Venice Carnival

Prepare for an extraordinary Venetian Carnival extravaganza! Immerse yourself in the splendor of this two-week-long festival, where you can admire the magnificent spectacles, compete in the Venetian Mask competition, and revel in captivating classical concerts!

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Person painting a colorful mask at a workshop with masks hanging on the wall.

Couple painting masks at a workshop, surrounded by colorful masks and art supplies.

Participants painting masks at a workshop table with various art supplies.

Colorful masks being painted at a workshop table with various paints and brushes.

Colorful Venetian masks on a workshop table for a mask painting activity.

Mask Decoration Workshop in St. Mark's Square

Book now, pay later

1 hr 15 min

Paint your very own Venetian mask and adorn it with feathers, ribbons, or sequins
Choose a seasoned mask instructor in your preferred language from 4 options and learn ancient techniques for crafting traditional Venetian papier-mâché masks.
Create your own mask using glitter, paint, and an array of materials, crafting a unique souvenir to take home and cherish.
Leave the mask in the laboratory to dry and return to collect your finished souvenir and keep it as a memento of this unique experience.
Fun fact: Since the 13th century, Venetians have worn masks during Carnival, enabling social mingling across class divides in anonymity

More details

Paint your very own Venetian mask and adorn it with feathers, ribbons, or sequins
Choose a seasoned mask instructor in your preferred language from 4 options and learn ancient techniques for crafting traditional Venetian papier-mâché masks.
Create your own mask using glitter, paint, and an array of materials, crafting a unique souvenir to take home and cherish.
Leave the mask in the laboratory to dry and return to collect your finished souvenir and keep it as a memento of this unique experience.
Fun fact: Since the 13th century, Venetians have worn masks during Carnival, enabling social mingling across class divides in anonymity

from

€49.90

Gondolas on the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge in Venice.

Gondola ride through Venice canal with vibrant buildings and flowers.

Gondolas passing under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy.

Gondola with passengers on a canal in Venice during evening shared ride.

Gondola on Venice canal near Santa Maria della Salute basilica.

Gondola ride through Venice canal during Carnival with passengers and gondolier.

Gondoliers navigating gondolas through a narrow canal in Venice.

Gondola ride through narrow canal in Venice with tourists and gondolier.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum along Venice's Grand Canal with gondola passing by.

Venice Grand Canal Classic Gondola Ride

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

25 min

Reserve your Venetian gondola experience in advance for a smoother, more organized way to see the city from the water.
Check in at a fixed meeting point and board with coordinated assistance instead of arranging a ride at the pier.
A local escort will lead you to your shared gondola, which seats up to 5 guests.
Glide through a mix of major waterways and quieter canals, with views of elegant palaces, bridges, and historic facades.
Booking ahead helps you secure a set price and avoid last-minute bargaining or queues at busy boarding spots.
You can upgrade with a live singer, route options covering landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs, Teatro La Fenice, and Accademia, live or recorded commentary, or a photo add-on.

More details

Reserve your Venetian gondola experience in advance for a smoother, more organized way to see the city from the water.
Check in at a fixed meeting point and board with coordinated assistance instead of arranging a ride at the pier.
A local escort will lead you to your shared gondola, which seats up to 5 guests.
Glide through a mix of major waterways and quieter canals, with views of elegant palaces, bridges, and historic facades.
Booking ahead helps you secure a set price and avoid last-minute bargaining or queues at busy boarding spots.
You can upgrade with a live singer, route options covering landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs, Teatro La Fenice, and Accademia, live or recorded commentary, or a photo add-on.

from

€39

Gondolas in front of Doge's Palace, Venice, Italy.

Doge's Palace interior with ornate ceiling and historic paintings, Venice.

Visitors exploring the ornate interior of the Doge's Palace in Venice.

Chamber of the Council of Ten fresco inside Doge's Palace, Venice, Italy.

View of Venice canal and bridge from the Bridge of Sighs.

Doge's Palace interior with ornate gilded ceiling and Renaissance paintings, Venice.

Doge Palace armoury display with swords, maces, and armor in Venice, Italy.

Doge's Palace arches with tourists using Venice Museum Pass for fast-track entry.

Doge's Palace courtyard with view of St. Mark's Basilica domes in Venice.

Sculptures and fresco in the Doge's Palace, Venice, depicting classical figures and ornate details.

Painting in Doge's Palace depicting historical figures and religious scene, Venice, Italy.

Ceiling paintings and ornate details in the Four Doors Room, Doge's Palace, Venice.

Entrance of the Doge's Palace with ornate sculptures in Piazza San Marco, Venice.

Doge's Palace Tickets

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Enter the Doge's Palace at your chosen time with no queue or waiting time and explore the gilded seat of Venetian power at your own pace.
Walk through grand council chambers, stand beneath floor-to-ceiling masterpiece canvases, and cross the Bridge of Sighs into the New Prisons.
Your ticket unlocks three more landmark venues — Museo Correr, the Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana.
One ticket, four iconic institutions: experience how Venice built and projected its empire through art, antiquity, and scholarship.
Upgrade to an English guided tour, pair your visit with St. Mark's Basilica, or add an audio guide for a self-paced deep dive.

More details

Enter the Doge's Palace at your chosen time with no queue or waiting time and explore the gilded seat of Venetian power at your own pace.
Walk through grand council chambers, stand beneath floor-to-ceiling masterpiece canvases, and cross the Bridge of Sighs into the New Prisons.
Your ticket unlocks three more landmark venues — Museo Correr, the Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana.
One ticket, four iconic institutions: experience how Venice built and projected its empire through art, antiquity, and scholarship.
Upgrade to an English guided tour, pair your visit with St. Mark's Basilica, or add an audio guide for a self-paced deep dive.

from

€35

St. Mark's Basilica facade at sunrise in Venice, Italy.

Friends enjoying San Marco Square, Venice, with St. Mark's Basilica in the background.

Mosaic and marble columns inside St. Mark's Basilica, Venice.

Interior of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, showcasing ornate mosaics and architecture.

St. Mark's Basilica altar with ornate decorations and religious iconography in Venice, Italy.

Interior of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice with ornate golden mosaics and statues.

St. Mark's Basilica facade with detailed sculptures and ornate decorations in Venice.

Aerial view of San Marco Square and Basilica of Saint Mark during a helicopter tour in Venice.

St. Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets with Skip-the-Line Access

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Skip long lines and step straight into St. Mark’s Basilica through a special entrance, assisted by a dedicated host from start to finish.
Marvel at 8,000 sq. meters of shimmering mosaics covering every dome, arch, and vault.
Your ticket also includes entry to Torcello Cathedral, Salute Sacristy, and the Manfrediniana Art Gallery—valid anytime within 6 months of your Basilica visit.
Upgrade to include an audio guide and make your visit enriching with commentary on the biblical scenes and Byzantine artistry.

More details

Skip long lines and step straight into St. Mark’s Basilica through a special entrance, assisted by a dedicated host from start to finish.
Marvel at 8,000 sq. meters of shimmering mosaics covering every dome, arch, and vault.
Your ticket also includes entry to Torcello Cathedral, Salute Sacristy, and the Manfrediniana Art Gallery—valid anytime within 6 months of your Basilica visit.
Upgrade to include an audio guide and make your visit enriching with commentary on the biblical scenes and Byzantine artistry.

from €36.75

€29.40

20% off

Vaporetto ACTV water bus on Venice's Grand Canal with passengers onboard.

ACTV water bus on Venice's Grand Canal near Rialto Bridge.

Guests on Vaporetto ACTV cruising the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.

Doge's Palace aerial view with boats on the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy.

Mother and daughter on Venice water bus with cityscape in background.

Vaporetto on Grand Canal in Venice, Italy with historic buildings in view.

Vaporetto passengers view Castello and San Marco, Venice.

Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days

Flexible duration

Enjoy unlimited access to Venice’s entire ACTV network—vaporetti, buses, trams, and even regional trains.
Cruise the Grand Canal, visit Burano, or commute to Mestre with one easy ticket.
Includes access to the People Mover connecting Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto.
Valid for 1, 2, 3, or 7 days—choose a pass that fits your travel plans.
Upgrade with a digital audio guide and turn your commute into a self-paced Venice tour.
Special 3-day youth pass is available for travellers aged 6–29, offering the same unlimited transport and perks.

More details

Enjoy unlimited access to Venice’s entire ACTV network—vaporetti, buses, trams, and even regional trains.
Cruise the Grand Canal, visit Burano, or commute to Mestre with one easy ticket.
Includes access to the People Mover connecting Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto.
Valid for 1, 2, 3, or 7 days—choose a pass that fits your travel plans.
Upgrade with a digital audio guide and turn your commute into a self-paced Venice tour.
Special 3-day youth pass is available for travellers aged 6–29, offering the same unlimited transport and perks.

from

€25

Woman exploring colorful buildings on Burano Island, Italy.

San Marco Venice view from a boat with St. Mark's Campanile and Doge's Palace.

Couple walking along colorful canal in Burano, Italy.

Artisan crafting glass at Murano workshop using traditional glass blowing techniques.

Tour group observing lace-making demonstration at Lace Museum in Burano.

Elderly woman crafting lace at Burano lace school.

Boat tour guide giving live commentary to passengers on Murano and Burano Islands tour.

Glass artisan shaping molten glass in Murano workshop.

Glassblower working at furnace in Murano workshop.

Santi Maria e Donato Basilica with bell tower in Murano, Italy, viewed from canal.

Colorful houses and boats along the canal near Tre Ponti Bridge, Burano island, Venice.

Colorful houses along Burano canal with people walking and boats docked.

Colorful houses and canal with boats on Burano Island, Italy.

Murano & Burano Islands Boat Tour with Glass Blowing

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

4 hr

2 more

Enjoy a scenic boat ride with indoor/outdoor seating and onboard audio commentary sharing stories about Venice and its beautiful lagoons.
See both Murano and Burano in just half a day—ideal for tight schedules.
Watch a live glassblowing demo by a Murano artisan inside a traditional furnace.
Stroll past Burano’s colorful houses, browse handmade lace, and sample local treats.
Depart easily from either St. Mark’s Square or Venice Railway Station with round-trip transfers included.

More details

Enjoy a scenic boat ride with indoor/outdoor seating and onboard audio commentary sharing stories about Venice and its beautiful lagoons.
See both Murano and Burano in just half a day—ideal for tight schedules.
Watch a live glassblowing demo by a Murano artisan inside a traditional furnace.
Stroll past Burano’s colorful houses, browse handmade lace, and sample local treats.
Depart easily from either St. Mark’s Square or Venice Railway Station with round-trip transfers included.

from

€25

Crowd in front of St Mark's Basilica, Venice, with flags of Italy and EU.

Tourists gather outside Doge's Palace in Venice during a walking tour.

Doge's Palace courtyard with ornate architecture in Venice, Italy.

Doge's Palace interior with ornate gold ceiling and historic paintings, Venice walking tour.

Visitors ascending staircase inside Doge's Palace, Venice.

Staircase with statues at Doge's Palace, Venice, Italy.

Courtyard of Doge's Palace, Venice, featuring ornate architecture and statues.

Dome and facade details of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy.

Mosaic detail of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, featuring religious figures and intricate designs.

Mosaic detail above entrance of St Mark's Basilica, Venice, featuring religious figures and intricate carvings.

Absolute Venice - Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & More with Priority Access

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

4 hr

Begin with a walking tour through Venice's quieter side, covering the calli, campi, and landmarks like Marco Polo's House and the Mercerie shopping district.
Skip the queues and step inside the Doge's Palace, where gilded council chambers, masterworks by Tintoretto and Veronese, and the Bridge of Sighs tell the story of a thousand-year republic.
Cross the Bridge of Sighs and enter the New Prisons, where your guide brings the darker side of Venetian justice to life.
End the tour inside St. Mark's Basilica, a Byzantine masterpiece of golden mosaics, marble floors, and centuries of Venetian faith and power.
An audio receiver device is included so you never lose a word of your guide's commentary, even in Venice's busiest spaces.

More details

Begin with a walking tour through Venice's quieter side, covering the calli, campi, and landmarks like Marco Polo's House and the Mercerie shopping district.
Skip the queues and step inside the Doge's Palace, where gilded council chambers, masterworks by Tintoretto and Veronese, and the Bridge of Sighs tell the story of a thousand-year republic.
Cross the Bridge of Sighs and enter the New Prisons, where your guide brings the darker side of Venetian justice to life.
End the tour inside St. Mark's Basilica, a Byzantine masterpiece of golden mosaics, marble floors, and centuries of Venetian faith and power.
An audio receiver device is included so you never lose a word of your guide's commentary, even in Venice's busiest spaces.

from

€144

St. Mark's Basilica exterior in Venice with ornate facade and domes at sunset.

St. Mark's Basilica interior with ornate columns and statues, Venice, Italy.

Doge's Palace facade with tourists in St. Mark's Square, Venice, near the waterfront.

Interior view of St. Mark's Basilica with ornate golden mosaics and arches, Venice.

Doge Palace chamber with ornate gold detailing and historical paintings in Venice.

Aerial view of Correr Museum in Venice with people walking in the courtyard.

Bronze Horses of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice exhibit.

Mosaic detail above entrance of St. Mark's Basilica, Venice, Italy.

Combo (Save 15%): St. Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets + St.Mark's Museums and Doge's Palace Access with Optional ACTV Transport Pass

Flexible duration

Audio guide

See Venice through its most important interiors with one well-priced combo that brings the city’s history and culture together.
Skip the lines at St. Mark’s Basilica and explore its mosaics, domes, marble details, Zen Chapel, and Saint Mark’s relics with a multilingual audio guide.
Enjoy fast-track entry to Doge’s Palace and key museums, discovering grand halls, armories, prisons, and celebrated art collections at your own pace.
Save time and money by booking one ticket that covers Venice’s essential cultural landmarks.
Upgrade with 1- or 2-day ACTV water bus and mainland bus passes for easy travel across Venice and its islands.

More details

See Venice through its most important interiors with one well-priced combo that brings the city’s history and culture together.
Skip the lines at St. Mark’s Basilica and explore its mosaics, domes, marble details, Zen Chapel, and Saint Mark’s relics with a multilingual audio guide.
Enjoy fast-track entry to Doge’s Palace and key museums, discovering grand halls, armories, prisons, and celebrated art collections at your own pace.
Save time and money by booking one ticket that covers Venice’s essential cultural landmarks.
Upgrade with 1- or 2-day ACTV water bus and mainland bus passes for easy travel across Venice and its islands.

from €71.75

€61.18

15% off

Courtyard of Doge's Palace with ornate architecture and statues, Venice, Italy.

Doge's Palace exterior with columns and statues, Venice, part of 11 museum pass.

Ceiling frescoes in Doge's Palace, Venice, part of the Full Venice Museums Pass.

Venetian palazzo facade along the Grand Canal, part of Doge Palace & Full Venice Museums Pass.

National Archaeological Museum facade with arched windows, Venice.

Venice Natural History Museum facade along the canal, part of Doge Palace & Museums Pass.

Aerial view of Punta della Dogana near Fortuny Museum, Venice.

Doge’s Palace Tickets & 11-Museum Pass

Extended validity

Flexible duration

Enter the Doge's Palace at your chosen time slot and explore the gilded seat of Venetian power. Walk the grand council chambers, Bridge of Sighs, and New Prisons, entirely at your own pace.
Your pass unlocks 11 additional MUVE venues across Venice, from Ca' Rezzonico's frescoed Grand Canal palazzo to Ca' Pesaro's Klimt-holding modern art collection.
Venture out to the lagoon islands — the Glass Museum on Murano and the Lace Museum on Burano are both included, making this a natural companion to island day trips.
Valid for 6 months with one admission per venue, so you can spread your visits across your trip without rushing any single museum.
Save close to 50% compared to purchasing individual tickets at each venue, making it the most economical way to experience Venice's complete civic museum network.

More details

Enter the Doge's Palace at your chosen time slot and explore the gilded seat of Venetian power. Walk the grand council chambers, Bridge of Sighs, and New Prisons, entirely at your own pace.
Your pass unlocks 11 additional MUVE venues across Venice, from Ca' Rezzonico's frescoed Grand Canal palazzo to Ca' Pesaro's Klimt-holding modern art collection.
Venture out to the lagoon islands — the Glass Museum on Murano and the Lace Museum on Burano are both included, making this a natural companion to island day trips.
Valid for 6 months with one admission per venue, so you can spread your visits across your trip without rushing any single museum.
Save close to 50% compared to purchasing individual tickets at each venue, making it the most economical way to experience Venice's complete civic museum network.

from

€50

Similar things to do in Venice

Shuttle bus on route from Marco Polo Airport through scenic autumn landscape.

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Colorful buildings along a canal with boats in Burano, Italy.

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Bus at Treviso Airport heading to Mestre and Venice.

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Correr Museum facade with statues and columns in Venice, Italy.

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Peggy Guggenheim Collection exterior along Venice canal, Italy.

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St. Mark Bell Tower in Venice with tourists admiring the view.

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Travel guides and tips

Beyond masks and music: The compelling case for Venice Carnival 2024

The Venice Carnival is one of the most vibrant and magical festivals in the world. Steeped in history, it transforms the already enchanting city of Venice, Italy, into a wonderland of colors and mystery. It dates back to the 11th century, with the tradition growing in fame and scope over the centuries. Originating as a […]

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What our guests say

Joanne H

United Kingdom

Group

2 weeks ago

+3 more

Well organised. Great meeting point instructions. Guide was knowledgeable and helped make entry easy through many visitors. Fabulous building and fascinating architecture and history

St. Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets with Skip-the-Line Access

Cole K

Australia

Family

Dec 2025

+1 more

The basilica was beautiful! Headout made it very to locate the guide with simple and easy instructions, would definitely recommend this experience 👍🏻👍🏻

St. Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets with Skip-the-Line Access

Ann N

United States

Couple

2 weeks ago

Excellent. Bought 3 day. 72 hrs and used them daily. At least 10 x a day. We even stayed on for the entire route one day. You get a fabulous tour of the city that way. Swipe and go. Love it!! Great website. Only wished we knew on the front end. That we could have taken a vaporetto from the airport into the town. I think everybody's a little confused. How to get around before you actually do it.

Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days

Grazia S

Italy

Solo

2 weeks ago

Good morning, everyone. My experience was excellent—very efficient, though I wish there were a few more water buses, at least on the busiest days. But since it was my first time, I thought everything was perfect. Thank you so much.

Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days

Santiago M

Spain

Couple

Mar 2026

Spectacular. We'd never seen a palace this big before. We loved every single room. With your ticket, you need to go to the entrance of line 4 to exchange it for a physical ticket, and then you can go right in.

Doge's Palace Tickets

Annette C

France

Solo

Mar 2026

+4 more

We managed to get last minute tickets thrrough Headout as our usual route for booking kept saying fully booked. It was fairly easy to get the vouchers when we arrived at the Doge's Palace and the visit did not dissapoint. So much opulence and history of how venice was run. Wall to wall gold and art history, the Venitians way of telling the story of Venice. We are lucky enough to photograph everything we see in this day and age. An amazing experience.

Doge's Palace Tickets

Izer A

Mexico

Group

Mar 2026

It's very peaceful and comfortable; the gondoliers speak a little Spanish, which is great, and they're happy to answer any questions you have about the history—they're very friendly. The woman at the ticket booth also speaks Spanish; she's very friendly and gives clear instructions. Overall, the service is excellent.

Venice Grand Canal Classic Gondola Ride

Roberto V

Couple

3 days ago

Pick up your Basilica ticket at Piazzetta dei Leoncini, right next to the building. Then enter with the guide for about 20 minutes for a quick tour of the Basilica with commentary in English. After the tour, you can stay inside and explore everything at your own pace. As for tickets to the Doge’s Palace, starting at 12:00 PM, you can use the Skip-the-Line option. Tickets are already available on the app—all set 👌 Including the Correr Museum. Audio guide via the MuVe app for the Doge’s Palace and the Correr Museum. I recommend the skip-the-line option, and I’ll definitely add the Vaporetto pass next time.

Combo: St. Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets + St.Mark's Museums and Doge's Palace Access with Optional ACTV Transport Pass