Venice's Icons: Basilica, Doge Palace, Rialto & Optional Gondola

Venice , Italy

Venice's Icons: Basilica, Doge Palace, Rialto & Optional Gondola

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(413 reviews)

5h - 6h

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the Magic of Venice with Our Venice Grand Tour

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica, where stunning golden mosaics and intricate frescoes tell stories that span centuries. Our local experts will guide you through this architectural marvel.

Next, step into the grandeur of Doge's Palace. This blend of art and history will transport you back in time, making you feel like a character in your own Venetian adventure.

Enjoy an unforgettable Rialto Bridge walking tour in the city center.

Finally, upgrade your visit with a breathtaking gondola ride along romantic venetian canals. Glide past historic landmarks and soak in the panoramic views that have inspired countless artists and dreamers.

Reserve your spot today and embark on an unforgettable Venice journey that combines history, culture, and stunning scenery.

Available options

EN - Rialto, Basilica & Doge

English Shared Guided Tour Starting point: Venice Tours Srl Close to St.Mark’s Square, Calle S. Gallo, 1093/b, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

FR - Rialto, Basilica, Doge

Shared Guided Tour Starting point: Venice Tours Srl Close to St.Mark’s Square, Calle S. Gallo, 1093/b, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Rialto-Basilica-Doge-Gondola

English Shared Guided Tour Starting point: Venice Tours Srl Close to St.Mark’s Square, Calle S. Gallo, 1093/b, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

SPA - Rialto, Basilica, Doge

Shared Guided Tour Starting point: Venice Tours, Calle de le Rasse, 4536, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

What's included

Venice Gallery: a unique Vr experience of venice in the past

Audio receivers for groups of 10 or more

Correr Museum, Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library access

Professional guide

St. Mark's Basilica Terrace (if option is selected)

St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line entry ticket

Bridge of Sighs access

Rialto Bridge Walking Tour

St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace guided tour

Shared gondola ride and Gondola tradition introduction

Doge's Palace skip-the-line entry ticket and Doge's Palace Prisons access

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The iconic Rialto Bridge

Stop 2 Pass by

You will discover the most beautiful Square in the world: Piazza San Marco.

Stop 3

Iconic St. Mark's Basilica

Stop 4

Majestic Doge's Palace

Stop 5 Pass by

The bridge of Sighs, the bridge which connect the Doge's Palace to the Prison's Palace

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Guided tour of Correr Museum, Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library

Entry fees not specified in the inclusions

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.5

94 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

319 reviews

5★

272

4★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit our website.

For the visit of the Basilica proper clothing is required (no shorts or tank tops)

Meeting point

Venice Tours is in Campo San Gallo, beside San Marco Square. Having the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches. Find Olivetti Museum, turn right, pass under the archways, cross the little bridge and go straight to “Campo San Gallo”.

Important notes

- A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
- For the visit to St. Mark's Basilica, suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
- Due to security reasons, it is not permitted to enter St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace with luggage or big bags
- During some days of high turnout or for other unforeseen reasons, the waiting time to access St. Mark's Basilica might be longer than expected
- The Marciana Library is closed on Sundays
- Each gondola can host a maximum of 5 people.
- The seats onboard the gondola will be assigned by the gondolier depending on the guests' weight
- The tour might not operate or the itinerary may change in cases of wind or bad weather

Schedule:
English Tour
09.15 Rialto Walking Tour --> meeting point at Venice Tours office in Campo San Gallo 1093/B
11.15 Basilica & Doge's Guided Tour --> meeting point at Venice Tours office in Calle de le Rasse 4536

English Tour
11.10 Rialto Walking Tour --> meeting point at Venice Tours office in Campo San Gallo 1093/B
14.30 Basilica & Doge's Guided Tour --> meeting point at Venice Tours office in Calle de le Rasse 4536

French Tour
11.00 Rialto Walking Tour --> meeting point at Venice Tours office in Campo San Gallo 1093/B
14.00 Basilica & Doge's Guided Tour --> meeting point at Venice Tours office in Calle de le Rasse 4536

Spanish Tour
11.00 Basilica & Doge's Guided Tour --> meeting point at Venice Tours office in Calle de le Rasse 4536
14.00 Rialto Walking Tour --> meeting point at Venice Tours office in Campo San Gallo 1093/B

English Tour with Gondola
09.00 Basilica & Doge's Guided Tour --> meeting point at Venice Tours office in Calle de le Rasse 4536
11.00 Rialto Walking Tour --> meeting point at Venice Tours office in Campo San Gallo 1093/B
16.00 Gondola Ride --> meeting point at Venice Tours Assistance Point in Calle larga de l'Ascension

English Tour with Basilica Terrace
11.15 --> meeting point at Venice Tours office in Calle de le Rasse 4536

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