Venice: Basilica, Doges Palace, Gondola Ride Guided Tour

Exploring the enchanting city of Venice is a must-do for many travelers. The "Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Gondola Ride Guided Tour" offers a comprehensive way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks. With skip-the-line access, visitors can dive into the rich history and stunning architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, followed by a peaceful gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guided tour promises an unforgettable Venetian adventure.

Key Points

• This 3.5-hour guided tour offers comprehensive exploration of Venice’s iconic landmarks, including the Basilica of St. Mark’s and Doge’s Palace.
• The tour provides skip-the-line access to avoid lengthy queues at the attractions and includes a 30-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal.
• The itinerary highlights a guided walk through Piazza San Marco, a 30-minute tour inside St. Mark’s Basilica, and a 75-minute guided tour of Doge’s Palace.
• The tour starts and ends at the Venice Tours office or the Yard of Venice Bookshop Gallery, with access to nearby museums.
• The tour has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback about knowledgeable guides and flexible accommodations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Venice’s iconic landmarks, including the renowned Basilica of St. Mark’s and the grand Doge’s Palace.

A comprehensive exploration of Venice’s iconic landmarks, including the renowned Basilica of St. Mark’s and the grand Doge’s Palace.

Priced at €126 per person, this 3.5-hour guided experience covers the city’s must-see sights in multiple languages. With skip-the-line access, guests can explore the rich history and architecture without lengthy waits.

The tour also includes a 30-minute gondola ride along the picturesque Grand Canal.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and payment can be made later.

This tour offers a seamless and immersive way to discover the enchanting city of Venice.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour starts at two convenient locations in Venice: the Venice Tours office on Calle de le Rasse, 4536, and the Yard of Venice Bookshop Gallery.

The tour begins with a 15-minute guided walk through Piazza San Marco.

Next, visitors explore St. Mark’s Basilica for 30 minutes, followed by a 75-minute guided tour of the Doge’s Palace.

The highlight is a 30-minute shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal.

The tour ends back at the starting locations.

Along the way, guests access the museums in St. Mark’s Square and experience a virtual reality tour of the palace’s history gallery.

Tour Stops

The tour begins with a 15-minute guided walk through Piazza San Marco, showcasing the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica.

Next, visitors enjoy a 30-minute guided tour inside the Basilica to admire its stunning Byzantine architecture and mosaics.

The highlight is a 75-minute guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of Venetian rulers.

Participants then embark on a 30-minute shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal, taking in the city’s picturesque canals and landmarks.

The tour concludes at the starting locations, where guests can further explore the area’s museums and galleries.

Skip-the-Line Access

One of the key features of this guided tour is the skip-the-line access it provides to two of Venice’s most popular attractions – Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

This guided tour offers skip-the-line access to Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, avoiding lengthy queues.

This means you’ll avoid lengthy queues and gain priority entry to these iconic sites.

The tour includes a guided visit through the Basilica, where you’ll marvel at the stunning Byzantine architecture and intricate gold mosaics.

You’ll also explore the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of Venice’s rulers, with a guide to bring the history and grandeur of the palace to life.

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Included Experiences

Along With the skip-the-line access, this guided tour includes several immersive experiences that enhance the overall experience.

Guests will enjoy guided tours of both the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, providing in-depth historical context and insights.

The 30-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal offers a quintessential Venetian experience.

Visitors also gain access to the museums in St. Mark’s Square, including the Correr Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Marciana Library.

Plus, a virtual reality experience at the History Gallery provides a unique perspective on Venice’s rich past.

Customer Feedback

Reviewers have consistently praised the overall quality of this guided tour, awarding it an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 462 reviews.

Highlights of the customer feedback include:

1. Praise for the personable and knowledgeable guide, with one reviewer stating, "Elena was a lovely and personable guide with excellent local knowledge."

2. Appreciation for the tour’s flexibility, as noted by a reviewer who said, "They were really accommodating! We were late on our gondola ride but they squeezed us in."

3. An average rating of 4.5 out of 5 for the quality of the tour guide, and 4 out of 5 for both transportation and value for money.

Restrictions and Policies

This guided tour has some important restrictions and policies that visitors should be aware of. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Pets, smoking, and large bags are not allowed. The gondola ride may be canceled due to poor weather, and refunds will be issued. Access to St. Mark’s Basilica may be restricted during high tides or church services, and alternate tours may be offered. Lastly, luggage and large bags are not permitted inside the Basilica and Doges Palace.

| Restriction/Policy | Details |

|——————-|———|

| Mobility | Not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users |

| Pets & Smoking | Pets and smoking are not allowed |

| Bags & Luggage | Large bags are not permitted inside Basilica and Doges Palace |

| Gondola Ride | May be canceled due to poor weather, with refunds issued |

| Basilica Access | May be restricted during high tides or church services, alternate tours offered |

Getting to the Starting Locations

The guided tour offers two convenient starting locations for visitors – the Venice Tours shop on Calle de le Rasse, 4536, and the Yard of Venice Bookshop Gallery.

Both spots are centrally located, making it easy for participants to find the meeting point.

To get to the starting locations:

1. By foot: The tour meeting points are a short walking distance from St. Mark’s Square.

2. By public transportation: Vaporetto (water bus) stops are nearby, providing easy access from various parts of Venice.

3. By private water taxi: Guests can opt for a direct water transfer to the tour start points.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for Entering the Basilica?

The basilica has a dress code that requires visitors to wear modest, comfortable clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Tank tops, shorts, and revealing attire are not permitted.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed Inside the Basilica and Doges Palace?

Photos and videos are generally allowed inside the Basilica and Doges Palace, but flash photography is prohibited. Visitors should be respectful and mindful of other guests during their visit.

How Much Time Is Needed for the Entire Tour?

The entire guided tour, including visits to St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and a 30-minute gondola ride, lasts approximately 3.5 hours. The itinerary provides ample time to explore each attraction on the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price is a flat rate of €126 per person, regardless of age or student status. Customers won’t find reduced pricing options for this particular guided tour.

Can the Gondola Ride Be Private Instead of Shared?

The gondola ride can be upgraded to a private experience for an additional cost. This provides a more intimate and personalized experience on the canals of Venice.

The Sum Up

The "Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Gondola Ride Guided Tour" offers a comprehensive Venetian experience. With skip-the-line access, visitors can explore iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, followed by a relaxing gondola ride. Rated 4.2 stars on average, this tour provides an enchanting way to take in the beauty and history of Venice.

You can check availability for your dates here: