Hello, I am visiting Venice in late July and only have one night there. I want to take my kids to see Saint Mark’sSquare and Basilica as well as doge’s Palace. I have a Skip the line prepaid tour that is quite expensive, but wondering if we should stick with that or just go on our own? Don’t want to wait and super long lines in late July…have not been to Italy in a long time and wondering if it’s better to do the prepaid skip the line thing or just do it on our own? Thanks!
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6586 posts
There are some dates at the end of July with availability for the secret itineraries tour at Doge's Palace:
It also looks like you could get tickets for St. Mark's:
https://basilicasanmarco.skiperformance.com/en/store#/en/buy
I would save yourself some money and book directly
Posted by
36 posts
Assuming you can get tickets directly for the days you want, I would go that route. Even if there are lines, you would walk right up and get in. You’d still end up waiting for the Doges Palace tour to start, but you’d be within the grounds and in the shade. Obviously, book as soon as possible.
Posted by
136 posts
FYI - We did the VIP doges tour through walks of Italy -- it was supposed to include saint mark's and it did not. The description had not been updated and the itinerary had changed. we had to scramble a bit and it worked out - we did get some money back but probably only because a travel agent booked it. This was 3/2024 - might be non-issue but maybe double check directly what's included. it wasn't a cheap tour and this development stressed me out given our tight timeframe.
p.s. We took vaporetto to san maggiore and took elevator (cash only like 6 euro?) to the top of bell tower across from st mark's. no one was there, and great view. was much less crowded than one on the square
Posted by
OP
6 posts
great advice! Thanks everyone!!