Venice In a Day: St Mark's, Doges Palace Gondola Ride & City Tour

4.8
(3,446 reviews)

6 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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 (8:15am & 8:30am tours only) and gaze in awe at the stunning gold mosaics. Finally, enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge’s Palace. This small-group tour is limited to 20 people ensuring a personalized experience. If you're short on time, be sure to select the Express option when booking to explore these iconic sites (excluding St. Mark's Basilica) in even less time.

What's Included

Gondola Ride
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Expertly guided walking tour with headset
8:15am & 8:30am tours only: Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (12 €)
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
9:00 AM departure does NOT visit St. Mark's Basilica

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets outside the entrance of the Church of San Giacometto at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto 255, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.

End point

St. Mark's Square

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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)

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    Sightseeing & Photo Stop

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Sightseeing & Photo Stop

    Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    35 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    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.

    1 hour 15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    After a short break for a snack on your own, reconvene at St. Mark's Square. With pre-reserved skip-the-line tickets, you'll 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. (Excluded from Express option)

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 5

    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.

    1 hour 40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    Sightseeing & Photo Stop

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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.
Supplied by Walks - Italy & Spain

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Gondola Cruises
City Tours
Water Tours
Likely to Sell Out
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Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 7 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 7 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 3446 3446 reviews
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