Skip-the-Line Venice Private Tour Including St Mark Doges Palace & Gondola Ride
Description
Enjoy an exclusive 6-hour private walking tour of Venice, complete with an unforgettable ride on one of the city’s iconic gondolas. With skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge's Palace, you’ll explore two of the city’s most extraordinary landmarks without the wait. Along the way, admire Venice’s most famous sights, including the legendary Rialto Bridge. To conclude your experience, relax on a leisurely gondola ride through Venice’s enchanting canals—the perfect ending to an immersive day in the Floating City. All entrance fees are included for a seamless and worry-free experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Piazza San Marco is the main public square of Venice and the heart of the city’s social, religious, and political life. Surrounded by elegant arcaded buildings, historic cafés, and iconic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge's Palace, the square is a masterpiece of Venetian architecture. Often called “the drawing room of Europe,” it offers a unique atmosphere where history, art, and daily life come together.
Doge's Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice and a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. Once the residence of the Doge and the seat of the Republic’s government, the palace symbolizes the power and wealth of the Venetian Republic. Today, visitors can admire its richly decorated halls, grand staircases, and impressive artworks, as well as cross the famous Bridge of Sighs connecting the palace to the historic prisons.
St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous church in Venice and a stunning example of Italo-Byzantine architecture. Located in Piazza San Marco, it was originally built to house the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist, the city’s patron saint. The basilica is renowned for its magnificent golden mosaics, richly decorated interiors, and impressive domes, reflecting Venice’s historic wealth and strong ties with the East.
Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo is one of the largest and most impressive squares in Venice. It is dominated by the magnificent Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, a grand Gothic church that serves as the burial place of many Venetian doges. The square also features the historic Scuola Grande di San Marco and an equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, creating a powerful and atmospheric setting rich in history and art.
Campo Santa Maria Formosa is one of the largest and most characteristic squares in Venice, known for its lively yet authentic atmosphere. The square is dominated by the beautiful Santa Maria Formosa, a Renaissance church designed by Mauro Codussi. Surrounded by elegant historic buildings and traditional Venetian houses, the campo offers a charming glimpse into everyday life in the city.
Fondamente Nove is a long and scenic waterfront promenade on the northern edge of Venice. Overlooking the Venetian Lagoon, it offers beautiful open views toward the islands of Murano, Burano, and San Michele. Less crowded than other parts of the city, it is a peaceful spot where locals and visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk while watching boats pass by.
.Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. Built in the late 16th century, this elegant stone structure connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo and is lined with shops. A symbol of Venice’s commercial and architectural heritage, the bridge offers stunning views of the bustling canal below.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions).
- BASILICA ENTRY TICKETS 12 EURO EACH INCLUDED IN THE PRICE DOGE'S PALACE ENTRY TICKETS 35 EURO EACH INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction. Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to St.Mark’s Basilica
Reviews(16)
Fabulous tour! Our guide Denise was knowledgeable & a great communicator. She made our day a wonderful adventure. It was rainy and cool but she helped us navigate for maximum fun.
We enjoyed the spirit of our guide, lots of insight to the city and great stories She was truly a delight to have a tour with. Very energetic!
We had a great time with Mrs. Denise. She was very professional and attentive in introducing us to this beautiful city.
We had a fantastic time on this tour! Good overall start to get us grounded in the different sections of Venice. Our guide was simply wonderful interspersing her personal story with the history of Venice. We asked tons of questions and she answered each and every one patiently and with such grace. Would highly recommend!!
Denise was a great tour guide in Venice. She was very patient with a large family group and great with the kids
We had a great tour with our guide Denise! She was so knowledgeable but also fun, and what better than getting a tour from a local! She had the best stories to tell, things to show and best recommendations to give. Our gondola ride was amazing and we ended up with the best gelato in town in a quiet neighbourhood away from the crowds.
Great tour! We loved our guide Denise. She was so knowledgeable but also fun! A true Venetian who went above and beyond and told and showed us so much more than we expected. We felt like locals for a bit, eating the best gelato in a quieter neighbourhood away from the crowds. And went away with many stories and recommendations and tips for dinner and shopping.
We had an amazing day in Venice. Denise was our best tour guide in 2 weeks in Italy. She was very knowledgeable about her city and the Doge and Basilica were amazing. She helped us tailor our tour to our preferences. Her English is fantastic and my wife and I had a blast. She gave us great dinner and shopping recommendations. Denise created a one of kind experience and we are so thankful. Grazie a Millie!!!
Knowledgeable guide, efficient and enjoyable day seeing all of the highlights. Most importantly quick and easy booking. Would use again.
We were contacted the evening before, stating that we could not get into Saint Mark‘s basilica . That was the only reason why we had scheduled this tour. The name of the Tour was changed on the day that we had the tour. It was an hour and a half shorter than originally scheduled, we never received a refund for the tickets that we had paid for to visit Saint Marks Basilica, and the guide was very difficult to understand. While on the tour, I was able to listen to some of the other guides, and their groups were given much better explanations, and details. When the person called to inform us that we would be unable to have the original tour, she was not very kind, she was very short tempered, and said that this was the best Tour that she could provide. I think we should receive a partial refund for this tour, it was expensive and the price we paid did not reflect the quality of the tour. , I would not recommend the agency that provided the tour.
