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Best Of Venice: Saint Mark's Basilica, Doges Palace with Guide and Gondola Ride
About This Tour
This tour pairs Venice’s two most important landmarks with timed-entry access, so you can fit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace into a single half-day without wasting time in queues. With an expert English-speaking guide, you get clear context for what you see, from the basilica’s mosaics to the palace’s political history and prison passages. You finish with a 30-minute shared gondola ride, giving you a classic canal experience to match the sightseeing.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Professional art historian guide
- Timed-entry ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (€12)
- Time entry and tour of the Doges Palace
- Small-group size, maximum 25 participants
- 30-minute gondola ride (max 5 guests)
✗ Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
1
Skip the long ticket lines and spend about 20 minutes inside St. Mark’s Basilica. Admire gold mosaics, domes, and marble floors while your guide explains how Venice’s seafaring empire shaped this sacred landmark.
Please note you still need to pass through the security line, and there may be a short wait.
Please note you still need to pass through the security line, and there may be a short wait.
2
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.
3
Following your guided tour of the Doges Palace, your guide will introduce you to some other highlights surrounding St. Marks Square like the stunning bell tower (exterior visit) and adorning portico's surrounding the square. You will also have a 20-minute break to grab a snack and relax.
4
Now, 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”. Glide through the panoramic Canals in a gondola accommodating up to 5 participants.
Good to Know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- All guests must supply their full name and date of birth that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Mark's Basilica. Name changes are not permitted.