Gondola Ride and St Mark's Basilica Tour

Venice , Italy

Gondola Ride and St Mark's Basilica Tour

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(63 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Venice from a double perspective on a combined tour which includes a fascinating gondola ride and a guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica. Enjoy the city from the water and then admire the golden interiors of the majestic Byzantine cathedral of Venice.

Available options

ID123 -Spanish commentary

ID123 - Italian commentary

1045 am - Italian commentary

ID123 - English commentary

1045 - English commentary: Bilingual tour operated by a multilingual guide.

ID123 -French commentary

ID123 -German commentary

What's included

30 minutes shared gondola ride

Skip the line access and guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Meet the tour Guide in Calle Larga Ascensione in front of the Post Office

Stop 2

Admire St Mark's Basilica and enjoy a special view of St Mark's Square from the terrace.

Stop 3

Your gondola ride will take place in the afternoon, at 3 pm. During the gondola ride, which lasts for 30 minutes approximately, you'll have the opportunity to see Teatro la Fenice, one of the most famous theaters in the world

Stop 4 Pass by

The Basilica della Salute, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Venice, designed by the architect and sculptor Longhena, has the curious distinction of offering different perspectives depending on the angle from which it is observed

What's not included

Gratuities

Entry ticket to the Treasure

Entry tickets to the Pala d'Oro

Entry tickets and access to the Museum and the Terrace

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.3

52 reviews

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Tripadvisor 3.9

11 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If you choose the tour departing at 10:45, there will be a break of approximately 3 hours between the visit to the St. Mark's Basilica and the gondola ride (Basilica 10:45 - 11:45; Gondola 15:00 - 15:30).

This is a collective tour, which means there might be other participants going on the tour with you

In cases of religious ceremonies, exceptionally high tides or other special occasions, access to St. Mark's Basilica may not be permitted

To visit St Mark's Basilica it is necessary to dress appropriately (no shorts, vests or tops) and backpacks are not allowed for safety reasons

The gondola ride might be suspended in case of bad weather. In such cases, you are required to go to the tour departure point in order to know whether the tour takes place or not and any alternative ways to use the service

Please note that, due to the particular morphological structure of Venice and the logistic problems resulting from it, we cannot guarantee that the whole tour is accessible to people with limited mobility. This means that people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users could not be able to access some parts of the itinerary

A gondola can host up to 5 people, thus if your reservation includes more than 5 people, your group will be divided into smaller groups, or rather you will enjoy different gondolas

Please note that this tour combines two different activities. Therefore, the gondola ride may not take place immediately after the end of the guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica. At the meeting point you will be notified of the exact starting time of the gondola ride.

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay up to 10 € access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

No credit or refunds will be given in the case of a no show (if you don't show up at the meeting point at the time indicated on your voucher)

Meeting point

The meeting point is ten to fifteen minutes before the start of the tour at the TURIVE meeting point, located on Calle larga de l' Ascension, near the post office, behind Correr museum.

Important notes

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE DEPARTURE TIME.
If you choose the tour departing at 10:45, there will be a break of approximately 3 hours between the visit to the St. Mark's Basilica and the gondola ride (Basilica 10:45 - 11:45; Gondola 15:00 - 15:30).
The Procuratoria di San Marco reserves the right to PROHIBIT VISITS and access to the basilica at any time, without notice for reasons of force majeure (e.g. high water), safety reasons, religious services not specified on the calendar, state visits. When possible, you will be immediately notified of such changes together with other ways to use the service.
Access to the Basilica is only permitted to visitors with suitable attire: shorts, sleeveless dresses, low-cut and skimpy clothes are not allowed; suitcases, backpacks, bulky bags are not allowed for safety reasons: if necessary you will be instructed about the luggage storage directly on the spot.
COLLECTIVE TOUR there might be other participants on the tour with you.
No explanations during the gondola ride; guided tour only inside St. Mark’s Basilica,
Due to the particular morphological structure of Venice we cannot guarantee that people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users could access the whole tour.
No credit or refunds will be given in the case of a NO SHOW, if you don't show up at the meeting point at the time indicated on your voucher.
For emergencies on site, please contact us at +39 041 8877441 or info@insidecom.it from Monday to Friday, from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm CET.

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly