Doge's Palace/St. Mark's Basilica in January

Posted by Luv2TravlAmy on 12/24/15 12:47 AM

Good day everyone!

I'm going to be visiting Venice in January and would love to visit the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica while I'm there. I'm having some challenges with certain websites not offering early ticket purchases except during certain months of the year. Seeing as January is not high season, would it be inconceivable to just go early in the morning and buy tickets the day of? I know that Rick suggests purchasing as many tickets in advance as you can to avoid lines, but I'm not sure that will work out for me with these two sights.

Any insight would be most helpful!

Thanks so much!
-Amy

Posted by Tim

Knoxville, TN, USA

12/24/15 02:20 AM

7209 posts

Hopefully you're not visiting on a cruise which severely limits your ability to see sites where AND waste your precious few hours by standing in line.

Posted by Luv2TravlAmy OP

12/24/15 02:47 AM

16 posts

Tim - no, I will not be on a cruise. I cannot stand cruise travel!
Just planning a trip on my own.
Thanks!
Amy

Posted by mph

12/24/15 09:32 AM

693 posts

If you intend to do the Secret Itineraries or Hidden Treasures tour at the Doges then prebook. Use the official website which takes you to vivaticket.

Posted by Luv2TravlAmy OP

12/24/15 06:02 PM

16 posts

Thank you mph!
I've booked through Vivaticket - thanks for the help!
-Amy

Posted by xkkraftx

12/29/15 06:01 PM

3 posts

Definitely recommend the Hidden Treasure and Behind the Scenes tour thru St. Viator's for Doge's Palace. It was amazing all of the intricacies in the building and history.

Posted by Tim

Knoxville, TN, USA

12/29/15 07:04 PM

7209 posts

You can actually book a specific visit time at San Marco Basilica if you wish:
http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/

But you could just plan your day so you arrive early (before the cruisers) or visit later in the day (after the cruisers). I just can't imagine visiting Venice on a cruise and spending the majority of my time standing in line to gain entrance into San Marco Basilica or the Doge's Palace.

Posted by Luv2TravlAmy OP

12/29/15 11:20 PM

16 posts

Tim -

Thanks for the link... unfortunately...I already tried to book through that site, but it has limited dates available to book online. It is only available for around seven months of the year. I'm going to head over pretty early in the morning and hope for the best. I've booked tickets for a tour of the Doge's Palace for early afternoon, so I think I can make it work.

I'm thrilled to be spending a couple nights in Venice to experience it without a mass of tourists. It seems like it will be a magical place in the evening.

I appreciate your expertise!

-Amy