Venice - Best time to four St Mark's and Doge's Palace

I have never visited Doge's Palace, and I have been to Venice a few times (just got back from another visit). But I'm pretty sure first thing in the morning is a better time to visit than 2PM, when Venice will still be mobbed with day trippers. Whatever you do, go back out to St. Mark's Square at night to see it all lit up - very magical (and far less crowded!), plus you'll hear classical music from one of the little bands playing there.

We were in Venice in March and went to the Doge's Palace for the morning "Secret Itineraries" tour. You can reserve tickets online at palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en. Print your voucher at home and present it at the ticket office at the Doge's Palace. We also found the Clock Tower tour interesting, with incredible views of St. Mark's Basilica. Tickets are available on the same website as those for the Doge's Palace; there is a discount if you purchase both at the same time.

You can reserve a time for St. Mark's online so that you don't have to wait in line: basilicasanmarco.it. There is a Rick Steves Audio Tour for St. Mark's Basilica; you can download it before leaving home. This really enriched our visit.

We found it was easy to visit the Doge's Palace in the morning and St. Mark's in the afternoon. You can take a break at one of the cafes on St. Mark's Square, or at the cafe inside the Museo Correr (opposite Piazza San Marco from the Basilica).

We did an evening tour of St. Marks with Walks of Italy; if you go late enough, there are very few others in the building. It was very cool, as was walking back to our B&B after dark.

We were in Venice last year for a week and chose to purchase a Venice Museum Pass. The afternoon we arrived we went to the Correr Museum and picked up our pass. We toured Doge's Palace (no queue) late afternoon after the cruise ships left. As far as St. Mark's, our hotel concierge advised us to arrive before it opened. We were the first in line to purchase our tickets. It worked out well. If your time is limited not sure a museum pass would be the best value. www.venice-museum.com.

All the best in your planning!

Thank you all so much for your suggestions, this really helps in our planning! We can't wait for our first visit to Venice!