Exploring the enchanting city of Venice is a must-do for any traveler, and this guided tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience its most iconic landmarks. By skipping the long lines at Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, visitors can dive straight into the captivating history and stunning architecture of these remarkable sites. Unique access to the basilica’s terraces further enhances the tour, providing a bird’s-eye view of the city’s captivating skyline. With an expert guide to share insightful perspectives, this experience promises to be both informative and unforgettable. But the true allure lies in the chance to uncover the hidden gems and secrets that make Venice a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
Key Points

- This tour offers skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, allowing you to avoid long queues.
- The tour includes exclusive access to the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica, providing stunning views of the city.
- The guided tour is led by a licensed English-speaking guide, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.
- The tour explores the Prisons of the Doge’s Palace, providing an inside look at the city’s history.
- The tour is highly-rated with a score of 4.5 stars, and gratuities are included for a hassle-free experience.
Tour Overview

The ‘Venice Skip Lines at Doges & St. Marks with Exclusive Sky Walk’ tour provides visitors with an opportunity to avoid lengthy queues and gain exclusive access to some of Venice’s most iconic landmarks.
This highly-rated 4.5-star tour takes travelers on a journey through the city, allowing them to skip the lines at both the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.
Along the way, they’ll explore the prisons of the Doge’s Palace and gain exclusive access to the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica, offering breathtaking views of the city.
With a licensed English-speaking guide, small group sizes, and all gratuities included, this tour is an excellent way to make the most of a visit to Venice.
If you're enjoying exploring Venice on foot, you'll love these other walking tours we recommend
Inclusions

This tour offers a range of inclusions that enhance the overall experience for visitors.
Travelers can expect a licensed English-speaking guide to lead them through the tour, providing valuable insights and historical context along the way.
The experience also includes skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica, allowing guests to bypass the typically long queues.
Plus, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Prisons of the Doge’s Palace and tour the Palazzo Ducale.
The highlight of the tour is the exclusive access to the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica, offering breathtaking views of the city.
All gratuities are included, making this a hassle-free and comprehensive tour of Venice’s top sights.
Meeting and Logistics

Convening at Piazza San Marco, under the column with the lion in front of the Doges Palace, marks the starting point for this captivating tour.
Commencing at 2:00 PM, travelers can expect to return to the original meeting location upon the tour’s conclusion.
With a maximum group size of 15 participants, this intimate experience ensures personalized attention from the guide.
Providing flexibility, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time.
The tour’s end point returns to the meeting point, allowing for a seamless and convenient experience for participants.
This well-organized logistics ensure a smooth and enjoyable exploration of the Venetian highlights.
Accessibility and Dress Code

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it remains conveniently situated near public transportation options.
Travelers must adhere to a dress code, as knees and shoulders must be covered when entering places of worship and select museums. Plus, pets aren’t permitted on the tour. Guests with special needs or impaired mobility should communicate these requirements in advance to ensure a seamless experience.
The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the historic sights of Venice, but participants must be mindful of the accessibility and dress code restrictions.
Reviews and Rating

The tour has garnered a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 22 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor, earning it a Badge of Excellence from the platforms.
Travelers have praised the licensed English-speaking guide, who provides skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and exclusive access to the terraces, offering unparalleled views of the iconic Venetian cityscape.
The opportunity to explore the Prisons of the Doge’s Palace and tour Palazzo Ducale has also been a highlight for many.
With a reasonable price point and inclusions like gratuities, this tour represents excellent value for money and an unforgettable way to experience the best of Venice.
- Tour of The Real Hidden Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica After-Hours Tour With Optional Doges Palace
- Murano Glass Experience With a Visit to a Burano Lace Island
- Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour With a Local Guide
- Eat, Drink and Repeat: Wine and Food Tasting Tour in Venice
- The Veneziani Musicians Concert: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Pricing and Guarantees

