Venice In a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & Gondola ride
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.
This tour is non-refundable. All guests must supply their full name and date of birth that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. 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
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Gondola Ride
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
8:15am & 8:30am tours only: Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (6 €)
Expertly guided walking tour with headset
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
9:00 AM departure does NOT visit St. Mark's Basilica
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
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
Venice Express Day Tour
Venice’s top sights in about 4 hours a gondola ride, and skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace. Does NOT include the Basilica
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
3,055 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Venice in a Day…?
Kathryn B,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
3.00This was a great tour with a very good, informative guide but… the public water taxis in Venice are horrible! You wait for a water taxi and then they let all the residents who have priority boarding go first, the boat fills up, then you wait for the next one, then same thing, more priority boarding, then you wait again… you get the picture! Finally you give up and walk to the meeting point on the other side of the island to spend another six hours walking and crossing many more bridges - no fault of the guide or the tour company, Venice needs more water taxis available. The private taxis are very expensive and the public ones don’t seem to take care of tourists very well. For those of us who are seniors, this can be a challenge - and we’re relatively fit…
Great tour- Nicoletta was awesome!
Michael W,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour was very good. Nicoletta was our tour guide and she was extremely knowledgeable about every place we visited. She was able to answer everyone’s questions. This was a perfect way to see the top sights for Venice. Would highly recommend!
Great walking tour
Stephen J,
Jun 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fantastic walking trip taking in some of the main attractions of Venice. Our guide Tiana was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We both absolutely loved this tour and found out a lot about Venice from it. The gondola ride was a fantastic experience and if your visiting Venice, really is a must.
Fun and Informative-A Must Do!
Kimberly L,
Jun 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00The guide was probably one of the best guides we have ever had on a vacation. He grew up in Venice, showed us where he played with his friends, etc. He knew English extremely well and was very knowledgable with a great sense of humor. We really enjoyed this tour! The tour was well worth the money and it even included a short gondola ride which was a real "bonus".
Wonderful tour!
Jennifer W,
Jun 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had such a great guide. Very informative. We learned so much about Venice! The gondola ride was fun, and the history of the city was fascinating. I think I loved the Rialto bridge and market the best.
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