Venice's Best: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gondola & History Gallery

Venice , Italy

Venice's Best: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gondola & History Gallery

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(2427 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 the enchanting history and art of Venice in this immersive 3-hour experience!

Join an expert guide as you explore the stunning Doge’s Palace and the magnificent Saint Mark’s Basilica located in the heart of Piazza San Marco. Marvel at the artwork and dive into the rich history of the Venetian Republic. You’ll also stroll across the iconic Bridge of Sighs, a symbol of romance and intrigue!

Next, indulge in a romantic gondola ride through the Grand Canal and its charming waterways. As you glide along, take in Venice's must-see highlights, including the famed Fenice Opera House, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the stunning Santa Maria della Salute Church, among others.

Finally, immerse yourself in a unique virtual reality experience as you float over the serene waters of the Grand Canal at sunset, witnessing centuries of history unfold. You’ll also get an insider’s view of the craftsmanship behind Venice's iconic gondolas with a close-up look at a detailed model.

Available options

Classic tour+Gondola ride fr

French Guided Tour

Premium Tour + Gondola Ride

English Guided Tour: Enjoy a premium English-guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and a gondola ride.

Classic tour+gondola ride eng

Classic Tour+Gondola ride spa

Spanish Guided Tour

What's included

Shared 30-minute gondola ride

Guided tour of the Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica

Skip-the-line ticket to St. Mark's Basilica

Access to Museums in Saint Mark's Square (Correr Museum, Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library)

Skip-the-line ticket to Doge's Palace

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

20-minute gondola introductory experience

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the heart of Venice and one of the most iconic squares in the world. Surrounded by historic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile, it’s a stunning open space that reflects the grandeur of the Venetian Republic. A must-see for every visitor to Venice.

Stop 2

Then, you will enjoy an amazing guided tour to the historical and famous Golden Basilica. You will admire stunning gold mosaics and marble inlays of the floors, sitting comfortably while our guide will show you the represented biblical scenes, the history and the particularities of this ancient basilica.

Stop 3

A guided tour in the Doge’s Palace the old seat of the Venetian political power. In his splendid rooms, immersed in hundreds of masterpieces of painting, the Doge and his Council controlled the ancient Republic of Venice. A professional guide will escort you in the halls of power and the bridge of Sighs to reach to the old prisons.

You may visit by yourself the other magnificent palaces around St. Mark’s Square under the name of Procuratie with the same ticket!

Stop 4

Enjoy a charming gondola ride through the most romantic waterways, passing under small bridges and along part of the Grand Canal! During your pleasant gondola ride you will admire the Mozart House, the famous La Fenice Theatre, Rio (Canal) “De le Ostreghe” and part of the spectacular Grand Canal where you will see the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Ca’ Dario Palace the Santa Maria de la Salute Church and other magnificent palaces.

The only gondola tour with commentary: a mobile-guide which will explain the magnificent palaces and attractions around you! Venice Goes App is an innovative mobile app (included in the price) that you can download easily on your mobile, click here to know how to get it.

What's not included

Hotel pick-up

Food and drinks

Guided tour of Museo Correr, Museo Nazionale Archologico, and Biblioteca Marciana

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

313 reviews

5★

164

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

2,114 reviews

5★

1843

4★

178

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

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.

Each gondola can host maximum 5 people; the seat aboard cannot be chosen but will be assigned by the gondolier depending of guests weight.

The gondola ride does not operate in case of exceptionally bad weather, high/low tide or local gondoliers strike (in these cases it can be postponed the days after otherwise it will be refunded)

The itinerary of gondola ride may change in the event of wind or bad weather

For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)

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

Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)

Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica and Doge Palace

For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts).

Meeting point

From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.

Important notes

• 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.

Classic tour + Gondola ride Option (if option is selected) & Premium Tour + Gondola Ride Option (if option is selected):

- Basilica and Doge's Palace Guided Tour - Meeting Point: Venice Tours S.r.l., Calle de le Rasse, 4536, 30122 Venezia VE, Italia. Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time.

- Gondola Ride - Meeting Point: Venice Tours Assistance Point is in St. Mark's Square, Calle Larga dell' Ascension #1257. The Assistance Point is the big grey newsstand between Fendi Boutique and Poste Italiane (the Post Office) with a "VENICE TOURS – ASSISTANCE POINT" sign. The staff will wait for you there with a “Gondola Tour” signboard. Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time.

Tour at 09:00 AM - Gondola at 11.40 AM;
Tour at 10:15 AM - Gondola at 2:20 PM;
Tour at 11:00 AM - Gondola at 3:10 PM;
Tour at 11:15 AM - Gondola at 2:20 PM;
Tour at 11:30 AM - Gondola at 3:10 PM;
Tour at 02:00 PM (classic tour) - Gondola at 4:40 PM;
Tour at 02:00 PM (premium tour) - Gondola at 5:30 PM;
Tour at 02:15 PM - Gondola at 4:40 PM.

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