2 Days in Venice: Basilica, Doge’s, Islands & Gondola Ride

Venice , Italy

2 Days in Venice: Basilica, Doge’s, Islands & Gondola Ride

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About this experience

This Venice Highlights Tour combines history, culture, and immersive experiences for a deeper connection to the city. On Day 1, explore St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace with an expert guide, walk across the Bridge of Sighs, and glide through Venice’s canals on a gondola ride. End the day with a virtual reality journey at the Gondola Gallery, unveiling the craft behind this iconic vessel.

On Day 2, escape the crowds on a semi-private boat tour to Murano and Burano, where you’ll witness master artisans at work—glassblowers in Murano and lace-makers in Burano—offering a rare glimpse into Venice’s traditions. Explore Torcello Island, the first centre of civilization.

Continue your experience with a thrilling VR adventure that brings history to life: watch Piazza San Marco transform through the ages, see the Basilica as the Doge’s private chapel, explore the Doge’s Palace as a medieval fortress, and discover how the iconic Rialto Bridge was once a wooden drawbridge.

Available options

2 Days in Venice

English Tour

What's included

Prioriry Ticket to Doge's Palace

Expert guides for St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge's Palace

3D VR Short Film of Venice in the past in Gondola

Shared Gondola Ride

Walking Tour to the Gondola Experience

Walking Tour in Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands

Tickets to St. Mark's Museums

Live lace demonstration in Burano

Live glassblowing demonstration in Murano

Semi-private Boat to the islands and back

Access to Bridge of Sighs

Priority ticket to St. Mark's Basilica

What's not included

Hotel Pick up & Drop Off

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.

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: https://cda.ve.it

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

Meeting point

Face the Basilica with St. Mark’s Square behind you. Walk straight to the waterfront (Riva degli Schiavoni), passing the Doge’s Palace on your right. Turn left along the promenade and walk about 100m. Look for Calle de le Rasse on your left, enter, and after a short walk, you’ll reach Venice Tours.

Important notes

Timetable activities:

- 10:00 AM OPTION (IF OPTION IS SELECTED):

DAY 1
10:00 AM - St. Mark's Basilica Guided Visit
10:45 AM - Doge's Palace Guided Visit
2:10 PM - Shared Gondola Ride

DAY 2
10.30 AM Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands Live Guided Tour

- 11:15 AM OPTION (IF OPTION IS SELECTED):

DAY 1
11:15 AM - St. Mark's Basilica Guided Visit
12:00 PM - Doge's Palace Guided Visit
2:10 PM - Shared Gondola Ride

DAY 2
10.30 AM Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands Live Guided Tour

- 2:00 PM OPTION (IF OPTION IS SELECTED):

DAY 1

2:00 PM - St. Mark's Basilica Guided Visit
3:00 PM - Doge's Palace Guided Visit
4:30 PM - Shared Gondola Ride

DAY 2
10.30 AM Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands Live Guided Tour

Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time.

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