Venice: St. Marks Basilica, Doges Palace & Gondola Ride

Venice’s iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace hold a captivating history, beckoning visitors to uncover their grandeur. Gliding along the serene Grand Canal on a traditional gondola ride offers a unique perspective of the city’s enchanting waterways. This guided tour promises an immersive experience, providing skip-the-line access and expert commentary to maximize your time in this remarkable Italian destination. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, the rich cultural tapestry of Venice awaits your discovery.

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Key Points

This comprehensive tour offers skip-the-line access to Venice’s iconic landmarks – St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, as well as a 35-minute gondola ride.
The tour lasts 4-6 hours and is priced from €129.00 per person, with flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The guided walking tour explores major sights like the Rialto Bridge and Rialto Fish Market, followed by a break for snacks before visiting the basilica and palace.
Private or small group tours are available for a more personalized experience, with an English-speaking guide provided for all options.
Certain attire restrictions and weather-related cancellations or changes may apply, and the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

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

Priced from €129.00 per person, the tour lasts between 4-6 hours, depending on the selected option. Guests can expect skip-the-line access to both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, as well as a 35-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking available, this tour offers a hassle-free way to experience the best of Venice’s cultural and historical treasures.

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Itinerary Highlights

Guests embark on the tour from either the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto or the Rialto Bridge, commencing with a guided walking tour that spans approximately 2 hours.

The tour commences with a guided walking tour of approximately 2 hours, departing from the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto or the Rialto Bridge.

This immersive experience explores major sights, including the iconic Rialto Bridge and the bustling Rialto Fish Market.

A 35-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal provides a unique perspective of the city’s canals and architecture.

After a 75-minute break for snacks, the tour continues with visits to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, taking advantage of skip-the-line access to ensure a seamless experience.

Tour Inclusions

This tour offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience in Venice, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the iconic St. Marks Basilica, the opulent Doges Palace, and embark on a serene gondola ride along the city’s canals. The tour includes the following key elements:

| Inclusions | Duration |

|————|———-|

| Guided Walking Tour | 2 hours |

| Gondola Ride | 35 minutes |

| Break for Snacks | 75 minutes |

| Visit to St. Marks Basilica | 1 hour |

| Visit to Doges Palace | 100 minutes |

With skip-the-line access to the basilica and palace, this tour maximizes sightseeing time and ensures a seamless experience. Plus, private or small group options are available, catering to different preferences.

Tour Options

Depending on individual preferences and scheduling needs, this tour offers a variety of options to choose from.

Visitors can select the standard 4-6 hour tour, which includes guided walks, a gondola ride, and skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

For a quicker experience, an express option is available, excluding the basilica visit.

Private or small group tours provide a more personalized experience.

Regardless of the chosen option, the tour features an English-speaking guide and pre-reserved tickets, ensuring a seamless and efficient exploration of Venice’s iconic landmarks.

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Important Considerations

While the tour offers convenience and comprehensive sightseeing, there are a few important considerations visitors should keep in mind.

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, as it involves significant walking and stairs. Plus, certain attire is prohibited, such as large bags, backpacks, shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts.

Weather-related cancellations or changes are possible, and no refunds are provided for substitutions. Meeting point locations vary based on the selected option, so it’s crucial to double-check the information.

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Customer Feedback

Based on 54 reviews, customers have overall rated this tour 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Positive comments highlight the knowledgeable tour guides and comprehensive sightseeing experiences. Reviewers appreciated the tour’s ability to provide skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.

However, some feedback indicated difficulties with walking and stairs, suggesting the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments. The tour operator notes this information for future bookings, allowing customers to make informed decisions.

Booking and Cancellation

Customers can reserve this tour conveniently online. They can choose from various options, including private or small group tours, as well as an express tour that excludes St. Mark’s Basilica.

The tour is priced at €129.00 per person and has a duration of 4-6 hours, depending on the selected option. Booking is flexible, allowing customers to reserve now and pay later.

On top of that, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing customers with added peace of mind. The booking process is straightforward, and the flexible policies cater to different preferences and schedules.

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour starts at either the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto or the Rialto Bridge, depending on the specific option booked. The guided walking portion lasts 2 hours, followed by a 35-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Guests then have a 75-minute break for snacks before visiting St. Mark’s Basilica (1 hour) and the Doge’s Palace (100 minutes) with skip-the-line access. The total duration of the tour ranges from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the selected option.

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The Sum Up

This guided tour offers a comprehensive and efficient way to experience the highlights of Venice. Visitors can skip the lines and enjoy the city’s iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, while also enjoying a scenic gondola ride along the Grand Canal. The tour’s flexible duration and expert English-speaking guide ensure an unforgettable and well-rounded Venetian adventure.