Venice in a Day with St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, & Gondola Ride
6 hours
Max 20
Why take this tour?
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
- Sites Visited
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
- St. Mark's Basilica
- Gondola ride
- Doge’s Palace
- New Prisons
- Bridge of Sighs
- Rialto Bridge
- Rialto Fish Market
- House of Marco Polo (exterior)
- Santa Maria dei Miracoli (exterior)
- Tour Includes
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Skip the line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica
- Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace
- Gondola Ride
- Headset
Take a day to explore Venice; by land & water!
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Verified Customer Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
based on 748 reviews
Rating summary by category
Latest reviews
Excellent
Our tour guide, Maria, was both passionate about Venice and an expert on art. We explored areas, like the market, that I would have never thought to visit on my own. My wife loved the pace of the tour and, by the end of the day, we felt like we had been introduced to Venice and understood and appreciated her character more than we ever would have without the tour. Can’t recommend it highly enough.
Tracy ·
Mar 23, 2023
· United States
· Male
· 45 to 54 years
Great
Mose was a fantastic guide - very informative but also very friendly and a complete natural - kept us entertained all day and also showed us all the little pieces of Venice with his own flare. Would 100% recommend. From seeing the Rialto markets to the big tourist attractions like skip the line on the Doges palace and a Gondola ride set up for us was all well worth paying for. At time of writing review, we stopped for lunch at Piazza st Mark - it is very expenisive to eat and drink on the square but also plenty of places on the neighbouring streets that are less experienve - completerly up to you what you do - it is an experience to do as much, but a little pre-research might let you find a gem of a place to go in the approx 1hr break between morning and afternoon tour when you might not have that much time to investigate. Tour takes you around centeral venice :) Would thoroughly recommend.
Alice ·
Mar 21, 2023
· United Kingdom
· Female
· 25 to 34 years
Great
We thoroughly enjoyed our Venice in a day tour with Sarah. She was so knowledgeable and easy to speak with. We all came away with a great appreciation of Venice.
Elizabeth ·
Mar 07, 2023
· United States
· Female
· 45 to 54 years
Excellent
Paula was a very knowledgeable tour guide. She spoke English well and answered all our group’s questions with great insight. She also gave us recommendations on buying art in Venice which was much appreciated! Beyond the tour the places visited were great. I loved the market in the morning. The gondola ride, doge’s palace, and basilica were other wonderful highlights. I recommend this tour to all my friends
Michaela ·
Mar 04, 2023
· United States
· Female
· 25 to 34 years
Excellent
If you get a chance to take a tour with Mose’ do it! He was absolutely wonderful. Not only did he point out and explain the main attractions he went above and beyond to explain the significance behind each painting and artifact. It was probably the best tour I have ever been on and having a wonderful tour guide like Mose’ makes all the difference. I highly recommend this company and this tour guide.
Laura ·
Mar 01, 2023
· United States
· Female
· 35 to 44 years
Meeting Point
Meeting Point
The first part of this tour meets outside of the entrance to the Church of "S. Giacometto", located in Campo San Giacomo di Rialto (also known as Campo San Giacometto). Your guide will be holding a green Walks sign.
The second part of the tour meets underneath the portico just outside the entrance of the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, 30124. The Correr Museum is directly opposite the entrance of St. Mark's Basilica.
Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.
FAQs
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No. Unfortunately, due to site restrictions we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour. If you use a wheelchair and book this tour by accident, we are happy to offer you credit for a future tour that is wheelchair accessible anywhere in the world, or a full refund.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Can I take a gondola ride if I use a wheelchair?
No. Unfortunately, gondolas are not wheelchair accessbile.
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