Venice In a Day St Mark's Doges Palace Gondola Ride and City Tour
Description
First time in Venice? Maximize your time in the city with a full-day itinerary that ticks off all the most memorable attractions. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge and browse the lively Rialto fish market, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal. Next, access St. Mark’s Basilica and gaze in awe at the stunning gold mosaics. Finally, enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge’s Palace. The 8:30am tour is limited to 20 people and includes a lunch break on your own, while the 8:15am tour does not include a lunch break (shorter duration of 4 hours) and a maximum of 25 people in your group. If you're short on time, you can also select our Venice Express Half Day Option at time of booking for a 4-hour expertly guided tour of Venice's highlights including St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your tour starts at ground level with a guided walking tour of the city's most famous and most interesting sights. See the Rialto Bridge and learn about Venice's food culture at the Rialto Fish Market. Along the way hear tales of famous Venetians like Marco Polo as well as how Venice came to be—and how it survived against the odds. (1 hour if Express option selected)
Sightseeing & Photo Stop
Sightseeing & Photo Stop
As your walking tour ends, take a gondola ride and cruise along the Grand Canal and into the quieter back canals of the city with a maximum of 5 people per vessel. Note: The gondola ride is not included in the Express option.
Pause for a break. While it's not included in the tour, your guide will share plenty of great recommendations on where to grab a coffee and a snack. Note: No break will be provided if 8:15am Venice In a Day option or Express option selected.
After a short break for a snack on your own, reconvene at St. Mark's Square. Your tour includes pre-reserved skip-the-line tickets to enter St. Mark's Basilica to explore its stunning history, architecture, and art with your guide. Get up close to the beautiful gold mosaics with special first-floor access.
Then it's on to Venice's other top sight—the Doge's Palace. Skip the line with pre-reserved tickets and enjoy the benefit of having an expert local guide as you navigate council rooms, audience halls, and masterpieces by Veronese and Tintoretto.
Sightseeing & Photo Stop
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
- In case of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather (heavy rain, strong wind, high tide) conditions that prevent the gondola ride from taking place or any operational or safety reasons beyond our control it may be substituted for another experience, but no refund will be provided.
- Due to the religious nature of sites on this tour, all individuals (regardless of gender) must cover their shoulders and knees. It is acceptable to bring extra coverings to put on just before entering a holy site. Walks cannot be responsible for anyone denied entry.
- All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Venice Express Option: Gondola is not included.
- Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
- 8:30am tour is limited to 20 people and includes a lunch break on your own, while the 8:15am tour does not include a lunch break (shorter duration of 4 hours) and a maximum of 25 people in your group.
- St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
- Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
Reviews(4,557)
All the hits of Venice. Sabrina was a Great knowledgeable guide who took the time to show us what mattered
This was the best tour I’ve ever had. Roberta was so knowledgeable and able to tie in any questions, no matter how odd, into the history of the city with ease. If you can take a tour with her, I’d definitely recommend it! Well worth the time and money!
Robby was amazing! Learned so much!
First off, the early start got us out there before the crowds got too large. It made it much better. Our guide, Philipe, was exceptional. A good mix of history and humor from him plus his ability to keep us all together made him one of the best of our stay. Highly recommend the tour.
So a very good overview of the city. The tour drag a little bit. It was a waste of time going to the fish and produce markets since most of the stalls were empty. That time would have been better. Spent on other sites. Guide was knowledgeable and informative.
This was a fabulous in-depth tour of Venice. Be prepared there is a lot of walking and the afternoon heat can get exhausting! I would recommend this tour to anyone who is coming to Venice for the first time. It was informative and educational.
This was a great tour. Our guide, Shannon, was excellent. She was very informative, made sure we were comfortable. She did a terrific job of producing answers to questions and adding anecdotes. Length of tour was good, especially with an hour break after the gondola ride. Shannon made it excellent though.
Excellent time with Shannon. She provides a well-knowledgeable and personable experience.
Phillipo was excellent! His history degree and local residency made him an excellent guide. Suggestion to go on early tour. No crowds until after our tour was over.
Guide is good very informative Meeting point clear Just a bit of walking more timr can be given at some spots though
