Saint Marks Basilica, Doge's Palace and Gondola tour in Venice

Venice , Italy

Saint Marks Basilica, Doge's Palace and Gondola tour in Venice

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(36 reviews)

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Meet your professional guide and start your combination tour discovering the buildings in the square and then we enter inside the Doge's Palace "Palazzo Ducale", it was once the residence of the Doge, the elected ruler of the city.

The tour then continues into Saint Marks Basilica, which majestically symbolizes the lagoon and enshrines the city’s history and Saints relics.

At 1:00 pm you will end the first part of the tour and you will have approx 2 hours free time to stroll around Saint Mark's square, to have lunch (not included) or to visit the Correr museum on your own already included with the Doge's Palace ticket.

The second part of your combined tour is the classic gondola ride at 3:00 pm or 5:15 pm (check the availability).

PROGRAM
-> Doge's Palace & Basilica departure at 10:45 am to 1.00 pm
-> Gondola ride (duration 30 min)
April - October gondola at 3.00pm or 5.15 pm
November - March gondola only at 3.00 pm

Available options

ENGLISH TOUR

German

SPANISH TOUR

English

Spanish

French

FRENCH TOUR

GERMAN TOUR

What's included

Professional local guide

Skip the line tickets for the Basilica and the Doge's Palace

30 minutes shared gondola ride

Headsets to hear the guide clearly when over 10 people

Guided tour of the St Mark's square, the St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide in calle larga de l'ascension next the post office behind Saint Mark's square.

Stop 2

Hear about the republic of the Serenissima and the city's origins to the present day.

See all the most important monuments (from the outside) in the square.

Stop 3

Your guide will provide you with the perfect introduction to the origins, symbols and traditions regarding Saint Mark's Square, Saint Mark's Basilica the Doge's Palace, the bridge of Sighs, the bell tower and the Marciana area.

Stop 4

Stop 5 Pass by

This tour is the perfect introduction to the city of Venice
The duration is 1 hour and concludes in Saint Mark's Square.

What's not included

Hotel pick up and drop off

Food and drink

Secret itineraries fee

Pala d'oro

Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli on the 1st floor

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

24 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

12 reviews

5★

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2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure time;

Late arrivals, No Shows, No refund;

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

Meeting point

15 min before in Calle larga de l’Ascension - 30124 (behind the Correr museum on the opposite side of the Saint Marks Basilica).
Look for the TURIVE assistant next to the post office San Marco.

Important notes

MEETING POINT:
15 min before in Calle larga de l’Ascension - 30124 (behind the Correr museum on the opposite side of the Saint Marks Basilica).Look for the TURIVE assistant next to the post office San Marco.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/iu3tveLzsqpRwyXd7

• Check-in is 15 minutes prior to booked tour start time;
• Tour maybe affected in cases of high tides.
• Parents will need to have an ID for the children on the date of travel to prove they are under 6;

It is your responsibility to be at the meeting point punctually.
All the late arrivals or no show are NO REFUND.

Emergency Number:
Office 0039 041 5239979
Mobile 0039 349 3054767

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