San Marco Pass (and Secret Itineraries Tour)

I bought the San Marco museum pass when I was there in February. 3 of the 4 museums are in one place (hard to tell when you actually leave one and enter another, all were great). The 4th is the Doge's Palace. I booked the Secret Itineraries Tour in advance - the discounted option. You do NOT have to have the pass before you book the tour, you just need to have it when you get to there (the Doge's Palace) on the day of the tour.

I went into the Palace about an hour before the tour started and roamed around, then roamed some more after the tour. The pass gives you one entrance to the Palace, so plan to spend an hour or more before and/or after the tour, to see the rest of the Palace. There is a small cafe, tucked away in a corner. I had a nice lunch there, the prices were reasonable.

Try the Venice Connected website. If you buy in advance, you can get discounts on the museum pass and on the vaporetto pass.

Also see the Venice Museum site - www.museiciviciveneziani.it/?lin=EN

The museum site had a better price for the Secret Itineraries Tour when I booked it.

As I recall, during the summer months, the museum pass is slightly different, but the pass is available all year.

Just checked my records. In fact, I bought the museum pass at the Doge's Palace when I went for the tour. I also rented the audio guide, and was pleased with it. They ask for photo id to ensure you return it - use your driver's license, not your passport.

If you have any other questions, you can PM me.

Thanks for the great response. I was one the 2nd website but it was a bit complication. The info about (not) paying ahead of time is very beneficial. Thanks again--I may have to PM you after I get my thoughts together. Mike