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

650 reviews

7.5 hours

Max 18

One of Venice's oldest spice shops harken's back to the city's distant past as one of the major spice importers of Europe.

Venice is full of surprises, like this loggia with beautiful frescoes.

The lovely, and very unique Rialto Bridge.

You'll learn the history of Venice from your local guide as you explore its winding streets.

Don't forget to look up every so often to enjoy some of the most unique streets in Europe.

Our guides always bring visual aids to help you understand the layout of the city and its unique architecture.

The facade of St. Mark's Cathedral includes four bronze horses that were taken from Constantinople, though today they are recreations - the originals are kept inside.

Walking into the Doge's Palace feels like entering a world within a world in Venice.

Expect a lot of rooms like this in the Doge's Palace.

The story of Venice took place on these very stones.

When it came to decoration, the Doges of Venice were not particularly understated.

The wealth that built the Doge's Palace came from a shipping empire that spanned the entire Mediterranean Sea.

Take a close look at the Bridge of Sighs.

The view from inside the Bridge of Sighs.

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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!

$143.66

Free Cancellation

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Verified guest reviews

650

5 star reviews 596
4 star reviews 42
3 star reviews 12
2 star reviews 0
1 star reviews 0

Latest Reviews

Venice In A Day is a fabulous introduction to Venice. Not to be missed

Ann Jun 18, 2022

I loved the entirety of the tour- the places we visited, the gondola ride, our tour guide, and the friends I made while walking. I look forward to my next tour with the company!

Lydia Jun 17, 2022

Roberta was great.

Michael May 22, 2022

Tour was excellent. Our guide, Mose, presented the history of whatever we were seeing in a very informative manner. We walked through back streets and saw behind the tourist scenes into what living in Venice was like in its development and what it is dealing with currently. The walk was everything it said it would be and more! Every question that was asked was answered with courtesy and knowledge. Mose knows Venice!

Bill May 15, 2022

excellent tour guide, enhanced experiencing the Doge and St Mark's. Fun and interesting walk about town. So much packed into one day. Excellent

Joseph May 15, 2022

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) 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.

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.

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.

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.

Can I take a gondola ride if I use a wheelchair?

No. Unfortunately, gondolas are not wheelchair accessbile.

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.

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 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.

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