Venice in a Day with St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, & Gondola Ride
6.5 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
Discover the fascinating stories behind St. Mark's Basilica, one of Italy's most unique churches (With 8:30 AM tour departure only: skip-the-line access and visit inside St. Mark's Basilica)
Explore the Doge's Palace, the heart of political power in Venice
- Sites Visited
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
- 8:30 AM tour only: 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)
- Santa Maria dei Miracoli (exterior)
- Tour Includes
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- 8:30 AM tour only: 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!
Book Now
Total Customer Reviews: 1680
Verified Ratings
4.7 /5
based on 904 Walks’ customer ratings
Rating summary by category
Latest reviews
Excellent
This was a fantastic and informative tour! Our guide, Chiarra, was simply amazing! She was personable, passionate, and incredibly knowledgeable about all things Venice. So glad we booked this tour!!!
Verified · Nikki · Jul 15, 2024 · USA · Female · 45 to 54 years
Excellent
Matteo was a great guide and we loved the tour, overall a great way to learn about Venice’s history and get to know the city!
Verified · Indre · Jul 15, 2024 · USA · Other · 35 to 44 years
Excellent
This tour was wonderful a d informative. Our tour guide, Francesca was amazing , friendly , and so knowledgeable . We totally enjoyed our trip.
Verified · Libby · Jul 14, 2024 · USA · Female · 55 to 64 years
Great
Excellent tour --- Tullia is a wonderful and knowledgeable guide! It's heavy on art history which is a bonus for those so inclined.
Verified · Daniel · Jul 12, 2024 · USA · Male · 45 to 54 years
Excellent
This was an excellent tour. It is a lot of walking, but worth it. Our tour guide, Nicoletta, was VERY informative. Towards the end I think we were all a little tired and began to lose interest in the information in the last museum about all of the art. The gondola ride was magnificent. You never know what to expect when you book something online, but I would definitely recommend this tour.
Verified · Letitia · Jul 01, 2024 · USA · Female · 55 to 64 years
FAQs
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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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