See Venice’s top sights in just four hours with skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge’s Palace with an expert guide.
Venice Express Half Day Tour: St. Mark's & Doge's Palace
Summary Description
Highlights
- See Venice's top sights in a short amount of time.
- Skip the line to St. Mark's and the Doge’s Palace.
- Walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs.
- Explore the Rialto Market and Rialto Bridge.
- Discover Venice’s history with an expert guide.
Description
Experience the best of Venice in record time with this expertly crafted express tour. Designed for travelers with limited time, this tour ensures you see Venice’s most famous landmarks with ease. Start at the iconic Rialto Market and Bridge, where you’ll learn about Venice’s history and local life. Then admire the golden mosaic ceiling inside St. Mark's Basilica, and finally, delve into the history of Venetian politics and power at the Doge’s Palace. Wander through its opulent halls, explore the prisons, and cross the Bridge of Sighs—all while uncovering the city's fascinating untold stories. With skip the line access at both St. Mark's and the Doge's Palace, you'll enjoy seamless entry for an efficient visit. By lunchtime, you'll have experienced Venice's highlights, giving you the flexibility to spend your afternoon in Venice as you wish.
Begin near the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most iconic sights. Make your way through the lively Rialto Market, where locals shop for fresh seafood and produce, and learn about the city’s maritime heritage from your expert guide. You’ll uncover stories of how Venice rose from the lagoon to become a global power.
Next, you'll skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica to admire Venice's most famous church. Inside, your guide will point out the breathtaking Byzantine architecture, including its golden mosaic ceiling, and share its connection to the city’s religious and artistic heritage.
Finish your tour with a visit to the Doge’s Palace. You'll once again skip the line to wander through its luxurious halls, cross the haunting Bridge of Sighs, and explore the palace’s darker side in its historic prisons. There's no better place to discover fascinating insights into Venetian politics and power.
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
- Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25€)
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 255, Campo S. Giacomo di Rialto, 255, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets outside the entrance of the Church of San Giacometto at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto 255, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.
Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EYDAEs1cjsucHcXx9
End Location: St. Mark's Square, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
- All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- Sites visited on this tour occasionally close due to holy days, high tides, and/or flooding. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). The guide will modify the itinerary to include alternate dry paths whenever possible.
- Large bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
- If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
- Due to the religious nature of sites on this tour, all individuals (regardless of gender) must cover their shoulders and knees. It is acceptable to bring extra coverings to put on just before entering a holy site. Walks cannot be responsible for anyone denied entry.
- Appropriate footwear recommended.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 3 days
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 3 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 3 days of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Points of interest
- Ponte di Rialto, 30125 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
- Mercato di Rialto, Calle Prima de la Donzella, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
- Canal Grande, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
- Piazza San Marco, P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
- Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Campo S. Rocco, 3052, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 4 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 20
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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