Private Tour
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Enjoy an exclusive tour of Venice with a private expert guide, and make the most of this incredible city and see all of the highlights. Begin in Saint Mark's Square for a perfect view of Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, the private chapel of the dukes of Venice until the 19th century. Get privileged access, and skip the long lines to enter the grand basilica and enjoy up-close views of the golden mosaics. Then skip the lines to the Doge's Palace to travel through 7 centuries of history as you see the palace prisons and court rooms, and stop on the Bridge of Sighs to see the last view of Venice that prisoners saw before they were locked in their cells. Your guide will then give recommendations for lunch, and after a short break continue your tour. Walk to the covered Rialto Bridge and discover the house where Marco Polo once lived. Go to the Renaissance church of the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, where you will end your perfect day true Venetian style in a private gondola ride
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Offered in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Please specify under “Additional notes” if you wish to book the tour in a language other than English.
Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
There is no photography allowed in St Marks basilica.
The itinerary described above is a suggested order of the various experiences. These may vary according to your personal requests or preferred starting time.
An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
skip the line tickets to St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace
Hall of the Great Council
Marco Polo’s house
30 minute private gondola ride
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
Rialto bridge
Bridge of Sighs
private expert local guide
Doges Prison
food and drinks
gratuities (optional)
Piazza San Marco
Your experience of Venice begins in the iconic St Mark's square where you will also meet your guide.
Basilica di San Marco
Next, skip the long lines and enter this beautiful and ornate basilica as your guide provides you with anecdotes of its history. An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
86 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
jamie s,
Jul 31, 2025
- Viator
We had a wonderful tour of St. Mark’s/Doge and walking through Venice that ended with a private gondola ride. Our guide Marie was amazing!! Extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Loved her sense of humor and she made it fun for our 15/11 year old kids!!! Marie went the extra step to make sure our private gondola ride was all set before she left us. Highly recommend this tour!
Linda T,
May 28, 2025
- Viator
This tour, while expensive, provided access to all the highlights of Venice. Our tour guide, Marie had a wealth of knowledge about the history and art. She was so personable and although provided a lot of information, it was not overwhelming. The gondola ride at the end of the tour was also good.
Jeff H,
Dec 23, 2024
- Viator
A great first day in Venice! We loved learning the history, touring the neighborhoods, seeing St. Mark's, and the Doge's palace. Martina had great stories along the way. Thank you!
Tiffany M,
Oct 12, 2024
- Viator
This was a great tour with an exceptional tour guide. She did a great job personalizing the tour. We strolled thru the fish market and learned about the fresh fish and produce as a bonus.
Frank N,
Oct 12, 2024
- Viator
The gondola ride. Great tour guide. She knew the history and the culture. She was very pleasant. Thanks
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