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St. Mark's, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride with Murano and Burano
About This Tour
This full-day Venice tour brings together the city’s greatest hits and lagoon islands in one carefully planned route. Start with timed-entry tickets and guided visits to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, where golden mosaics, grand halls, the Golden Staircase, and the Bridge of Sighs reveal the power of the Venetian Republic. Then shift from footpaths to canals with a shared gondola ride before a quick lunch break near St. Mark’s Square.
In the afternoon, board a private boat to Murano and Burano, where artisan traditions take center stage through glassblowing and lacemaking demonstrations. With expert guiding in the morning, a tour leader for the islands, and transport arranged between major experiences, this tour covers Venice by land, canal, and lagoon in one seamless experience.
In the afternoon, board a private boat to Murano and Burano, where artisan traditions take center stage through glassblowing and lacemaking demonstrations. With expert guiding in the morning, a tour leader for the islands, and transport arranged between major experiences, this tour covers Venice by land, canal, and lagoon in one seamless experience.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Free time to explore both islands
- Timed-entry ticket and guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica (€12)
- Glassblowing demonstration in Murano
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Lacemaking demonstration in Burano
- 30-minute shared gondola ride
- Free time for lunch
- Round-trip private boat to Murano and Burano
- Timed-entry ticket and guided tour of the Doge’s Palace
✗ Not Included
- Lunch
- Guide tips
Itinerary
1
Enter St. Mark’s Basilica with a timed-entry ticket and follow your guide inside one of Venice’s most important churches. See golden mosaics and learn how relics, art, and politics shaped this Byzantine landmark.
2
Continue into the Doge’s Palace with a timed-entry ticket and guided tour. Walk through grand halls filled with Renaissance art, climb the Golden Staircase, and cross the Bridge of Sighs as your guide explains Venice’s former seat of political power.
3
Next, board a shared gondola for a 30-minute sightseeing ride through Venice’s canals. Pass under historic bridges and along centuries-old buildings while a professional gondolier operates the boat.
4
Then, enjoy a quick lunch break near St. Mark’s Square. Lunch is at your own expense, and your guide can offer a local recommendation in the area.
5
Meet your afternoon tour leader and board a private boat reserved for the group. Cross the Venetian Lagoon toward Murano, with views of the Venice skyline as the city drifts behind you.
Arrive on Murano, an island known for its glassmaking heritage. Visit a working studio for a glassblowing demonstration, then enjoy free time to shop for Murano glass or walk through town before your next stop.
Arrive on Murano, an island known for its glassmaking heritage. Visit a working studio for a glassblowing demonstration, then enjoy free time to shop for Murano glass or walk through town before your next stop.
6
Continue by boat to Burano, known for painted houses and lacemaking traditions. Watch a lacemaking demonstration with local artisans, then enjoy free time for photos and exploring the island streets.
Ride the private boat back to Venice as your full-day tour winds down. The tour ends near St. Mark’s Square, about two blocks from the Doge’s Palace, at the same place where the Murano and Burano boat departs.
Ride the private boat back to Venice as your full-day tour winds down. The tour ends near St. Mark’s Square, about two blocks from the Doge’s Palace, at the same place where the Murano and Burano boat departs.
Good to Know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please refrain from bringing big back packs or bags, because they are not allowed inside.
- A valid government-issued ID is required for entrance to St. Mark's Basilica. The name on your ticket (entered at check-out) must match the name on your ID, or you may be refused entry.
- Please note that depending on the start time the itinerary order can vary.
- This tour consists of two parts and includes free time for lunch (at your own expense)