Name: Venice in a Day: St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride
SKU: 24338P33
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (737 reviews)

WizardTrip

Venice in a Day: St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride

4.7(737)· Venice· By The Tour Guy Watch the video

Free cancellationLikely to sell out

From

€89per person

1 to 25 travelers per booking.

Options1 of 2 available on this day

Time

1 × Adult × €155€155

Total€172€155

About the activity

This Venice tour is designed for travelers who wish to experience the city's main attractions and its more secluded spots within a single, well-organized day. Pre-booked tickets streamline your entry to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, two of Venice's most significant landmarks. Your guide will illuminate the city's history, from its golden mosaics and maritime power to its council chambers and former prisons. Between these key sites, you'll wander through narrow alleyways and discover hidden courtyards en route to the Rialto Bridge, experiencing a side of Venice often missed by those who remain solely in St. Mark's Square. The experience also includes a 30-minute shared gondola ride, offering a unique perspective of Venice from its iconic canals. With timed-entry tickets, a guided walking route, and dedicated time for lunch, this tour provides a practical and balanced approach to exploring Venice's essential sights in one day.

What's included

✓Timed-entry ticket and guided tour of Doge’s Palace
✓Timed-entry ticket and guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica (€12 value)
✓Walking tour covering the Rialto Bridge and Venice’s less-traveled areas
✓Guidance from an expert English-speaking guide
✓A 30-minute shared gondola experience
✓Leisure time allocated for lunch

What is not included

✕Cost of lunch
✕Gratuities for the guide

Itinerary

1
Piazza San Marco
Your tour commences in St. Mark's Square, Venice's principal public space. Meet your guide and delve into the history of this renowned piazza, the location of St. Mark's Basilica.
· 15 min
2
Basilica di San Marco
Referred to as "The Church of Gold," St. Mark's Basilica boasts an opulent design adorned with golden mosaics and marble. Utilizing timed-entry tickets, you will embark on a guided tour to learn about the basilica's rich history and admire its stunning interior.
· 30 min· Admission included
3
Ponte di Rialto
Following your visit to the basilica, your exploration continues through Venice's hidden backstreets, led by a local expert. Discover the history and legends associated with the Rialto Bridge, a remarkable architectural marvel spanning the Grand Canal.
· 25 min
4
Gondola Ride
Fulfill a bucket-list aspiration as you board a shared gondola with a small group (maximum 5 guests). Enjoy a 30-minute journey through the canals, taking in the picturesque views for which Venice is celebrated.
· 30 min
5
Venice
You will have 1.5 hours to select and enjoy lunch in the vicinity. Opt for a quick panini or savor some cicchetti, and feel free to ask your guide for local dining suggestions.
· 1 h 30 min
6
Palazzo Ducale
After lunch, delve into the intriguing Doge's Palace with an expert guide and pre-booked timed entry tickets. This palace once served as the center of Venice's public administration and also functioned as a prison, witnessing the final days of some of the city's offenders. Explore the captivating artworks within the Doge's Palace and catch a glimpse of the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to its adjacent prison.
· 2 h· Admission included

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket is acceptable. One ticket is issued per booking.

Meeting point and return

Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Your guide will be waiting for you in St. Mark's Square, positioned between the two large columns (columns of San Marco & San Teodoro) on the square's south side, near the canal.

A representative will be present, holding a sign displaying ''The Tour Guy''.

Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Your guide will meet you in St. Mark's Square, between the two large columns (columns of San Marco & San Teodoro) on the south side of the square, near the canal. A representative will be holding a sign that reads ''The Tour Guy''.

Following the break, you will regroup at the exact same meeting point for the second segment of your tour. Kindly confirm the afternoon start time directly with our staff on the day of your tour and be at the meeting point 15 minutes before it begins.

DRESS CODE: Entry to any religious site requires adherence to a strict dress code. Both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. The Tour Guy is not liable for denied entry due to inappropriate attire.

Please thoroughly review the meeting point directions in advance. It is the responsibility of all participants to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated, and missed tours or tickets are non-refundable.

Mandatory: All participants must carry a copy of their passport's identification page during all tours. A photograph of the first page of your passport stored on your smartphone is also acceptable.

We regret that guests with wheelchairs or walking impairments requiring special assistance cannot be accommodated on our group tours. Strollers and baby carriages are also not permitted on our group tours.

Some of the sites visited offer no shade. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water during the warmer months.

You will undergo a security check at the entrance of all sites. Depending on visitor volume, there might be a brief wait in the security line.

Please be aware that certain locations may experience unavoidable crowds during standard operating hours or peak season.

The Tour Guy reserves the right to modify itineraries due to safety concerns, restoration work, maintenance, adverse weather conditions, or special events.

Meeting point

Colonne de Saint-Théodore

P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italie

End point

Palais des Doges

P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italie

Practical information

Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby.
Participants should possess a moderate level of physical fitness.
To enter St. Mark's Basilica, both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders; entry may be denied otherwise. Please refrain from wearing sandals, hats, shorts, skirts, or tops that expose your shoulders.
A valid government-issued identification is required for entry into St. Mark's Basilica. The name provided on your ticket (entered during checkout) must correspond with the name on your ID, or entry may be refused.
On specific dates, most travelers visiting Venice for the day from outside the city will be required to pay a €5 access fee.
The sequence of stops may vary due to timed entry schedules, crowd levels, or operational reasons, but all key sights mentioned will still be visited.
We regret that guests with wheelchairs or walking impairments requiring special assistance cannot be accommodated on our group tours. Strollers and baby carriages are also not permitted.

