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.
This tour is non-refundable. All guests must supply their full name and date of birth 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
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
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
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
Reviews
3,145 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous way to experience a few highlights of Venice
Kevin I,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had an enjoyable and engaging tour guide, and we were very thankful to have booked the early morning tour @8:15 AM. Skip-the-line tickets for St. Peter's Basilica and Doge Palace were a great time-saver, and we were able to beat the crowd for the gondola ride.
This tour was incredible!...
Shelley B,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00This tour was incredible! Our guide, Mose V, was absolutely wonderful. He was so knowledgeable about the area, history and had a great sense of humor as well. While it is a long day with quite a bit of walking, there are several stops along the way so you have a chance to rest. One thing to note, the itinerary said there would be an hour break for lunch, but we ended up with only about 20 minutes to grab a quick snack at the cafe at Doge’s Palace - I’d recommend eating a hearty breakfast before the tour begins. All in all, a wonderful day with a wonderful guide! Highly recommend this tour.
Fillippo M made this excellent tour unforgettable!
Anonymous,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fillippo M was the perfect tour guide for the day! He was friendly, welcoming, informative and very funny. We will remember and talk fondly about this experience for a very long time.
Gio was a very pleasant...
Nikita C,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00Gio was a very pleasant and knowledgeable. He made the tour smooth and enjoyable. Wish Venice wasnt so hot but the experience outweighed the heat.
We spent only 2 nights in...
Jason T,
Jun 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00We spent only 2 nights in Venice as part of an Italian trip, knowing that we could do this tour the day in between. Great decision as we were able to see the entire city with this tour. Tour guide was awesome. We loved walking around the city. Gondola ride, St. Mark's, and Doge's palace were all fantastic experiences. There was enough down time for us to stay fresh and engaged. Highly recommend!!!
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