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.
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
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
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.
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
4,357 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lots of info on a long hot day
Paula D,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a LONG day. My friends might not give this five stars as the day was hot and they bowed out about an hour before the tour was over. And honestly, it was a long tour. Positives: Delightful and knowledgeable tour guide, no waiting in line for anything. Group was only 17 people, which is better than some very large groups I have seen walking through the city. Negatives: Quite long and if you only have a tiny interest in the history of the place then this is not the tour for you.
Venice in a day
nickyw763,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour . Our guide Giuliano was absolutely amazing . His knowledge and his humour made the trip extremely enjoyable. He was an amazing guide . He gave us plenty of breaks for drinks which was much needed in the heat . Would definitely recommend this tour and if you’re lucky enough to have Giuliano as a guide you will have an amazing tour !
Tour guide was a local...
Joseph L,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide was a local with a lot of knowledge and love for the area. Very professional, entertaining and helpful!
Great way to explore and learn about the city.
Jummy O,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great way to explore the city. Our tour guide Marco, was very detailed and had a great sense of humour, which made the tour more interesting. I totally recommend this tour.
Great experience from...
Elizabeth A,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience from start to finish. Very informational and would recommend this to anyone visiting the city.
Great tour!!
Sam G,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour guide. He was awesome! Lots of knowledge and depth of stories with a lot of heritage and culture
Nice tour
Joy B,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guide. Very knowledgable. Skip on hot days! We were miserable. The gondola ride was nice but short.
Great tour of Venice’s history
Amber M,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Slyvia was a great tour guide and had so much knowledge and passion for the city of Venice, you could tell how much she loved it and enjoyed sharing all the knowledge with us. She kept a great pace and kept us engaged the entire tour. I would remind others that the Basilica is closed during Sunday for mass, so be aware when booking that day, but we still enjoyed it overall as the city was rather quiet and not as busy on Sunday mornings. So just be cognizant of trade-offs. We still enjoyed the Basilica terrace and were able to snap great views of the city. Overall, we really enjoyed this tour and the breaks scattered within. Sylvia was wonderful!
It is a lot of walking...
William S,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a lot of walking but so worth it. St Marks Basilica is Beautiful! The Doge Palace is a must see and the gondola ride was awesome. Our guide Denise was very knowledgeable but also a fun person to be with. Recommend this tour completely!
Exceptional tour.
Sandra M,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Elena C. was our guide and she was wonderful. She provided us with many historical details as well as details regarding the culture and the history of the city. Saint Marks, the gondola ride and the palace were all amazing. We also enjoyed the visit to the market and the fish market. It was a wonderful day. We will not forget
Related Experiences
Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain