Venice's Best: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gondola & History Gallery
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
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
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
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
Following new regulations effective July 1st, all travelers visiting St. Mark’s Basilica must provide their full names — not just the lead traveler. Failure to do so may result in denied entry
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)
Access to History Gallery
Skip-the-line ticket to Doge's Palace
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
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.
Doge's Palace
A guided tour in the Doge’s Palace the old seat of the Venetian political power. In his splendid rooms, immersed in hundreds of masterpieces of painting, the Doge and his Council controlled the ancient Republic of Venice. A professional guide will escort you in the halls of power and the bridge of Sighs to reach to the old prisons. You may visit by yourself the other magnificent palaces around St. Mark’s Square under the name of Procuratie with the same ticket!
Options
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
Spanish Guided Tour
Classic tour + Gondola ride
French Guided Tour
Reviews
1,645 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous! Sarah is a spectacular native and guide!
SheilaMarie B,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a perfect introduction to Venice. I love the beginning 3-D virtual history tour our guide with Sarah, who is a Venice native was incredibly knowledgeable and fun. She was also very helpful in giving insider tips which can be a big deal. It’s the crowds.. I cannot imagine myself standing in line so the skip the line portion was perfect!
It started off with a...
AEYSHA K,
Jun 29, 2025
- Viator
4.00It started off with a virtual movie which I thought was a great idea. It just gave my family an idea of the history of the tour so they knew what to expect. My husband in particular who’s not really interested in history was impressed. The guide was great!
So sad we could not get to you
Judy L,
Jun 28, 2025
- Viator
1.00The wedding in the area made it impossible for us to get to the spot. Please refund our money. Thank you
Recommend!
Margi B,
Jun 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide was wonderful! She was so knowledgeable and we learned so much history about the government and art. The others in the group did not show up so we had a private tour. Amazing!
Not for families or those who don't want excessive art details
Robert C,
Jun 22, 2025
- Viator
3.00Had to walk several blocks over from Basicilia to meet tour guide, who could have met us at first stop. Tour guide was very nice but microphone kept acting up and she spent way too much time going into too much detail that the group found excessive. Several members of the tour just up and left in the middle. Guide did not read her audience well. Guide was also a third party who then had no idea how Gondola worked because that was also another third party. Thus we booked with a middle man who offered zero value. In addition, we were supposed to be able to visit other things but there was no explanation on where/how to access these activities. Would not recommend this tour for families and/or people who don't want an excessive amount of detail and standing in one room staring at the same piece of art for long periods of time.
Related Experiences
Operated by CITY TOURS CO. LTD