Venice In a Day: St Mark's, Doges Palace Gondola Ride & City Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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 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.

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)

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included

Sightseeing & Photo Stop

Admission Not Applicable

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

4.77

3,612 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

3135

285

Wear sturdy walking shoes...
joyce l,,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wear sturdy walking shoes due to uneven road surfaces: stones, street grading. Several steps up and down bridges. Depending on season, wear layers.
Please do yourself a big...
Jonathan S,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Please do yourself a big favor and visit Venice just after Carnival during the off season. It was way easier to enjoy each stop and have space to enjoy it and not feel overwhelmed. I promise you that Venice is just as magical during the winter. Our guide was truly an expert in art, Venice, and managing a group.
Great tour and Gondola experience
taylorbL8285JI,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour guide, Ione, was very knowledgeable and accommodating. Would recommend
Exceptional Tour of St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace
Yesenia C,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Marie Therese was fantastic highly recommended! She shared so much interesting information throughout our tour of St. Mark’s and the Doge’s Palace. We never felt rushed, and she took the time to answer all of our questions. We were a group of eight family members, and every one of us truly enjoyed the experience. A wonderful, engaging guide!
Venice in a Day!
Sunshine63048470065,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour guide Guliano was a wealth of knowledge! Guliano was entertaining, enthusiastic and friendly. We really enjoyed our tour! Thank you!
Well worth it!
LISA R,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guide Michael (takewalks.com) was amazing. He shared so much history and insight on Venice in the most enjoyable way. Even though this looks like a long tour, it goes very quickly. Points of interest are so close together, the walking and steps (which were almost all inside buildings) are very doable. The gondola ride included was a wonderful chance to relax and see the city from the water. We toured in the end of February, so there were very few crowded areas and we were able to get pictures at the iconic spots. Michael was intentional about giving breaks for grabbing lunch or coffee close to restrooms as well.
It was wonderful. So...
SweetDesignsattnet,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was wonderful. So much information and history of Venizia. There is quite a bit of walking, so be prepared. Also dress for the weather. Paula our guide was delightful and definitely knowledgeable about everything we saw.
Venice in a Day
jarguy,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
6 hours seemed like a long tour, but Michael made every moment interesting and enjoyable.
Venice in a Day with Michele ⭐
bryel3,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Michele was fantastic — warm, funny, and genuinely engaging from start to finish. He made us smile a lot, but he also shared so many interesting facts, curiosities and little legends that brought Venice to life. He was great at answering questions and keeping the group together with a calm, friendly energy. You can really feel his passion and his presence as a guide. I’d be very happy to have him again in the future — highly recommended!
Excellent overview of key Venice sights
HfromSF,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Michael brought the Doge Palace, the church, the different neighborhoods, and the history of Venice overall to life. There were funny historical nuggets and thoughtful planning of the itinerary with snack/ restroom and lunch breaks. The gondola ride was a nice bonus.