Venice: St. Mark's, Doge's Palace, Rialto, and Gondola Tour

San Polo, Venice



Experience Venice with this tour ideal for those short on time. Enjoy privileged access to St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, a relaxing gondola ride, and a walking tour. Or opt for just the gondola tour.

Venice Full and Gondola Tour with Expert Guide

This tour in Venice suits visitors seeking either a comprehensive day visiting key landmarks or a 30-minute shared gondola ride on the Grand Canal.

Highlights

  • Tour St. Mark's Basilica with timed entry and expert guide (full tour only)
  • Visit Doge’s Palace with timed entry and expert guide (full tour only)
  • Guided walk through Venice’s canals and courtyards (full tour only)
  • 30-minute shared gondola ride on the Grand Canal, standalone or part of full tour
  • See the Rialto Bridge and learn its historical significance (full tour only)

Description

Choose between a full-day guided tour of Venice’s main attractions or a standalone 30-minute gondola ride.

The gondola ride includes boarding a traditional gondola with a professional gondolier and up to four other guests. Drift through Venice’s narrow canals and onto the Grand Canal, passing palaces and historic bridges.

The full tour starts at St. Mark’s Square. An expert guide provides skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica, sharing its origins and history during a guided visit inside.

Next, enjoy a walking tour through Venice’s quieter backstreets and canals, including a visit to the Rialto Bridge with stories about its significance.

The tour includes the 30-minute gondola ride introduced by your guide. After a self-arranged lunch, meet again at St. Mark’s Square for the second part of the tour. This includes a skip-the-line guided exploration of Doge’s Palace, including the Golden Staircase, artworks by Titian, the torture chambers, and the Bridge of Sighs.

Includes

  • Timed entry and guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica (full tour only)
  • Timed entry and guided tour of Doge's Palace (full tour only)
  • Visit to Rialto Bridge and district (full tour only)
  • Walking tour of Venice's quieter areas (full tour only)
  • 30-minute shared Venetian gondola ride
  • Expert English-speaking tour guide

Excludes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Tips
  • Lunch

Important Information

  • Guests must provide full name and date of birth matching a valid ID when booking.
  • Photo ID is required to enter St. Mark's Basilica; name changes are not permitted.
  • Knees and shoulders must be covered inside St. Mark’s Basilica; otherwise entry may be refused.
  • Security checks occur at all sites; wait times may vary depending on visitor volume.
  • Tour itinerary order may change based on ticket availability.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the full tour, wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for basilica entry. Booking in advance is recommended to secure timed entry slots. Early morning departures provide fewer crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full-day tour includes guided visits to St. Mark's Basilica and Doge’s Palace with timed entry, a walking tour of Venice's canals and courtyards, a visit to Rialto Bridge, and an optional 30-minute shared gondola ride.
Yes, you can choose to book the 30-minute shared gondola ride separately without the full guided tour.
The shared gondola ride on the Grand Canal lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Yes, the full-day tour offers timed entry tickets to avoid long lines at St. Mark's Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
The guided walking tour explores Venice’s canals, courtyards, and includes a stop at the historic Rialto Bridge.
Check the booking confirmation and website for ticket requirements, as many tours accept mobile tickets for entry in Venice.
Children are usually welcome; check the specific tour details on the website to confirm age restrictions or requirements.
Tour meeting points are typically in central Venice near St. Mark’s Square; exact location details are provided after booking.
Yes, the 30-minute gondola ride offered is a shared experience with other participants.
Early morning tours tend to be less crowded; check the website for available time slots to plan accordingly.

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