Venice in a Day with St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, & Gondola Ride

4320 reviews

6 hours

Max 20

2025 Viator Experience Awards Badge Venice In A Day
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Walks VIAD ViatorAward2023

Why take this tour?

2025 Viator Experience Awards Badge Venice In A Day
Walks VIAD ViatorAward
Walks VIAD ViatorAward2023

Highlights

  • Acquaint yourself with the history of the city
  • Explore the backstreets of Venice and marvel at the landmarks nestled within
  • Enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride through the city's canals
  • Tour St. Mark's Basilica and familiarize yourself with the story behind it
  • Explore the Doge's Palace, the heart of political power in Venice
  • 8:30am tour: Enjoy a relaxed 6-hour guided tour of Venice with a break for lunch (not included although your guide will share recommendations) with max 20 people
  • 8:15am tour: If you're short on time, choose the 8:15am tour when booking to visit all of Venice's highlights in just 4 hours (without a lunch break) and with max 25 people
  • Sites Visited
  • St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
  • Skip-the-Line Access to St. Mark's Basilica
  • Gondola ride
  • Doge’s Palace
  • New Prisons
  • Bridge of Sighs
  • Rialto Bridge
  • Rialto Fish Market
  • House of Marco Polo (exterior)
  • Tour Includes
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Expertly guided walking tour
  • Skip the line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
  • Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25€)
  • Gondola Ride
  • Headset

Take a day to explore Venice; by land & water!

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Verified Customer reviews

Verified ratings
4.7 /5
based on 966 Walks’ customer ratings
Overall rating
4.7 /5
966 reviews
Rating summary by category
Guide
4.8/5
Guest Support
4.7/5
Latest reviews
Excellent
Overall had a great experience with Sabrina. It was a well planned tour.
Tripadvisor customer · Kortney · Mar 29, 2026
Excellent
It was so informative and our guide was amazing and entertaining. He was so knowledgeable. We would have liked more time in the Dodges Palace especially the weapons display. But Michael was the best guide!
Viator customer · Karen · Mar 29, 2026
Excellent
Denise was awesome she gave very fun information packed tour. She went above and beyond with explaining how things were in Venice along with the Venetian view of how they are now. I highly recommend her!!!
Viator customer · Jeffrey · Mar 29, 2026
Great
The tour was pretty decent. Our tour guide Roberta was engaging and did a nice job of showing us around some of the lesser traveled areas of the city. The access to San Marco just afternoon provided a good time to see the frescos illuminated. The 20 minute gondola ride was fun and the access to the Doges palace was worth the visit. There was an extended break in the middle for lunch. Overall it was a good tour.
Viator customer · Carol · Mar 29, 2026
Excellent
Denise was a very good guide new a lot about Venice, its architecture and history and would definitely recommend!
Tripadvisor customer · Ryan · Mar 29, 2026

FAQs

Does St. Mark's Basilica have a dress code?
Yes. Because it is a holy place, St. Mark's Basilica insists that both men and women wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. They can and will refuse entry to anyone who does not meet this standard and we can't do anything about it, so come prepared.
Can I bring a stroller into the Doge's Palace?
No. The Doge's palace is full of staircases and narrow corridors. Strollers are not allowed inside.
What's the cancellation policy for my St. Mark's Basilica tour?
This experience is refundable up to 7 days before your tour. Thank you for understanding.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No. Unfortunately, due to site restrictions we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour. Guests should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity, including standing for extended periods and climbing stairs, which may not be suitable for travelers with certain health conditions or mobility limitations.
Do I need to bring my passport/ID with me?
Yes! All guests (including children) must bring a government-issued ID/passport on the day of their tour. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. The full names of all participants are required at the time of booking and must match the names on their ID/passport. Name changes are not permitted.
Can I get a refund if, due to inclement weather, I choose not to participate in the walking tour on the day of?
If the client chooses not to attend the walking tour due to adverse weather, no refund will be issued. However, the client may still participate in the second part of the tour if they notify us in advance.
What if the weather is bad (rain, snow, hail, etc.) on the day of my tour?
Our tours run rain or shine so please dress for the elements. We also ask you to please remember hats and sunscreen if you are taking this tour in the summer as it might be very hot.
Can I take a bag with me into St. Mark's Basilica?
You can only take small bags into St. Mark's. Anything bigger than a purse - backpacks or luggage - is prohibited. There is no coat check either, so do not bring any large bags with you.
What happens if there's a private event at the Doge's Palace and/or St. Mark's Basilica?
On rare occasions access may be restricted due to private events inside the Doge's Palace and/or St. Mark's Basilica. Unfortunately this is a situation beyond our control. Our tour guides will make modifications to ensure you still have an excellent experience, but no refunds will be issued. We appreciate your understanding.
Is lunch included on this tour?
No. But your guide is always happy to offer you plenty of recommendations for great places to eat in the vicinity that will suit any price point.
Does the Doge's Palace accommodate wheelchair users?
The Doge’s Palace is not wheelchair-friendly. Some parts are accessible, but the Secret Rooms, Prisons, and Armory and not. Our route, in particular, is not wheelchair-friendly so we do not recommend that wheelchair users take this tour.
What can I bring into the Doge's Palace?
You are permitted to enter the Doge's Palace with handbags and small backpacks. But any large backpacks or luggage are not permitted inside. You have to check them in the cloakroom.
Will the gondola ride take place in inclement weather?
Safety is our top priority. Unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather (heavy rain, strong wind, high tide) many prevent the gondola ride from taking place. If the gondola ride cannot occur due to any operational or safety reasons such as these beyond our control, no refund will be provided.
Can I take a gondola ride if I use a wheelchair?
No. Unfortunately, gondolas are not wheelchair accessbile.
Will the tour route be modified in the event of high tide/"acqua alta"?
If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). The guide will modify the itinerary to include alternate dry paths whenever possible. No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
Does my guide accompany me on the gondola ride?
No. During your gondola ride you will be alone with maximum 5 other people and your Venetian gondoliere. This experience is much better as quiet time. Just sit back, relax and soak up the beauty of the city's canals.

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