Activity options

Venice in A Day: St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride
Semi Private Venice in a Day
Semi Private: Maximum of 12 guests
Duration: 6 hours
Included: Guided tour of St. Marks Basilica and Doge's Palace with tickets, walking tour of Rialto Bridge, shared gondola ride.

Duration

6 h

How to prepare for your experience

Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the tour starts.
Ensure your attire covers your knees and shoulders for entry into religious sites.
Carry a copy of your passport or a valid government-issued ID.
Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a significant amount of walking.
Be prepared for security checks at various attractions.
Consider the optional access fee if you are visiting from outside Venice.

Discover the heart of Venice with a comprehensive day tour, blending iconic sights with hidden gems, including St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and a gondola ride.

Cancellation conditions

For a full refund, please cancel your booking at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 24338P33

Activity offered by The Tour Guy via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Travelers seeking an efficient way to see Venice's highlights.
History enthusiasts interested in St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.
First-time visitors to Venice.
Couples and small groups.

Activity essentials

Experience Venice's most iconic landmarks in one day.
Skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.
Enjoy a scenic gondola ride through the canals.
Discover hidden alleyways and the Rialto Bridge.
Expert guidance from a local English-speaking guide.
Includes a break for lunch with local recommendations.

Venice: good to know

Population: 250,369 (2023)
Elevation: 2 m
Currency: euro
Official language: Italian
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: C, F, L · 230 V
Emergency number: 112
Capital city: Rome

Average temperatures

5°Jan
6°Feb
9°Mar
14°Apr
18°May
23°Jun
25°Jul
25°Aug
21°Sept
16°Oct
11°Nov
7°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meeting point for the tour?

Your guide will meet you in St. Mark's Square, between the two large columns (columns of San Marco & San Teodoro) on the south side of the square, near the canal. A representative will be holding a sign that reads ''The Tour Guy''.

What is the dress code for St. Mark's Basilica?

Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women to enter St. Mark's Basilica; entry may be refused otherwise. Please avoid wearing sandals, hats, shorts, skirts, or tops that expose your shoulders.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour. You will have 1.5 hours of free time to choose and purchase your own lunch.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair on the tour?

We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. Strollers and baby carriages are also not permitted.

What happens if it rains?

The tour will proceed in light rain, but may be canceled in case of severe weather. If the tour is canceled due to weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Do I need to bring my passport?

Yes, everyone is required to carry a copy of the identification page of their passports on all tours. A photo of the first page of your passport saved on your smartphone also works.

Reviews

4.74.7(737)

5 stars

606

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Viator review
Great tour all around....
Dave_K, October 2026
Great tour all around. Guide was fantastic saw all the highlights of Venice in 1 day. Highly recommend
★★★★★Viator review
Highlights of Venice
Karen_H, October 2026
This was an amazing tour of the highlights of Venice. Not only did we take a gondola ride, we visited Saint Mark’s Basillica and Doge’s Palace.
★★★★★Viator review
Guliano was an awesome...
Kris_K, October 2026
Guliano was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and showed us the more popular attractions in Venice but also the hidden gems. My only negative feedback is the ear pieces for audio kept falling out so I got distracted alot trying to fix it.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Best tour of Venice!
debbiesudduthn, October 2026
Loved every minute! Juliono was the best tour guide! Learned so much.
★★★★★Viator review
Great too w/ a bit too much Doge
robert_m, October 2026
The tour was totally worth it. It covered alot of territory, focusing on St. Mark's Cathedral, Rialto Sq and Bridge, a gondala ride, and Doge's palace. The guide spoke very good english. The gondola ride was well assigned so usually a couple gets to sit in the love seat in the middle. The time in Doge's palace as about 45 minutes longer than it needed to be. The walk around was moderately limited but just getting to/from any tour in Venice pretty much requires the use of water-buses which gives you good views of the Venice shorelines and lots of opportunity to hop-off/hop-on. (Buy a longer pass ticket and its no-muss-no-fuss.

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Plan your trip

Guide · 8 min readVenice in One Day, from the Doge’s Palace to BuranoFour guided tours of 2 to 6 hours to see Venice in a day: the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s, a full day with a gondola ride, Murano and Burano by boat, and a food tour. Here is how to choose or combine them.

Frequently asked questions about Venice

What is there to do in Venice?

Venice has 37 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Venice: The Hidden Canals on an Electric Boat », « Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Local Venetian Chef », « St Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace with Secret Passages Access ».

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According to traveller reviews: « A Sparkling Day in the Prosecco Hills from Venice » (5.0/5, 590 reviews) ; « Eating Venice Small Group Food & Drinks Tour » (5.0/5, 1,315 reviews) ; « Private or Semi Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's Basilica Guided Tour » (5.0/5, 452 reviews).

Can you cancel an activity in Venice for free?

Usually, yes: 23 of the 24 most popular activities in Venice offer free cancellation. The exact terms are shown on each activity page before you book.