Venice In a Day: St Mark's, Doges Palace Gondola Ride & City Tour
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. 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 (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.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 7 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 7 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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
What‘s Included
Gondola Ride
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Expertly guided walking tour with headset
8:15am & 8:30am tours only: Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (12 €)
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
9:00 AM departure does NOT visit St. Mark's Basilica
Gratuities
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
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
3,579 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Insightful Tour. Chiara is the best tour guide!
Stephanie N,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Claire/Chiara is such a good guide! She was so informative and personal, which made this tour feel like a fun excursion. Additionally, she gave us great recommendations for local places or activities to try while we are in town. I would highly recommend doing this tour especially for first timers!
Time well spent. Amazing
carolinedouglas1,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing and knowledgeable. Very much appreciate Mose showing us around. It was an absolutely brilliant. He was very engaging and the tour covered all you could ask for, including a gondola ride. Would highly recommend Mose. Thank you.
Great way to spend a day.
sib alm2026,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour was excellent. Very informative and very knowledgeable guide. Shannon was through with her informative. Answered all our question. Definitely recommend this tour and guide.
Nico is the best!
anaestefania2019,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely, absolutely recommend! Nico is the best tour guide ever and extremely knowledgeable. You get a proper historian and a good people-person. I would do this again and bring my family.
Great Intro to Venice
shelton16eben,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Even with lots of rain the tour was great! Our guide Nico was very passionate about the city and its history. It was a great way to be introduced to Venice!
Mateo was a wonderful...
Prantika G,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mateo was a wonderful guide. He is extremely knowledgeable and shared the knowledge with us in a funny way keeping the whole experience extremely engaging. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Amazing! Loved every minute
Clare W,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience with Mateo! It was just my boyfriend, myself, and him. It felt more private and awesome! We enjoyed getting to see parts of the city we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. It was also cool to have a break in between and go on the gondola and see the city another way other than via our feet. Mateo is super informed about everything and made sure we got all the information we needed. Would recommend to all of our friends heading into Venice!
Beautiful. No queus in January!
Caroline H,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The place you have to visit when in Venice. The buildings are beautiful however there isn't enough information to guide you about. Access to St Marks cathedral is particularly difficult as payment is only accepted via the app which isn't easy & lots of visitors were getting frustrated.
Venice in a day tour
GoPlaces616939,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous tour! The balance of walking, gondola ride and time in S Marco Cathedral and Doge's Palace worked really well. Marie-Therese was a very knowledgeable, interesting and entertaining guide. Highly recommend.
Your of Venice in a day
bonnielX4851SK,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mary Theresa was fabulous! It was the best tour I have ever been on. I was not bored and did not fall asleep with jet lag. She is a gem.
From €111.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain