Venice’s "St Marks Highlights Lunch & Gondola" tour offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Guests embark on a guided exploration of the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and the grand Doge’s Palace, followed by a traditional Venetian lunch and a serene gondola ride through the city’s picturesque canals. This immersive experience promises to transport visitors to the heart of this romantic Italian destination, leaving them eager to uncover more of Venice’s enchanting sights and sounds.
Key Points

- This 5-hour tour offers a comprehensive experience, including a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, a traditional Venetian lunch, and a 30-minute gondola ride.
- The tour highlights the Byzantine architecture, gold mosaics, and other noteworthy features of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
- The tour includes a 1.5-hour traditional Venetian lunch at a nearby restaurant, providing an authentic culinary experience.
- The gondola ride offers a unique perspective of Venice’s iconic canals and creates a romantic atmosphere.
- The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows for booking flexibility without immediate payment.
Tour Overview

This tour, titled "Venice: St Marks Highlights Lunch & Gondola," offers visitors a comprehensive experience in Venice.
Priced from Kč 5,511 per person, the 5-hour tour is conducted in English.
Travelers can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also allows for booking flexibility – you can reserve your spot and pay nothing today.
Key highlights include guided tours of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, a traditional Venetian lunch, and a 30-minute gondola ride through the city’s iconic canals.
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Itinerary

The tour begins at Calle larga de l’Ascension, where you will embark on a guided exploration of Saint Mark’s Basilica for approximately 1 hour.
After the basilica, the group will visit the Doge’s Palace for a 75-minute guided tour, exploring its Gothic architecture and marble lacework.
Midway through the tour, you will enjoy a 1.5-hour traditional Venetian lunch at a nearby restaurant.
The final activity is a 30-minute gondola ride through the iconic canals, allowing travelers to experience the romantic side of Venice.
The tour concludes back at Calle larga de l’Ascension.
Saint Marks Basilica

Saint Mark’s Basilica stands as an iconic landmark in Venice, captivating visitors with its stunning Byzantine architecture and an abundance of glittering gold mosaics.
Saint Mark’s Basilica, an iconic Venetian landmark, captivates visitors with its stunning Byzantine architecture and glittering gold mosaics.
Visitors can expect to:
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Admire the façade adorned with intricate marble lacework and golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes.
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Marvel at the opulent interior, which features a series of domed ceilings covered in shimmering gold mosaics.
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Discover the Pala d’Oro, an exquisite Byzantine altarpiece adorned with precious gems and enamel.
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Explore the Basilica’s museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of Byzantine art and artifacts.
Doges Palace
Situated adjacent to Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace stands as the political heart of historic Venice. This Gothic-style marvel was the official residence of the Doge, the ruler of the Venetian Republic. Visitors can explore the opulent chambers, adorned with intricate marble lacework and Gothic elements. The palace’s highlights include:
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Armory | Showcases an impressive collection of Renaissance-era weapons and armor. |
| Bridge of Sighs | Connects the palace to the infamous prison, named for the prisoners’ final view of Venice. |
| Casanova Escape | Exploring the attic reveals the famous escape route of the legendary Casanova. |
The Doge’s Palace offers a captivating glimpse into Venice’s rich political history.
More Great Tours NearbyGondola Ride
A quintessential Venetian experience, the gondola ride transports visitors through the city’s iconic canals.
This 30-minute journey offers a unique perspective on the city’s stunning architecture and serene waterways.
Key features of the gondola ride include:
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Traditional wooden boat design, expertly navigated by a skilled gondolier.
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Passing under picturesque bridges and along tranquil side canals, away from the crowds.
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Glimpses of local life, with residents going about their daily routines.
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A romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples or those seeking a leisurely respite from the bustling streets.
Traditional Venetian Lunch
After the gondola ride, travelers can look forward to a traditional Venetian lunch.
The tour includes a 1.5-hour lunch at a local restaurant near St. Mark’s Square. Diners will enjoy a curated selection of authentic Venetian cuisine.
This is a chance to savor the flavors of the region, from fresh seafood to handmade pasta. The menu isn’t included, so guests can order and pay for their own drinks on the spot.
The lunch provides a relaxing break to refuel before the final activity – a visit to the Doge’s Palace.
Important Information
To begin the tour, travelers should meet at the wooden souvenir kiosk next to the post office entrance, which is marked with the TURIVE sign.
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended, as the tour involves walking.
Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts aren’t allowed inside the basilica.
Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 275 lbs (125 kg).
Visitors are advised to bring water and be prepared for the tour’s duration of approximately 5 hours.
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Wear comfortable shoes
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Bring a camera
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Dress appropriately (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts)
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Not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 275 lbs (125 kg)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Tour Group Size?
The tour group size is not specified in the information provided. The tour overview, itinerary, and inclusions do not mention the group size. Without further details, the exact group size cannot be determined.
Can I Take Photos Inside the Basilica and Palace?
Visitors can generally take photos inside both the Basilica and Doge’s Palace, though flash photography may be prohibited in some areas. It’s best to check with the tour guide or on-site staff for any restrictions before taking photos.
Are Children’s Tickets Available?
The tour doesn’t explicitly mention children’s tickets. However, it states the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 275 lbs, so it’s likely children are welcome. It’s best to check with the tour provider for specific details on pricing for kids.
Can I Bring My Own Lunch?
No, bringing your own lunch is not allowed. The tour includes a traditional Venetian lunch at a nearby restaurant as part of the package. Participants must partake in the provided lunch as specified in the tour itinerary.
Is There a Dress Code for the Gondola Ride?
There’s no specific dress code for the gondola ride. However, the tour includes a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, where shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed, so it’s best to dress respectfully.
The Sum Up
This guided tour of Venice’s iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and a gondola ride along the city’s picturesque canals is a perfect way to experience the beauty and history of this romantic destination. Enjoy a traditional Venetian lunch, making for an unforgettable cultural and culinary adventure. At just Kč 5,511 per person, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
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