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Venice in A Day: St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride
About This Tour
If you want to make sure you cover the highlights of Venice, this full day tour is your best choice. If you’re only spending a few days in Venice, covering the best attractions in a single day is a smart idea. That way, you can spend the remainder of your time in Venice sipping Prosecco by the canals. This tour includes stops at St Mark’s Basilica and Square, the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace (including Casanova’s prison cell), a 30 minute gondola ride and plenty of hidden gems along the way. A lunch break is scheduled into the tour - we would never let you go hungry in Italy!
What's Included
✓ Included
- 30-Minute Shared Venetian Gondola Ride
- Venice Walking Tour
- Timed Entry & Guided Tour of the Doge's Palace
- Timed-entry ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (€12)
- Professional Art Historian Guide
- Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica
✗ Not Included
- Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
- Food & Beverages
- Gratuities
Itinerary
1
Your tour begins in St. Mark’s Square, Venice’s central public plaza. Meet your guide and learn about the history of this iconic piazza, home to St. Mark’s Basilica.
2
Known as “The Church of Gold”, St. Mark’s Basilica’s elaborate design features gold mosaics and marble slabs. Skip the long ticket line and learn about the basilica’s storied history during a guided tour of the stunning Basilica.
3
After your visit to the basilica your journey continues into the hidden back alleyways of Venice, guided by a knowledgeable local. Learn about the history and legends surrounding the iconic Rialto Bridge, a magnificent architectural gem that spans the Grand Canal.
4
Swap cobblestones for water as you board a shared gondola with others from your group (max 5 guests). Drift through canals for 30 minutes and see the postcard views you came to Venice for.
5
Enjoy 1.5 hours to choose your own lunch nearby. Grab a quick panini or settle into cicchetti, and ask your guide for a few reliable spots that fit your pace.
6
Next, explore the fascinating Doge's Palace, or "Duke's Palace." This Palace used to be the home of Venice's public administration. At the same time, it operated as a prison, where some of Venice's criminals saw their last days.
Explore the fascinating artwork of the Doge's Palace, and get a glimpse of the famous Bridge of Sighs, the bridge that connects Doge's Palace to its prison.
Even though your tour will conclude after visiting the Doges Palace, your guide will be happy to advise on how to get back to your accommodation, or perhaps advice where to enjoy some local food & a spritz!
Explore the fascinating artwork of the Doge's Palace, and get a glimpse of the famous Bridge of Sighs, the bridge that connects Doge's Palace to its prison.
Even though your tour will conclude after visiting the Doges Palace, your guide will be happy to advise on how to get back to your accommodation, or perhaps advice where to enjoy some local food & a spritz!
Good to Know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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.
- 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.
- The order of stops may change due to timed entry schedules, crowds, or operational reasons, but you will still visit the same key sights listed.
- We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.