Best Of Venice: Saint Mark's Basilica, Doges Palace with Guide and Gondola Ride
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Is your time in Venice limited? Would you rather spend your days in Venice eating, drinking, shopping and relaxing? Many visit Venice for just a day or two, meaning time is restricted if you're wanting to squeeze in the main sights. Experience the best of Venice in 3.5 hours, leaving you ample time to wander down romantic canal sidestreets and enjoy yourself without any need to rush. This 2.5 hour tour includes:
• St. Mark's Square and St. Mark's Basilica
• Enjoy Skip the Line Entry into the Doges Palace
• An English-speaking professional guide
• A gondola ride
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Basilica di San Marco
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.
Doge's Palace
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.
What‘s Included
Skip The Line Entry in the Doges Palace
Entry Into St. Mark's Basilica (valued at €12 per person)
Small-group size, maximum 20 participants
Professional art historian guide
Gondola ride
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Best Of Venice: Saint Mark's Basilica, Doges Palace with Guide and 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.
Reviews
781 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour of Venice highlights
Dennis P,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Marco, was the perfect blend of historical story telling and comedy. The tour was perfect for our family with teens who loved it (and they are hard to please). The gondola ride was the perfect length to get the experience on our trip to Venice. Definitely a must do tour!
Excellent
Anonymous,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide Grazia (grace) was wonderful. Very friendly and easy to understand. Took us straight in. Perfect timing to see st marks light up the gold inside. Enjoyed doge palace the most
Very good tour guide...
James L,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good tour guide Paula was excellent timely and factual. The gondola was a great experience at the end.
Worth skipping lines but awful guide
Charles J,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00The tour is only worth being able to skip the lines at the Basilica and the Doges Palace. The tour guide was awful. None of the colorful history or “insider” information i have come to expect on guided tours. Instead we learned how clocks work and that water is wet. We spent more than 45 minutes in only 2 rooms in the Doges place listening to her drone on and on. It appeared that she had memorized the information on the placards and was simply repeating it.
Detailed history of...
Jeremy W,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Detailed history of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Cathedral. Tour guide was nice. Only complaint was the tour said 20 people max but had 25 which made it feel like herding cats more than it should beat times
So beautiful! Not too much walking.
Pam W,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Chilly in winter, even inside because of no heat. We had great directions for meet up point and our guide Phillip was fantastic!
Although our tour guide...
Stephanie S,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Although our tour guide was very knowledgeable, you do not need a tour guide for this experience. If you pay for admission yourself to each place (approx $15 for DOGE and $12 St Marks and $90 for 5 people on one gondola ride) and purchase the audio yourself and walk around on your own time, you will save time and a lot of money.
Tours to help you feel more connected to Venice.
Odyssey704069,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took two tours with this company—the “Best of Venice” tour and the trip to Burano and Murano—and both were absolute highlights of our honeymoon. Each experience gave us a much deeper understanding of Venetian culture and even helped shape how we chose to spend the rest of our trip. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, personable, and clearly passionate about sharing the history and traditions of Venice. Both tours were well-paced, covered a lot of meaningful cultural insight, and never felt rushed. From exploring iconic landmarks to watching the artistry of glass blowing and lace making, every moment felt thoughtfully curated. We walked away feeling more connected to the city and so grateful for the guidance that made our visit truly memorable. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to go beyond sightseeing and experience the real Venice.
Giovanna is a very...
Tim M,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Giovanna is a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. She led us through the highlights efficiently.
Cenicienta delight
Evelyn r,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00In November wear layers the palacio is cold inside but in certain areas it’s warm. Philippe is enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour, guide, excellent and engaging the audience and very well-versed on the history of these Venetian sites. The chore is perfectly timed with a break to go to the gift shop and bathroom the cafeteria and the Gallo ride was delightful. definitely worthwhile 5 stars.
From US$125.00
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