At a starting price of €99.00, this tour offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers receive the best value for their money when exploring the iconic sights of Venice.
The tour provides an excellent opportunity to skip the long queues at the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, allowing visitors to make the most of their time in the city.
With the option for exclusive access to the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica, this experience offers a unique perspective of Venice’s stunning architecture.
The gratuities are included, further adding to the overall value.
Travelers can book with confidence, knowing that they’re getting a high-quality tour at a competitive price.
Confirmation and Variations

Customers receive confirmation of their booking immediately after completing their reservation, ensuring they’ve all the necessary details to prepare for their tour experience.
The tour’s duration and content may vary based on the specific package purchased, with options ranging from 2 to 4 hours. This allows travelers to choose the experience that best suits their interests and schedule.
It’s important to note that an access fee of €5 may apply for travelers staying outside of Venice on certain dates, so customers should review the details provided in their confirmation.
Emergencies and Travel Insurance

One key consideration customers should keep in mind is the potential for emergencies during their travels, which highlights the importance of securing travel insurance for financial protection.
While the tour provider aims to deliver a seamless experience, unforeseen circumstances like illness, injury, or travel delays can sometimes occur.
With travel insurance, customers can have peace of mind knowing they’re covered for unexpected events that may require trip cancellation, medical expenses, or other assistance.
The provider notes that customers who experience issues like no-shows due to emergencies have reported difficulties with refunds, underscoring the value of comprehensive insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Take Photographs Inside the Doge’s Palace?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the Doge’s Palace, though some restrictions may apply. Photography is typically permitted in the public areas of the palace, but flash photography and tripods may be prohibited to preserve the delicate interiors.
Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Tour?
No, there’s no mention of an audio guide being provided for this tour. The tour includes a licensed English-speaking guide who’ll provide live commentary and lead the group through the sights. Audio guides aren’t referenced as part of the tour inclusions.
How Accessible Are the Terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica?
The terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica provide exclusive access, but they’re not wheelchair-friendly. Visitors must climb stairs to reach them, making them inaccessible for those with limited mobility. Those with special needs should inquire about accommodations before booking this tour.
Can We Store Our Luggage During the Tour?
The tour does not mention any options for storing luggage during the experience. Travelers should plan to carry their belongings with them or make separate arrangements for luggage storage before the tour starts.
What Are the Options for Purchasing Souvenirs or Gifts?
The tour doesn’t include dedicated time for shopping, but visitors can find various souvenir shops and markets around the key landmarks on the itinerary. Travelers should plan extra time if they’d like to browse or purchase gifts during their free time.
Recap
This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and grandeur of Venice’s iconic landmarks without the hassle of long queues.
With exclusive skip-the-line access to Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, including its stunning terraces, travelers can enjoy the city’s rich history and stunning architecture, led by a knowledgeable guide.
This highly-rated tour promises a personalized and unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most enchanting destinations.
More Walking Tours in Venice
- Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
- Replaced: Venice Top Churches, Bell Tower and Old Town Walking
- The Best of Venice Walking Tour
- Sunset Gondola & Mysteries and Ghosts Walking Tour in Venice
- Venice, Dorsoduro, Ca’Foscari University & More Walking Tour
- Private Walking Tour of Venices Old Town With Gondola Ride
More Tour Reviews in Venice
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Venice we have recnetly reviewed
- From Punta Sabbioni: Venice, Murano & Burano Guided Tour
- The Islands of Venice. Torcello Burano Murano
- Skip the Line: St. Marks Basilica Guided Tour
- Venice E-bike Rental
- Wine Tasting in Venice
- Venice: 1.5-Hour Wandering Around the City
- Venice: The Three Tenors Concert Ticket
- Venice : Discover Venice on Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour
- Murano: Glass Blowing Demonstration and Artistic Glass Gift
- Venice: Rialto Bridge & Offbeat Unusual Venice Walking Tour
- Venice: Morning Walking Tour
- Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip
