Venice's Best: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gondola & History Gallery
Overview
Available languages
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‘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
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.
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.
Options
Classic tour+gondola ride eng
Classic tour+Gondola ride fr
French Guided Tour
Classic Tour+Gondola ride spa
Spanish 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.
Reviews
2,378 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Informative & Enjoyable Trip
Annelle G,
Oct 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very informational at the Doge’s Palace. The tour guide was very good. Fun trip on the Gondola, great driver.
Final Sale Means Final Sale
Paul K,
Oct 28, 2025
- Viator
2.00I pre-booked this tour but accidentally selected the wrong date — Monday the 20th instead of Monday the 27th. I realized the mistake and contacted Viator before the 20th to see if the date could be corrected. After speaking with the operator, I was told that because it was a prepaid tour, no changes or refunds were possible. I wasn’t asking for a refund, only to move the booking to the correct date so my wife and I could still take the tour. I understand that museum tickets may have already been purchased and that portion might not be refundable, but I had hoped the operator could be a bit more flexible with the guiding portion. Mistakes happen, and I was disappointed that they couldn’t accommodate a simple date change when contacted in advance. In the end, we didn’t take the tour or receive museum tickets, and we were out over $300 USD.
All the must-sees made easy
Jane G,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
4.00Skip the line for S.Marco, Doge, Bridge of sighs, prison and gondola. This was a well guided experience. The 30 minute shared gondola was a nice way to start a Venice stay. One suggestion is to emphasize that the tour starts on a side street, at an office site a short walk from the waterfront. Our mistake was thinking we’d find the group on the square where so many tours gather to start.
Nice tour for first visit. Maybe wouldn't do again.
Bianca D,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
3.00We enjoyed touring the Basilica and Doge Palace. There are audio guides available for purchase which would be a great option for someone who doesnt want a group tour. The Gondola ride was a little lack luster, it was dark by the time we took the ride so you couldnt really see the city and appreciate it. Next time I would just do the Gondola and not the other tours. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and everyone at Venice tours was very nice and helpful. I think the value doesn't compare to the price. We spent over $500 for the 3 of us. I would have done audio tour and private gondola instead for a better experience.
A Day in Venice
Robert C,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
4.00First off check to see if the water level will be high in Venice. We had to purchase plastic booties to put over our footwear just to enter the Basilica. The booties cost extra and are a bit difficult to put on while standing. There was no place to sit to put them on. You either wear them or walk in almost a foot of water. The water is at the entrance of the Basilica, so you will miss that part of the tour if you don’t walk through. Once inside the views are breathtaking, the tour was amazing and so was the tour of the Doge Castle. The walk through Doge Castle is a bit difficult but well worth it. Our guide made sure to explain as much as possible and had our attention throughout the tour. The art work on the walls and ceilings were just amazing to view in person. The last part of the tour was our gondola ride and we were somewhat disappointed with it. I understand that you share the ride but since we are a family of 4 we didn’t expect that. An individual that wasn’t even on the tour with us was squeezed on the boat with us. He significantly blocked our view. I paid quite a bit of money for this tour. If I knew the gondola ride was going to be like that then I would have done it separately. Also, the gondolier could have been a bit more friendly. He was angry with how I entered the gondola. I am tall and weigh 250 pounds. I have never entered a gondola in my life. I went in a bit hard and he chastised me. I apologized and he made sure to tell me how much his gondola cost. The ride itself was a bit short as we expected to ride a bit more through the Grand Canal. So I highly recommend to do your own gondola ride. Overall I gave the tour a 4 because of the gondola ride experience.
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