Best Of Venice: Saint Mark's Basilica, Doges Palace with Guide and Gondola Ride
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This tour pairs Venice’s two most important landmarks with timed-entry access, so you can fit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace into a single half-day without wasting time in queues. With an expert English-speaking guide, you get clear context for what you see, from the basilica’s mosaics to the palace’s political history and prison passages. You finish with a 30-minute shared gondola ride, giving you a classic canal experience to match the sightseeing.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
What To Expect
Basilica di San Marco
Skip the long ticket lines and spend about 20 minutes inside St. Mark’s Basilica. Admire gold mosaics, domes, and marble floors while your guide explains how Venice’s seafaring empire shaped this sacred landmark. Please note you still need to pass through the security line, and there may be a short wait.
Palazzo Ducale
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.
Options
Best of Venice Semi-Private
Semi Private: Max 12 guest Duration: 3 hours Included: Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace with tickets and 30-minute shared gondola ride.
Full Day Option + Walking Tour
Duration: 6 hours Your 6-hour tour includes:: St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride + Walking Tour of Rialto Bridge, Market and Venice's quiter areas
Best Of Venice: Saint Mark's Basilica, Doges Palace with Guide and Gondola Ride
What‘s Included
Professional art historian guide
Timed-entry ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (€12)
Time entry and tour of the Doges Palace
Small-group size, maximum 25 participants
30-minute gondola ride (max 5 guests)
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,118 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hard for people with disability on steps
Lynn Z,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Was very good, our guild was great but my husband needed an elevator in Doge palace and they just kept taking groups and telling him to wait, by the time he finally got to us he had missed half of the tour!
Knowledgeable
Rosemarie D,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was well worth the money.I would highly recommend. Be sure to wear clothing to cover legs and shoulders.
We started our tour at...
Ed R,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We started our tour at Doges Palace. There are two sides of the building. One side is lavished with art and beauty. The other was a prison. Our guide, Grace, was quite knowledgeable. We continued to St. Marks Cathedral, which was beautiful. Grace had the group wait in the church for a few extra minutes because at certain times they increase the lighting inside, which gives a different effect to the beautiful art that is in the church. From there we walked a couple blocks and boarded a gondola for about a half hour ride through the canals of Venezia.
Better than we expected.
Larry S,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Right where they said they would be and on time for the pickup. A wonderful tourguide that answered every question with patience and professionalism and very clear English. The church was beautiful with wonderful history. It was HOT but the tourguide took advantage of every open window, fan etc. There are a number of stairs so be prepared. I liked the prison portion the best. The gondola ride was nice too.
Great tour with a disappointing gondola ride
Joshua C,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our tour guide, Rita, was great. She was very welcoming and provided great insight. She had a fun personality that made it wonderful. The only negative was the gondola ride. Our person didn’t talk to us and spent his time on his phone and smoking.
Good tour!!
Milagros N,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour!! Tour guide very knowledgeable and made sure everyone understood every detail. Gondola ride was great.
Venice
Gildardo M,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Despite the heat. We had an amazing time. Rita was our tour guide. Very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend her.
Must see, amazing tour
Samira A,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience, the tour guide Barbara was AMAZING. So informative, great storyteller and very knowledgeable. Wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared to be amazed.
Great Tour
Hina H,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a great tour to take. Our tour guide Elena was amazing. Her style of Sharing history was very engaging. She had a great personality and was very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed this tour.
Book this tour!!
Nicole S,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an informative and fun tour, we were able to complete 3 of our must do items in one booking. Meeting place, directions and guidelines for dress code and bag size were all given at time of booking Our guide was excellent, so friendly and fun. She shared great Venice stories of the cities history with us.
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