Skip the Line: Morning Venice Gondola Ride, Walking Tour & St Mark's Basilica
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Admire Venice from different perspectives on this combined itinerary that merges a fascinating walking tour of Venice to admire the most important and characteristic locations of the city, a traditional gondola ride through its calm waters and a detailed guided visit of St. Mark’s Cathedral to discover it as the 'golden basilica'. Don't miss the opportunity to spend an unforgettable morning in Venice.
Available options
09:00 German commentary
09:00 English commentary
Bilingual tour lead by a multilingual guide from November to March. Monolingual tour from April to October.
Explanations during the Gondola ride are not provided.
09:00 Spanish commentary
09:00 French commentary
What's included
Guided walking tour
Skip the Line access and guided visit to St Mark’s Basilica
Gondola ride
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
The Grand Canal is the main canal through the historic centre of Venice. About 3800 metres long, it divides the historic centre into two parts, tracing an inverted 'S', which runs from the Ponte della Libertà to the Bacino di San Marco.
2
Stop 2
It is the most famous Piazza of Italy.
All the other squares in Venice are called "campi".
3
Stop 3
Pass by
St Mark's Basilica is the perfect blend of Byzantine and Gothic art.
It is the cathedral church and seat of the patriarchate of Venice. Together with the bell tower and St Mark's Square, it forms the main architectural site of Venice, and is the best known symbol of the city and the Veneto region in the world. It is also one of the symbols of Venetian art and Christianity.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
The Gran Teatro La Fenice, located in the Sestiere di San Marco in Campo San Fantin, is today the main opera house in Venice and one of the most prestigious in the world. Every year it holds the traditional New Year's Concert. Twice destroyed and rebuilt[1], it has been the venue for major opera and symphonic seasons and the International Festival of Contemporary Music.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
The basilica of Saints John and Paul is one of the most impressive medieval religious buildings in Venice, together with the basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. It is considered the pantheon of Venice due to the large number of Venetian doges and other important figures who have been buried there since the 13th century. It stands in the campo of the same name, in the Castello district. In September 1922 Pope Pius XI elevated it to the dignity of a minor basilica.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
The Church of the Purification of Mary known as Santa Maria Formosa is a religious building in the city of Venice, in the Castello district, on the edge of the San Marco district.
Campo Santa Maria Formosa is one of the largest squares in Venice and is located on an island bounded by the canals of Santa Maria Formosa, Pestrin, San Giovanni Laterano and Mondo Novo.
What's not included
Commentary/guide during the gondola ride
Entry ticket to the Treasure
Entry ticket to the Pala d’Oro
Entry ticket and access to the Museum and the Terrace
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.9
18 reviews
5★
5
4★
9
3★
2
2★
2
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.0
1 reviews
5★
0
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note this is a combo tour including 3 single tours.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the tour departure time.
At the tour departure point you will meet a representative who will check your vouchers and give you information to do the tour.
Multilingual 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)
This is a collective tour, which means there might be other participants going on the tour with you.
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.
In cases of religious ceremonies or exceptionally high tides, access to St Mark s Basilica may not be permitted.
To visit St Mark s Basilica it is necessary to dress appropriately (no shorts or vest or tops) and backpacks are not allowed for safety reasons.
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.
Only for the waking tour and guided visit. Explanations during the gondola ride are not provided.
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.
This is a collective tour, so there might be other people enjoying your same gondola. In this case people belonging to your reservation can be divided into different gondolas.
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
Please note that this tour combines 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.
Please note: For now, the tour only covers the ground floor of St. Mark’s Basilica. Museum and Terrace are not included.
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 10 minutes before the departure time
• At the departure point you will meet a TURIVE representative who will check your vouchers and give you further information.
• 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 going on the tour with you
• COMBINED TOUR between the tours there will be a break. No explanations during the gondola ride; guided tour only inside St. Mark’s Basilica and during the walk
• 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 customersupport@insidecom.it or chat with us on Venetoinside Facebook Messenger from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
