Venice In a Day: St Mark's, Doges Palace Gondola Ride & City Tour
Overview
Available languages
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 and gaze in awe at the stunning gold mosaics. Finally, enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge’s Palace. The 8:30am tour is limited to 20 people and includes a lunch break on your own, while the 8:15am tour does not include a lunch break (shorter duration of 4 hours) and a maximum of 25 people in your group. If you're short on time, you can also select our Venice Express Half Day Option at time of booking for a 4-hour expertly guided tour of Venice's highlights including St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
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.
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. Name changes are not permitted.
Venice Express Option: Gondola is not included.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
8:30am tour is limited to 20 people and includes a lunch break on your own, while the 8:15am tour does not include a lunch break (shorter duration of 4 hours) and a maximum of 25 people in your group.
St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
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 Express
Duration: 4 hours Gondola NOT included: See Venice’s top sights in just 4 hours with skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
Venice in a Day
Including GONDOLA Ride: 8:15 AM - 4 hours guided tour Including GONDOLA Ride: 8:30 AM - Extended 6 hours version with lunch break Duration: 6 hours
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 Duration: 6 hours
What‘s Included
Rialto Fish Market
Gondola Ride (Venice Express Half Day Option excluded)
Local English-speaking guide
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25€)
New Prisons
Rialto Bridge
Guided Walk of the back streets of Venice
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
Bridge of Sighs
House of Marco Polo ( exterior)
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Reviews
4,465 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly Recommended Highlights Tour of Venice.
stacyp250,Jul 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very knowledgeable, professional, courteous, and humorous.
An exceptional tour. Our...
Stacy P,Jul 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An exceptional tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and personable! A great way to see the sights and learn about the history of this beautiful city. Was well paced, and the guide demonstrated sensitivity regarding the heat conditions.
Nicole is a brilliant guide
Siobhan W,Jul 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A brilliant way to see the highlights of Venice and understand the history and workings of the city over the ages. Nicole was an amazing guide and had great depth of knowledge and passion to make the day very enjoyable for everyone. Nicole was a lovely person and we couldn't have had a better guide! Nicole really added to our enjoyment and value of the day. Thank you!
Great
Expedition736858,Jul 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nico was very knowledgeable and sincere.
Venice in a day
Safari12893403488,Jul 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Moses was very informative and the tour ran smoothly. However it was very confusing about having to pick up tickets prior to the tour which was not accurate and we wasted a lot of time trying to do this.
Best walking tour I have ever experienced (and I’m a walking tour addict!)
605abhirajg,Jul 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ll only say this: if you want to understand the ins and outs and the A to Z of Venice in a way that is fun, informative and entirely joyful, look no further! Mose, our guide, gave us what I could aptly describe as a performance worth remembering. He was receptive to the needs of the group and was very happy to elaborate on any question that was asked. Truly a blessing! I have been on a million walking tours, and this is by far, THE BEST - no exaggeration!
8:15 Tour
andrewkX5446SP,Jul 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mose was amazing!! Very knowledgeable for history buffs!
Wonderful tour if you have time in Venice
ericbH643SC,Jul 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Create informative tour. Guide was very friendly and informative. He kept it educational and entertaining at the same time. Would definitely recommend.
Highly recommend for new and returning visitors
Ken K,Jul 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Martina was wonderful! She was very knowledgeable about the history of the buildings and area. Our friends, who had visited the city before, learned so much more, including our high school history teacher. We enjoyed roaming the city and getting a true sense of Venice.
Venice in a Day
Cruiser13725280654,Jul 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Here’s a review that sounds genuine, detailed, and helpful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was hands down one of the best tours we did in Italy. If you’re short on time and want to experience the highlights of Venice without feeling rushed, this is absolutely worth it. Our guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about Venice’s history. They brought the city to life with fascinating stories and details that we would have completely missed exploring on our own. Visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace with skip-the-line access saved us a lot of time, and having everything explained made the experience so much more meaningful. The gondola ride was the perfect way to end the day. Gliding through the quieter canals gave us a completely different perspective of Venice and was every bit as magical as we had hoped. The itinerary was well organized, the pacing was excellent, and we never felt overwhelmed despite seeing so much in one day. We also appreciated walking through the Rialto area and learning about the city’s hidden corners beyond the major landmarks. Highly recommend this tour for first-time visitors. It combines history, culture, incredible views, and the iconic gondola experience into one unforgettable day. A fantastic value and easily one of the highlights of our trip to Italy.
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Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain