Venice: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gondola Ride Guided Tour

Summary Description

Discover the wonders of Venice with an expert tour guide. Visit Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica, enjoy a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal, its minor waterways & visit the Gondola Gallery.

Highlights
  • Discover with your guide the magnificent halls of power at the Doge's Palace
  • Ride a gondola down the romantic waterways and on the Grand Canal
  • Admire with your guide the golden mosaics of Saint Mark's Basilica
  • Conclude your journey with an exciting virtual reality experience
  • Travel back in time with a unique VR journey through historic St. Mark’s Square
Description

Make the most of your time in Venice with this combination tour that offers a guided tour of Doge's Palace, Saint Mark's Basilica with skip-the-line entry tickets, as well as a 30-minute gondola ride along the charming waterways of the city.

Enjoy a guided tour of Doge’s Palace to discover its splendid rooms and countless masterpieces. Explore the halls of power where the Doge ruled the ancient Republic of Venice.

Next head to Saint Mark’s Basilica, also known as the Golden Basilica because of its magnificent mosaics adorned with pure gold. Learn the history and meaning of the many artworks decorating the church.

Later, take a romantic gondola ride along the charming waterways of Venice. Paddle along to the impressive Grand Canal. See the house of Mozart, La Fenice Theatre, Rio de le Ostreghe, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Palace, a breathtaking overview of Saint Mark’s basin, and more.

The History Gallery is a window through the past, where historical photographs reveal how Venice’s legendary landmarks have evolved over the centuries, offering a powerful visual journey through time. Continue your experience with a thrilling VR adventure that brings history to life: watch Piazza San Marco transform through the ages, see the Basilica as the Doge’s private chapel, explore the Doge’s Palace as a medieval fortress, and discover how the iconic Rialto Bridge was once a wooden drawbridge.

Included / Excluded
  • Skip-the-line ticket to St. Mark's Basilica
  • Skip-the-line ticket to Doge's Palace
  • Access to Museums in Saint Mark's Square (Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library)
  • Guided tour of the Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica
  • 20-minute gondola introductory experience
  • Shared 30-minute gondola ride
  • Gondola Gallery: how gondolas are made, with tools and a cross-section
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Access to St. Mark's Basilica Pala d'Oro, Terrace, and Museum
  • Guided tour of Museo Correr, Museo Nazionale Archologico, and Biblioteca Marciana
  • Food and drinks
Important Information
Know Before You Book
  • • The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
  • • A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
  • • In the case of exceptionally poor weather and high or low tides, the gondola ride will be canceled. The gondola fee will be refunded
  • • In the case of unplanned church services, or during days of exceptionally high tide, access to Saint Mark's Basilica may not be possible. In this case, you may be offered an alternate tour, or choose to take the tour another day
  • • Due to security reasons, luggage and big bags are not allowed inside the Basilica and Doge's Palace
Know Before You Go
  • • The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
  • • A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
  • • You must wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to visit sacred or holy places
  • • Check-in takes place 5 minutes prior to the booked tour start time
Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

About operator:

Venice Tours is a local Venetian company specializing in authentic, high-quality travel experiences in Venice. With over 100 curated tours and more than 500,000 customers annually, we’re a trusted name for anyone looking to discover Venice from the inside.

From historic walking tours to magical gondola rides, Venice Tours offers a diverse portfolio of experiences, available on major platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, TripAdvisor, Tiqets, and directly on our official website.

Why Choose Us
Local Expertise: Born and based in Venice, we guide visitors through its romantic alleys, majestic palaces, and lively squares with true insider knowledge.
Ongoing Experience: Thanks to our exclusive mobile apps, the experience continues even after the tour ends—offering hidden tips, exclusive deals, and local insights.
Strategic Presence: Our offices are open 365 days a year and located in Piazza San Marco, Rialto and Piazzale Roma, with multilingual staff always ready to assist.
Tech-Driven: We leverage cutting-edge technology for seamless operations and an enhanced customer journey.


Basic Information
  • Duration:
  • Trip difficulty: Easy
  • Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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