Venice's Best: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gondola & History Gallery

Overview

Available languages

English

French

Spanish

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Discover the enchanting history and art of Venice in this immersive 3-hour experience!

Join an expert guide as you explore the stunning Doge’s Palace and the magnificent Saint Mark’s Basilica located in the heart of Piazza San Marco. Marvel at the artwork and dive into the rich history of the Venetian Republic. You’ll also stroll across the iconic Bridge of Sighs, a symbol of romance and intrigue!

Next, indulge in a romantic gondola ride through the Grand Canal and its charming waterways. As you glide along, take in Venice's must-see highlights, including the famed Fenice Opera House, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the stunning Santa Maria della Salute Church, among others.

Finally, immerse yourself in a unique virtual reality experience as you float over the serene waters of the Grand Canal at sunset, witnessing centuries of history unfold. You’ll also get an insider’s view of the craftsmanship behind Venice's iconic gondolas with a close-up look at a detailed model.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.

A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.

Each gondola can host maximum 5 people; the seat aboard cannot be chosen but will be assigned by the gondolier depending of guests weight.

The gondola ride does not operate in case of exceptionally bad weather, high/low tide or local gondoliers strike (in these cases it can be postponed the days after otherwise it will be refunded)

The itinerary of gondola ride may change in the event of wind or bad weather

For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)

Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica and Doge Palace

For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts).

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Piazza San Marco

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the heart of Venice and one of the most iconic squares in the world. Surrounded by historic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile, it’s a stunning open space that reflects the grandeur of the Venetian Republic. A must-see for every visitor to Venice.

Admission Not Applicable

Basilica di San Marco

Then, you will enjoy an amazing guided tour to the historical and famous Golden Basilica. You will admire stunning gold mosaics and marble inlays of the floors, sitting comfortably while our guide will show you the represented biblical scenes, the history and the particularities of this ancient basilica.

45 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Shared 30-minute gondola ride

Guided tour of the Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica

Skip-the-line ticket to St. Mark's Basilica

Access to Museums in Saint Mark's Square (Correr Museum, Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library)

Skip-the-line ticket to Doge's Palace

History Gallery: a unique Vr experience of Venice in the past

20-minute gondola introductory experience

Hotel pick-up

Food and drinks

Guided tour of Museo Correr, Museo Nazionale Archologico, and Biblioteca Marciana

Options

Classic tour+Gondola ride fr

French Guided Tour

Premium Tour + Gondola Ride

English Guided Tour: Enjoy a premium English-guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and a gondola ride.

Classic Tour+Gondola ride spa

Spanish Guided Tour

Classic tour+gondola ride eng

Reviews

4.70

2,432 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2009

248

Venetian introduction
EuJenna,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A very peaceful moment on the venetian canals. The tour was very well organised and informative. Federica, our guide, made it very easy for us. Thank you!
The activity deviated...
JauShin L,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
The activity deviated from the program Description. The program says there is gandola Ride involved. But they did nor let us rode gandola. Very disappointed.
Splendor and History
loveroadtripping,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Saint Mark’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever been to. It reminded me of the churches I saw in Saint Petersburg that were adorned with gems and gold. The ceilings, walls and floors were a feast for the eyes. I took the tour that included everything you can do. My favorite part was to walk outside and see the Piazza from above the church entrance. The Doge’s Palace was also incredible and reminded me of the Hermitage; the massive paintings and beautiful floors but this had rooms with military items and jail cells. So much history was made here.
Great experience
Michael W,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great information and really fun way to explore Venice. The staff was very professional, knew a lot, and helped us feel comfortable
Serenissima guide
Juanjo L,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
La serenissima Sara, an excellent guide in Venice, she knows all you need to enjoy your visit to Venice, she we’ll give you the best advise in any situation
Burano Preciosa!!!!!
raqueliscar,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Sara is a charmer, she explained everything super well, with a lot of interesting curiosities. I recommend it 100% The sweets of the Carmelina pastry very rich.
It is worth buying a Murano!!!
BeatrizBTS,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
With our guide all fantastic, but I think it is an excursion that you could leave earlier and also come back earlier to make the most of the time.
100% recommended visit
Guide50514377027,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very good experience. A must-see, especially Burano. Sara is a very good guide and we really liked her explanation.
Very interesting
JennyJohnAF,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I definitely thought this was worthwhile. The guide spoke about the history and showed us through the various areas. And the Gondola was fun to do. Venice is trickly to navigate so I was glad to have someone help us see some of the major sites.
Recommended experience to visit Murano and Burano
202luciac,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I really liked it. In addition to the visits included in the tour. Elena explained to us the history of both Venice and some islands that make it up, which often go unnoticed. A different way to learn more about the city. She is also lovely and always attentive to help you.