continue to embrace the authentic Venetian atmosphere and enjoy some tasty cinchetti (Venetian tapas) before you embark on your personal exploration of The Bride of the Sea.