Venice in A Day: St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride

Venice , Italy

Venice in A Day: St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride

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About this experience

If you want to make sure you cover the highlights of Venice, this full day tour is your best choice. If you’re only spending a few days in Venice, covering the best attractions in a single day is a smart idea. That way, you can spend the remainder of your time in Venice sipping Prosecco by the canals. This tour includes stops at St Mark’s Basilica and Square, the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace (including Casanova’s prison cell), a half hour gondola ride and plenty of hidden gems along the way. A lunch break is scheduled into the tour - we would never let you go hungry in Italy!

Available options

Venice in A Day: St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride

What's included

30-Minute Venetian Gondola Ride

Visit the Famous Rialto Bridge & Market

Skip the Line Entry & Guided Tour of the Doge's Palace

Professional Art Historian Guide

Small Group Size of Maximum 19

Access to St. Mark's Basilica (valued at €12 per person)

Skip the Line Entry & Guided Tour of St. Mark's Basilica

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet our Guide
Your Venice in a Day Tour begins in St. Mark’s Square, Venice’s central public plaza. Your guide will teach you the history of this iconic piazza, home to St. Mark’s Basilica.

Stop 2

Known as “The Church of Gold”, St. Mark’s Basilica’s elaborate design features gold mosaics and marble slabs. Skip the line and learn about the basilica’s storied history during a guided tour of the stunning Basilica.

Stop 3

Rialto Bridge & Neighborhood
After your visit to the basilica your journey continues into the hidden back alleyways of Venice, guided by a knowledgeable local.

You'll Immerse yourself in the history and legends surrounding the iconic Rialto Bridge, a magnificent architectural gem that spans the Grand Canal. As you cross this historic bridge, you'll venture into the bustling Rialto neighborhood, brimming with charm and character.

Learn fascinating anecdotes and tales about the bridge's significance while taking in the enchanting ambiance of this popular district.

30 Minute Gondola Ride
When experiencing Venice, you absolutely must ride a gondola. We’ve included this experience in our Venice in a Day tour. As the first part of the tour concludes, your tour guide will bring you to a trusted Venice gondolier who will take you on a scenic cruise down Venice’s beautiful canals (max 5 per vessel). After experiencing this bucket list moment, you’ll break for lunch.

Enjoy some free time for lunch.
Following your enchanting Gondola Ride, take a moment to bask in the magic of this unforgettable experience. Allow the memories of gliding through the Venetian canals to synchronize within you as you enjoy a leisurely period of free time for a delightful lunch.

Stop 6

Guided Tour of the Doge's Palace
After lunch, explore the fascinating Doge's Palace, or "Duke's Palace." This Palace used to be the home of Venice's public administration. At the same time, it operated as a prison, where some of Venice's criminals saw their last days.
Explore the fascinating artwork of the Doge's Palace, and get a glimpse of the famous Bridge of Sighs, the bridge that connects Doge's Palace to its prison.

Even though your tour will conclude after visiting the Doges Palace, your guide will be happy to advise on how to get back to your accommodation, or perhaps advice where to enjoy some local food & a spritz!

What's not included

Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off

Food & Beverages

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

441 reviews

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367

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Tripadvisor 4.4

135 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Since we will be entering a church, please make sure that your shoulders and knees are covered. Also, please refrain from bringing big back packs or bags, because they are not always 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.

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.

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.

Meeting point

Please Arrive 10 Minutes Early. Your guide will meet you 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. A representative will be there holding a sign with ''The Tour Guy'' on it.

Important notes

• Please Arrive 10 Minutes Early. Your guide will meet you 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. A representative will be there holding a sign with ''The Tour Guy'' on it.

• After the break, you will reconvene at the same exact meeting point for the second part of your tour. Please confirm the start time of the afternoon tour directly with our staff on the day of the tour, and arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour begins.

• DRESS CODE: Entrance into any religious site requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. The Roman Guy will not be held responsible for refused entry due to unsuitable dress.
• Please read our meeting point directions thoroughly in advance. 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.
• Mandatory: Everyone is required to carry a copy of the identification page of their passports on all tours. A photo of the first page of your passport saved on your smartphone works as well.
• 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 on our group tours.
• Some sites visited are not shaded. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water during the warmer months.
• 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.
• Please be aware that some locations may be unavoidably busy during standard hours/high season.
• TRG reserves the right to alter itineraries for reasons of safety, restoration, maintenance, adverse weather conditions or occasional events.

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