Venice Highlights: St. Mark's Basilica, Doges Palace, and Gondola Ride Adventure
4.5
268 Ratings
Venezia
Experience the best of Venice in just 3.5 hours with a tour of St. Mark's Basilica, Doges Palace, and a gondola ride. Skip the lines and explore the highlights before enjoying the rest of your day in Venice.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Basilica di San Marco - We provide the skip the line tickets, so walk right past the long queue and go right on inside. During November through March, St. Mark’s Basilica does not offer skip the line entry because lines are generally non-existent.
- Doge’s Palace - As you explore the Doge’s Palace, you’ll hear about the wild ways of the Venetian Republic under the rule of elected magistrates. This tour not only showcases the interior of this ornate palace, but also goes in depth about the crime and legal system that was once in place in the city of Venice. Admire classic works of Venetian art and visit Doge’s Palace’s main sights, such as the Grand Staircase and the Bridge of Sighs.
- Venice - After your visit to St Marks and the Doges Palace conclude, it’s time to partake in that quintessential Venice activity. That’s right, step right up to your gondola boat! Left in the care of a trusted gondolier, enjoy the beauty of Venice from the water. Fun fact: in the Venetian dialect, “gondolier” translates into “rowing master”.
What's Included
- Skip-the-line access to Doge’s Palace
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 20 guests
- Guided by a professional art historian
- Admission to St. Mark’s Basilica
- Venetian Gondola ride experience
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
If your visit to Venice is brief and you would rather use your time indulging in local cuisine, shopping, and relaxation, there’s a way to maximize your experience. Many people only spend a short while in Venice, so time optimization is key if you plan on exploring the major sights. Embark on a 3.5-hour tour to see the best of Venice, still leaving you ample time to leisurely explore the charming canal alleyways with no need to hurry. This 2.5-hour tour features:
• A visit to St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica
• ‘Skip the Line’ entry to the Doges Palace
• A professional guide who can explain in English
• A tranquil gondola ride
- Since we will be entering a church, please make sure that your shoulders and knees are covered. Also, please refrain from bringing big back packs or bags, because they are not always allowed inside.
- 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
Location
P.za San Marco, 3
Piazza San Marco
Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early. Between the two big columns in St. Mark’s Square (columns of San Marco and San Teodoro) located on the south side of the square, near the canal. Your guide will be holding a "The Tour Guy" sign.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(268 Ratings)
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Karen_w
Apr 21, 2024
Welcome to Venice - Chiata gave us a wonderful tour of The Doges Palace and St Marks Basilica. She was so informative and left no questions unanswered. What a wonderful introduction to Venice!
Review provided by Viator
Amanda_d
Apr 21, 2024
Excellent your - This was such a good tour. Natalia was amazing, so knowledgeable and just a great personality and sense of humor. So happy we booked this tour and will recommend to friends headed to Venice.
Review provided by Viator
Joanie
Apr 19, 2024
Definitely do this tour while in Venice! - Phillipe was hilarious and so knowledgeable! We had a great time and the tour was perfect! Venice is such a beautiful city!
Review provided by Viator
Margie_n
Apr 18, 2024
A great tour - We loved the convenience of the tour and pre-arranged gondola ride. All went smoothly with the tour. Well informed abd friendly guide.
Review provided by Viator
Joline_a
Apr 18, 2024
Great tour by a wonderful guide - Our guide Philippe was exceptional. His knowledge was superb, English excellent and kind consideration of all participants made for a very enjoyable tour.
Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Axita_b
Apr 15, 2024
100% worth booking - This tour was absolutely fantastic and worth every penny! Skipping the queue was such a time-saver. Our guide was not only interactive and incredibly knowledgeable but also had a great sense of humor, making the experience even more enjoyable. Our family of 9 unanimously rated it highly
Review provided by Viator
Kathy_b
Apr 15, 2024
Very golden Saint Mark’s Basilica - Very knowledgeable tour guide, Doges Palace is incredibly impressive and so is Saint Mark’s Basilica and the gondola ride was romantic, worth every penny to pay for this tour
Review provided by Viator
Jamie_r
Apr 15, 2024
Great 3 hour tour!!! - Grace, our guide, was so knowledgeable about each place we visited. This tour allows you to truly understand and appreciate Venice and some of the magical sites!
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Jonathon_a
Apr 13, 2024
Excellent tour! - Marco was a very good guide. He was very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor. We highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Elaine_k
Apr 20, 2024
Guide very knowledgeable,... - Guide very knowledgeable, truly an art history encyclopedia. I wear hearing aides, so the ability to increase volume would have been appreciated.
Review provided by Viator
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