Venice Must-see: St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola

Venice , Italy

Venice Must-see: St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola

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(4 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Do not miss this memorable guided tour which combines two of Venice’s quintessential landmarks such as the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica with a shared gondola ride.

Enjoy a 1-hour guided tour of the Doge's Palace to the discovery of its artistic treasures by Sansovino and Tintoretto, and cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs to visit the New Prisons.

Then head to St. Mark's Basilica, the true heart of Venice. Admire its splendid golden mosaics covering the entire ceiling and take a close look at the many masterpieces housed inside.

The trip culminates with a 30-minute shared gondola ride for up to 5 people, winding through the enchanting canals of Venice.

Available options

English

What's included

Guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the New Prisons

30 minutes shared gondola ride

Skip-the-line ticket to the Doge’s Palace

Access and Guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Guided tour of the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and the New Prisons

Guided visit to the Museum of St. Mark's Basilica and external terrace

Stop 3

Shared gondola ride

What's not included

Commentary provided while on 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

Anything not specified in “What’s included”

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 2.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

After booking confirmation, download the voucher sent via email, which needs to be shown at the boarding point, either in print or on your smartphone.

Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.

Large bags aren't allowed in the Basilica.

A gondola can host up to five people. If your reservation includes more than five people, your group will be divided into smaller groups.

A 45-minute break separates the Doge’s Palace tour from the St. Mark’s Basilica and Gondola Ride (11:45–13:00/13:45–15:30).

Locate the meeting point on the map beforehand, especially in case of strikes, demonstrations, or bad weather. No refunds for late arrival or early departure.

In exceptional circumstances or force majeure events, the service might be canceled. You'll be contacted promptly, and options for rescheduling or refunds will be provided according to cancellation policies.

Meeting point

Calle larga de l'Ascension, near the St. Mark's Post Office, behind Correr Museum. A TURIVE staff member will check your voucher.

Important notes

- Once your booking has been confirmed, download the voucher that will also be sent to you via email. You will need to show it at the boarding point, either printed or on your smartphone.

- Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the departure time. Here a TURIVE staff member will check your voucher and give you instructions. Due to the security checks at the entrance to the Doge's Palace, queues may form at the entrance.

- The tour is shared, therefore there may be other people taking part.

- The guide who will accompany you during the tour will speak exclusively the language you chose when booking, without repeating the explanations in other languages.

- Large suitcases, backpacks or bags cannot be brought into the Basilica: do not bring them with you if you want to take part in this tour.

- To access St. Mark’s Museum you have to climb a steep staircase, therefore the tour is not recommended to people with limited mobility and wheelchair users.

- Locate in advance the meeting point on the map to avoid arriving late especially in the event of strikes, demonstrations or bad weather: we cannot guarantee you any refund (in full or in part) if you do not present yourself at the meeting point at the specified time or if you decide to leave the experience before the end. If you need assistance, feel free to contact us at the emergency contacts shown in the reservation voucher.

- In exceptional cases or due to force majeure (natural disasters, strikes or other unforeseen events), the service might be cancelled. In these cases, you will be contacted as soon as possible, and you can choose another date or request a full refund of the price you paid, if allowed by the cancellation policies.

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