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
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
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.
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
4,410 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding Tour with Walks of Italy and Nico
Rgenao,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience with Walks of Italy, and our tour guide, Nico, made it truly exceptional. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about Venice, bringing the city's history, architecture, and hidden gems to life through fascinating stories and insights. What really set Nico apart was his warm and friendly personality. He answered every question with enthusiasm, shared fantastic local recommendations, and made everyone in the group feel welcome and involved. His love for Venice was contagious, and it made the experience all the more memorable. If you're considering a tour with Walks of Italy, I highly recommend asking for Nico. Thanks to him, we experienced Venice in a way we never could have on our own. It was one of the highlights of our trip, and I would happily give both Nico and Walks of Italy five stars!
Just so so, can definitely be done on your own.
Kimberly W,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00For the most part the tour was good. It was good locations to visit and we were able to get into everything with minimal wait time. The main issue I have is getting to the tour location. We were told it would be a 20 min walk, it was about 30 minutes and across many bridges and alleys in an attempt to find the location. Not good for elderly people. When we got there, our group was split into two different tour groups. The tour operator didn't care to put us all together and said the groups were already made. How difficult would it have been to put two more people in a group or to switch a couple from a group. The tour guide was good, there were several times she got too far ahead of the back of the group and we couldn't hear a thing through the headsets. But overall she was knowledgeable and friendly. The tour could seriously have been cut down by about an hour or so of "free time" because there was nothing to do. The Gondola ride was shorter than expected and disappointing that our driver was on his phone or shouting to the driver in front of him the whole time and didn't say a word to us.
Venice gondola, St mark and Doge tour with Nico
gaviny736,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nico was a great guide, we got to do a quick gondola tour through some canals and on the grand canal briefly. St Mark and doge entry were smooth and did not have to wait for our group to enter.
Venice tour
loghanb968,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nico was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable about all the history
Great tour by Alex
scott5719,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide (Alex) was excellent. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Highly recommend.
Awesome trip
Ekta C,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Just a wonderful trip. The guide was amazing, lively and very informative. He was timely and also went out of his way to make everyone feel Comfortable.
Great tour!
chriscT3593KC,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Magdelena was a fantastic, knowledgeable guide. We loved hearing about Venice from her!
Great even in the heat!
Laura C,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The whole experience was well run, organized, and a great time. Our guide was able to work well in the awful heat and was very fun and informative. They also did a great job of accommodating a change of time at the Basilica. I would recommend this to anyone who has limited time in Venice.
Excellent
Dave Q,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was great if you’re new to Venice and only have a couple days. Excellent way to learn the history of the City.
Great Tour
I4522DMvincentm,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very entertaining and educational experience. Maddalena was incredible! I highly recommend.
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