Private Venice Tour with Gondola Ride, St. Mark's Basilica and Doge’s Palace

Meet your guide at a central location and set off to discover the magic of Venice with a native. Learn about how Venetians live in this island city of canals: their unique lifestyle, the most authentic places, the typical food and wines that are celebrated here. Visit the local market and economic center of Venice dating back to medieval times when merchants traveled to the Rialto area from all over the world to exchange spices, fabrics, salt and gold. View the iconic Rialto Bridge, the very first bridge built over the Grand Canal (and not without criticism)! 

Cameras ready - The Grand Canal is one of the most photographed places in all of Italy. Gorgeous Venetian palazzi decorate the canal that divides Venice into two halves. Make your way towards Piazza San Marco, the stunning square that is home to both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s palace. Here your Gondolier will be waiting for you. Sail through the Venetian canals with the Gondola, the most authentic example of traditional Italian craftsmanship and the most characteristic boat in the world, observe the beauty of Venice from the water and witness how Gondoliers communicate with each other using their local dialect. 

After a break for lunch, regroup with your guide for a tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the symbols of Venice. Hear the life story of St. Mark the evangelist, whose sacred remains are protected inside the church. You’ll also learn about another symbol of Venice: The winged lion who represents St. Mark who according to legend was visited in a dream by an angel in the form of a winged lion while he sought refuge from a storm in Venice. Suddenly you will understand why there are so many lion sculptures around Venice. Continue your guided visit admiring the interior and the golden domes while hearing fascinating anecdotes about the Byzantine style basilica. 

Your guide will lead the way to the cathedral museum and panoramic terrace where you can  admire the stunning view on Saint Mark's square and view the city from a completely different point of view as your guide shares the fascinating story of the horse statues on the top of the cathedral. 

Our next stop will be the Doge’s Palace. As supreme authority of the Venetian Republic, the Doge resided and ruled from this ornate palazzo built in 1340 AD. With an expert guide by your side, you will learn the history of this fascinating palazzo, walk along its winding hallways, take in the magnificent courtyards and enjoy the heart stopping view over the Venetian Lagoon. You’ll also hear of the dark heart of Venice as you visit the underground prisons and hear the tales of their unfortunate occupants. Walk a mile in their shoes and cross the famous “Bridge of Sighs” where many prisoners caught their last glimpse of the outside world before meeting their tragic fate. 

The final leg of this full day tour takes us to the Doge’s Palace. As supreme authority of the Venetian Republic, the Doge resided and ruled from this ornate palazzo built in 1340 AD. With an expert guide by your side, you will learn the history of this fascinating palazzo, walk along its winding hallways, take in the magnificent courtyards and enjoy the heart stopping view over the Venetian Lagoon. You’ll also hear of the dark heart of Venice as you visit the underground prisons and hear the tales of their unfortunate occupants. Walk a mile in their shoes and cross the famous “Bridge of Sighs” where many prisoners caught their last glimpse of the outside world before meeting their tragic fate.