RatedOtels.Com
5.3/10Excellent Messner Palace
Venice In a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & Gondola ride
Historical Tours 6 hours 30 min 4.8 · 2,637 reviews Offered in: English

Venice In a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & Gondola ride

1 / 14

Overview

Short visit to Venice? Maximize your time in the city with a full-day itinerary that ticks off all the most memorable attractions. Hop aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal.

Skip the line access to St. Mark’s Basilica to see the stunning gold mosaics. Enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge’s Palace and don't miss a stroll across the Rialto Bridge and browse the lively Rialto fish market.

  • Recommended by 98% of travelers
  • Badge of Excellence
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
  • Mobile ticket

What's included

Gondola Ride

Local English-speaking guide

Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace

8:30 AM only: Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica

Headset

Gratuities

Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Lunch

Entry/Admission Basilica di San Marco 8:45am departure does not include visit inside the Basilica

Meeting and pickup

Travelers meet at the meeting point.

Meeting point

At the central fountain of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto (Campo San Giacometto). Your guide will be holding a Walks sign.

End point

St. Mark's Square

Good to know

• Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.

• Backpacks are prohibited inside of St. Mark's Basilica.

• After your 2-hour exploration of Venice, your guide drops you off at the Gondola Stand for a relaxing gondola ride. The guide will not be with you on the gondola.

• This tour runs rain or shine. However, please note that the gondola ride cannot operate during heavy rain or high tides. In this case we will provide an alternative itinerary.

• Unfortunately, due to the nature of this tour, it is not wheelchair/stroller accessible.

• St. Mark's Basilica can be subject to unforeseen closures due to particular liturgical celebrations. In the case in which the basilica is closed, we will give you explanations from the outside.

• Please remember that the basilica is a holy place and attire must be appropriate: Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks of Italy cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress. Backpacks are prohibited inside of St. Mark's Basilica.

• Please note that lunch is not included on this tour. We have allowed time for you to eat lunch between the AM and PM tours. Your guide will give you recommendations and tell you where to meet after lunch but please be aware that it is your responsibility to arrive at the meeting point in time for your PM tour.

• Gratuities to guides are appreciated but never obligatory.

What to expect

  1. Ponte di Rialto

    2 hours

    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.

  2. Canal Grande

    35 min

    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.

  3. Venice

    1 hour 15 min

    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.

  4. Basilica di San Marco

    1 hour

    After a short break for a snack on your own, reconvene at St. Mark's Square. If you book the 8:30 AM tour, 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.
    If you book the 8:45 AM tour, you'll pause to admire the Basilica from the outside as your guide shares a detailed explanation of its history and fascinating architecture.

  5. Doge's Palace

    1 hour 40 min

    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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Times are local to the experience (Europe/Rome).

Additional Information

  • Unfortunately, due to the nature of this tour, it is not wheelchair/stroller accessible.
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • Up to 15 travelers per booking
  • Each booking must include at least one adult.

FAQs about Venice In a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & Gondola ride

Can I cancel Venice In a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & Gondola ride for free?

Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

How long does it take?

It takes about 6 hours 30 min.

Where does it start?

At the central fountain of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto (Campo San Giacometto). Your guide will be holding a Walks sign.

What's included?

  • Gondola Ride
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace
  • 8:30 AM only: Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica
  • Headset

What's not included?

  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
  • Lunch
  • Entry/Admission Basilica di San Marco 8:45am departure does not include visit inside the Basilica

Which places does it visit?

It visits Ponte di Rialto, Canal Grande, Basilica di San Marco, Doge's Palace.

Which languages is it offered in?

It is offered in English.

Is it suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Operated by Walks - Italy, Spain & Greece

Similar tours in Venice

Popular in Venice

Reviews from our members