St Mark's, Doge's Palace, with Murano and Burano & Gondola Ride
Active
9h
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
Want to explore the best of Venice with limited time on your hands? This tour combines some of the city's most Prestigeous sites in a one-day itinerary! Enjoy skip the line access into the St Marks Church, marvel the hallways of the Doges Palace and explore the city from the waterfront during your gondola ride - accompanied by one of our Gondoliers!
After some leisure time for lunch our tour embarks on an adventure to explore the world renown islands of Murano and Burano. Our guide will whisk you through the islands most charming streets on your way to witness the age-old craft of Lace making and Glass Blowing. This tour is the perfect combo of Venetian History, Local Craftmanship and Sightseeing!
Available options
Murano & Burano ONLY
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes<br/>Half-Day Tour: Easily visit these colorful Venetian islands by boat and see traditional glassblowing and lacemaking.<br/>Exclusions:: St Mark's and Doge's Palace with Gondola Ride are EXCLUDED.
St Mark's, Doge's Palace, with Murano and Burano & Gondola Ride
What's included
Free time for Lunch (at own expense)
Glass Blowing Demonstration
Professional, English Speaking Guide
30 Minute Gondola Ride
Small-group size, maximum 20 participants
Some Free Time to Explore Burano Island
Round Trip Transportation to/from Murano & Burano Island
Skip-the-line Entry and Guided tour of the Doge’s Palace
Access to St. Mark's Basilica (valued at €12 per person)
Skip-the-Line Entry and Guided tour of St Marks Basilica
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We provide the skip the line tickets, so walk right past the long queue and go right on inside. During November through March, St. Mark’s Basilica does not offer skip the line entry because lines are generally non-existent.
2
Stop 2
As you explore the Doge’s Palace, you’ll hear about the wild ways of the Venetian Republic under the rule of elected magistrates. This tour not only showcases the interior of this ornate palace, but also goes in depth about the crime and legal system that was once in place in the city of Venice. Admire classic works of Venetian art and visit Doge’s Palace’s main sights, such as the Grand Staircase and the Bridge of Sighs. You'll even get to see some of the prison cells that were functional during the time of the Venetian Republic.
3
Time to Board your Gondola! After your visit to St Marks and the Doges Palace conclude, it’s time to partake in that quintessential Venice activity. That’s right, step right up to your gondola boat! Left in the care of a trusted gondolier, enjoy the beauty of Venice from the water. Fun fact: in the Venetian dialect, “gondolier” translates into “rowing master”. Glide through the panoramic Canals in a gondola accommodating upto 5 participants.
4
As your enchanting gondola ride concludes, you'll have some free time to enjoy a delightful lunch (at your own expense) before re-joining your guide for an exciting afternoon of exploration.
5
Stop 5
Dive into the age old craft of Glass Blowing on one of Venice's most famous islands! Accompanied by your guide you will enjoy a glass blowing demonstration learning all the ins and outs of this old Italian craft
6
Stop 6
Make your way through Burano's cosy streets on Venice's most colourful islands - known to be a true insta-paradise. Here we head to a lace making workshop where you'll witness a lace making demonstration by locals with an impeccable eye for detail!
What's not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
595 reviews
5★
439
4★
95
3★
30
2★
11
1★
20
Tripadvisor
4.6
137 reviews
5★
108
4★
14
3★
7
2★
3
1★
5
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please refrain from bringing big back packs or bags, because they are not allowed inside.
All guests must supply their full name and date of birth that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Mark's Basilica. Name changes are not permitted.
Please note that depending on the start time the itinerary order can vary.
This tour consists of two parts and includes free time for lunch (at your own expense)
The remainder of the itinerary is spent walking from one place to the next alongside the guide and travelling to the next site
Meeting point
Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early. Between the two big columns in St. Mark’s Square (columns of San Marco & San Teodoro) located on the south side of the square, near the canal. Your guide will be holding a "The Tour Guy" sign.
Important notes
Please note this tour consists of 2 parts and works with a morning and afternoon meeting point:
Morning: Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early. Between the two big columns in St. Mark’s Square (columns of San Marco & San Teodoro) located on the south side of the square, near the canal. Your guide will be holding a "The Tour Guy" sign.
Afternoon: Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early: The meeting point is the same as the morning, please confirm with your guide what time to meet for the second part of your tour or contact us directly:
+1 888 290 5595
info@thetourguy.com
• DRESS CODE: Entrance into any religious site requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. The company will not be held responsible for refused entry due to unsuitable dress.
• It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 10 - 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
• Please note that the itinerary order might vary depending on ticketing times.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
• We will be subject to a security check at the entrance to all sites. Depending on the volume of visitors, we may have a short wait in the security line.
• TTG reserves the right to alter itineraries for reasons of safety, restoration, maintenance, adverse weather conditions or occasional events.
We will stroll through the galleries and rooms of the palace without much effort, but we recommend bringing comfortable shoes.
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
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
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