Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica Fast-Track Tour in Venice
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Skip the long lines and uncover Venice’s most iconic landmarks on this guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Start in St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice, before stepping into the Doge’s Palace, where opulent halls and political intrigue shaped the Venetian Republic. Admire stunning masterpieces that once impressed foreign ambassadors and walk the same corridors as the city’s rulers.
Then, bypass the crowds and enter St. Mark’s Basilica, where golden mosaics shimmer under the light, creating an almost otherworldly glow. Spot hidden saints in the mosaics and uncover the mystery of the famous bronze horses that have traveled the world.
Your journey doesn’t end there—your ticket includes free entry to three museums in St. Mark’s Square, revealing rare manuscripts and Venetian history.
Want to take your experience to the next level? Upgrade for exclusive access to St. Mark’s panoramic terrace and soak in the best views of Venice from above!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tickets are nominative. Name/s provided during the booking must match the valid photo ID presented by each participant. Entry may be denied otherwise.
Visitors aged 11+ (Basilica-only) or 6+ (Doge’s Palace) must buy a standard adult ticket.
Please note that St. Mark's Basilica enforces a strict dress code. Visitors must always cover their knees and shoulders.
Skip-the-line does not bypass security check lines. During peak season, wait times may be longer.
The Basilica is an active place of worship. Access may be restricted or modified without notice due to religious events, high tide or crowd control.
Audioguides are provided via the Crown Tours App. Due to limited local connectivity, we strongly recommend downloading the app beforehand (requires 500 MB). Bring a charged smartphone & personal headphones.
From July 1, 2025, the entry fee for Basilica-only access is €12. Optional access: Museum or Pala d’Oro €24; Museum and Pala d’Oro €36; Campanile €18; Doge’s Palace €30; Extended Museum Pass €40. Remaining value covers operational costs, including audioguide provision and hosting services, or certified guides with whisper devices.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Optional Upgrade: Self-led Visit of St. Mark’s Basilica’s Terrace
On-Site Assistance at Meeting Point
Complimentary Entry to Museo Correr (not guided)
Exclusive Digital Content via Crown Tours App
Skip-the-line entry to Doge's Palace
Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark's Basilica
Complimentary Entry to Monumental Rooms of Biblioteca Marciana (not guided)
Personal Audio System
Guided Tour of Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica
Complimentary Entry to National Archaeological Museum (not guided)
Professional Licensed Tour Guide
Food & Drinks
Gratuities
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Your adventure begins in Venice’s grandest square! A stunning open-air masterpiece where golden light bounces off centuries of history. The perfect place to soak in the magic!
Doge's Palace
Step into the lavish world of Venice’s rulers. Ornate halls, gilded ceilings, and a touch of drama—this is where power, art, and intrigue come alive.
Options
English Tour + Terrace Access
Full Tour + Self-led Terrace: Guided tour of Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica, plus self-led access to St. Mark’s Museum & Terrace for stunning views.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: 2-hour guided tour + approx. 30 minutes self-led visit to the terrace and museums.
English Tour
Doge & St. Mark Tour: Explore Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica on a 2-hour guided tour. Skip the lines and uncover Venice’s history.
Duration: 2 hours
Reviews
58 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Funniest tour guide ever!!!
SCOTT R,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Marco was hilarious!! Wanted him to hang out with us for the rest of the day!! Great tour! Not too long and not too short. Definitely worth it!!
Great Tour with Marco
Christine H,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Marco was an awesome tour guide! The tour ran wonderfully! Filled with knowledge!! I would recommend this tour!
What an impressive tour! ...
Denise P,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What an impressive tour! The rooms of the palace and the artwork within were unbelievable! The basilica - WOW!!! Thoroughly enjoyed the tour and all the background knowledge provided by our tour guide. Would totally do it again. For those that have never been there, these are a must see but definitely wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb A LOT of stairs.
Fantastic!
Benjamin K,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour with a very knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend to see the best of both these amazing buildings.
Beautiful Basilica and...
Simon S,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful Basilica and palace. Very informative guide and some wonderful views for the top across St Marks piazza.
This tour was a fantastic...
Steven R,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was a fantastic experience. Our guide, Adriana, was very knowledgeable and personable. She took us through the place and basilica at a very comfortable pace. The basilica is a sight to behold, and we saw parts that wouldn’t be accessible without the tour. The Doge’s Palace is very impressive, and the highlight for us was walking across the Bridge of Sighs. As an added bonus, we received entry to the Musei San Marco Correa. This too was fascinating. I would recommend this tour. A great value, with a great tour guide, Adriana.
Fun, informative and at the right pace
Diana B,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was interesting and at the right pace. We toured with an 8 year old and he was engaged and interested in the info provided. Our tour guide was informative and funny. It also save us time, which helped a ton with kids. Definitely recommend taking the tour.
Great tour!
Mari S,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was absolutely amazing! Doge’s Palace and St. Marks Basilica are absolutely breathtaking, but what truly made the experience unforgettable was our guide, She was incredibly knowledgeable, bringing history to life with fascinating details and stories. I can’t recommend this tour enough!
Great tour
Jacy D,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and told really great stories. I could tell she had a real passion for the history of the buildings!
Can’t leave Venice without going on this experience.
Karen V,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was so knowledgeable. She was awesome. Brought our experience to life. Both buildings are stunning. I’m so glad we went in this adventure. Must do!
From €89.00
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