Venice In a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & Gondola ride
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
First time in Venice? Maximize your time in the city with a full-day itinerary that ticks off all the most memorable attractions. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge and browse the lively Rialto fish market, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal. Next, access St. Mark’s Basilica (8:15am & 8:30am tours only) and gaze in awe at the stunning gold mosaics. Finally, enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge’s Palace. This small-group tour is limited to 20 people ensuring a personalized experience. If you're short on time, be sure to select the Express option when booking to explore these iconic sites (excluding St. Mark's Basilica) in even less time.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
In case of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather (heavy rain, strong wind, high tide) conditions that prevent the gondola ride from taking place or any operational or safety reasons beyond our control it may be substituted for another experience, but no refund will be provided.
Due to the religious nature of sites on this tour, all individuals (regardless of gender) must cover their shoulders and knees. It is acceptable to bring extra coverings to put on just before entering a holy site. Walks cannot be responsible for anyone denied entry.
This tour is non-refundable. All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Name changes are not permitted.
8:15am & 8:30am tours only: Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica
9am Express tour: Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Gondola Ride
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
8:15am & 8:30am tours only: Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (6 €)
Expertly guided walking tour with headset
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
9:00 AM departure does NOT visit St. Mark's Basilica
What To Expect
Ponte di Rialto
Your tour starts at ground level with a guided walking tour of the city's most famous and most interesting sights. See the Rialto Bridge and learn about Venice's food culture at the Rialto Fish Market. Along the way hear tales of famous Venetians like Marco Polo as well as how Venice came to be—and how it survived against the odds. (1 hour if Express option selected)
Sightseeing & Photo Stop
Options
Venice in a Day
Small Group Tour: 815 AM tour only - Experience Venice in a Day in about 4hrs, St. Marks included. 830 AM tour - Full 6hrs Venice Experience
Venice Express Day Tour
Venice’s top sights in about 4 hours a gondola ride, and skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace. Does NOT include the Basilica
Private - Venice in a Day
Explore Venice from top to bottom in just one day, visit St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, & a picturesque gondola ride
Reviews
3,207 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice walking tour with...
Jeremy S,
Jul 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00Nice walking tour with Fillip as our guide. We learned a lot about sites that we wouldn’t have found out just walking around on our own. Great to see the Doge palace and take a gondola ride as well but I would say that the gondola ride wasn’t as special as I thought it would be. The gondolier barely acknowledged us and it was a bit cold, not temperature wise. I’m sure they are just tired of doing it over and over again but they shouldn’t be asking for tips at the end if they aren’t going to be putting forth any effort throughout the ride. Overall a great experience and our tour guide made it fun.
Good guide and covered...
Anagha J,
Jul 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00Good guide and covered everything in Venice in half day. Ask for Filipo as your guide. Would definitely recommend if first time travelers
Well worth the price
Patricia G,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Luisa, was great, she was well informed and knowledgeable about the city and sites. She was very caring and personable. Also she was very open to questions and did a good job of keeping the group together on a very challenging, lengthy tour.
Venice Walking Tour
Neil G,
Jul 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00Virginia was an excellent tour guide - knowledgeable, friendly, and flexed to the needs of our private excursion. Great way to see Venice for the first time!
Wonderful tour
Rachel E,
Jul 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00One of the best tours we took while in Italy. Carolina was great- extremely knowledgeable, engaging and attentive. Perfect way to see all the “must see” areas of Venice, plus a few hidden gems known to locals. Gondola ride was beautiful. Would recommend.
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