Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride

Meet your private guide in St. Mark's Square at the appointed time to begin your walking tour.

Begin with a skip-the-line tour of the Doge's Palace to admire the beautiful ceilings with frescoes by Tintoretto and walls adorned with paintings by Veronese. You will see the wooden slot where accusations of treason were passed to the Secret Police and of course the Bridge of Sighs. Did you know that Casanova, Venice’s famous lover and writer, was imprisoned in one of the palace's prison attics before managing to escape?

Next is the highlight of the tour; the spectacular Basilica San Marco - St. Mark's Basilica. Your guide will point out how Eastern architecture and Western design came together to create this unique church. In a special extended tour of the Basilica you will hear how St. Mark’s remains arrived in Venice illegally, and see a myriad of treasures - some made in the city and others plundered during the crusades. Of particular interest are the 11th-century mosaics, some of the few treasures that have survived the Basilica’s floods and fires over the centuries.

Continue your walking tour of Venice to see sights such as Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Santa Maria Formosa, Fondamenta Nova, the Church of Holy Apostles, Marco Polo's House, and the Rialto Bridge. This famous marble bridge was a Venetian folly, running well over budget when built but now beloved and admired by Venice’s residents and visitors alike who like to watch as the sunlight dances on the smooth stone surface and the bridge is reflected in the river below.

Your day ends with something only Venice can offer - a private gondola ride. As you wish a fond farewell to your guide you will begin a peaceful and intimate trip along Venice’s famous canals with your very own gondolier.

Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.