Venice's Best: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gondola & History Gallery

Embark on a 3-hour guided tour of Venice’s Golden Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and a romantic gondola ride. Explore historical landmarks, admire stunning artworks, and discover the city’s rich history.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Basilica di San Marco - Embark on an incredible guided tour of the historic and renowned Golden Basilica. Marvel at the breathtaking gold mosaics and intricate marble inlays of the floors, all while comfortably seated as our guide reveals the biblical scenes, history, and unique features of this ancient basilica.
  • Doge’s Palace - Take a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, the former hub of Venetian political power. In its magnificent rooms, adorned with countless masterpieces of painting, the Doge and his Council once governed the ancient Republic of Venice. A professional guide will lead you through the halls of power and across the Bridge of Sighs to the old prisons.

With the same ticket, you can also explore the other splendid palaces around St. Mark’s Square, known as the Procuratie, on your own!

  • Canal Grande - Delight in a charming gondola ride through the most romantic waterways, gliding under small bridges and along a portion of the Grand Canal! During this delightful gondola ride, you’ll see the Mozart House, the famous La Fenice Theatre, Rio (Canal) “De le Ostreghe,” and part of the spectacular Grand Canal, where you’ll spot the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Ca’ Dario Palace, the Santa Maria de la Salute Church, and other magnificent palaces.

This is the only gondola tour with commentary: a mobile guide that will explain the magnificent palaces and attractions around you! The Venice Goes App, an innovative mobile app included in the price, can be easily downloaded to your mobile device. Click here to learn how to get it.

  • Campo Rusolo o San Gallo - The Yard Gallery Visit
    Discover the Gondola’s Mystique: “Explore an authentic sectioned gondola to uncover its hidden secrets. Learn about the historical and cultural significance of this quintessential Venetian symbol.”

Time-Travel on the Grand Canal: “Embark on a VR journey aboard a gondola through the centuries. Experience the vibrant Carnival festivities of the 1700s, just as Casanova did, and glide beneath the historic wooden drawbridge of the Rialto Bridge.”

Cultural Immersion and Souvenir: “Immerse yourself in Venetian culture at our unique bookshop, filled with stories and artifacts. As a cherished memento of your visit, take home a wooden 3D puzzle of a gondola, keeping a piece of Venetian charm with you.”

What's Included
  • Shared 30-minute gondola ride
  • Guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica
  • Skip-the-line ticket to St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Access to Museums in Saint Mark’s Square (Correr Museum, Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library)
  • Skip-the-line ticket to Doge’s Palace
  • The Gondola Yard Gallery
  • 20-minute gondola introductory experience
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pick-up
  • Food and drinks
  • Guided tour of Museo Correr, Museo Nazionale Archologico, and Biblioteca Marciana
Additional Information

A wonderful 3-hour experience to discover the historical and artistic heart of Venice!

The expert guide will escort you in the fascinating Doge’s Palace and the Saint Mark’s Basilica in Piazza San Marco. Admire their stunning artworks and learn the endless history of the Venice Republic. You’ll also cross the famous Bridge of Sighs!

Then you will enjoy a romantic gondola ride through the Grand Canal and its picturesque waterways: during the ride, you’ll admire the main Venice highlights such as Fenice Opera House, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Santa Maria della Salute Church, and many others.

Lastly, experience a ride in a unique virtual reality as you glide over the Grand Canal’s tranquil waters at sunset over the centuries, and then discover the craftsmanship and secrets behind Venice’s iconic boat with an up-close look at a sectioned model.

  • Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
  • Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica and Doge Palace
  • Each gondola can host maximum 5 people; the seat aboard cannot be chosen but will be assigned by the gondolier depending of guests weight.
  • The gondola ride does not operate in case of exceptionally bad weather, high/low tide or local gondoliers strike (in these cases it can be postponed the days after otherwise it will be refunded)
  • The itinerary of gondola ride may change in the event of wind or bad weather
  • For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
  • On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Location
Venice Tours
Calle San Gallo
Having the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches. Find Olivetti Museum, turn right passing under the archways, cross the little bridge and go straight on to “Campo San Gallo”, Venice Tours Office is located in the campo (small square).
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(695 Ratings)
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Scenic51039864310
Aug 4, 2024
Gondola Ride - Atena was a really good tour guide and the Gondola trip was a good experience. Highly recommended doing a Gondola experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Excursion20260304030
Aug 4, 2024
Highly recommend - Was really relaxing and educational thank you elisa! Walked through the streets and was given information on them and the gondolas after the gondola ride was finished we went and did a VR experience of Venice in the past which was cool!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katkatquinto
Aug 4, 2024
Perfecto - Perfect experience when in Venice. Nice weather. Our guide Gaia was amazing, organised and very friendly. Must book when in Venice
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Culture34181267013
Aug 4, 2024
Gondola ride - Good trip! Cheaper than normal price U will have to share a boat with 3 other people if that is no issue for you So we paid 38 euro times 2 for 2 people
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maritza_s
Aug 4, 2024
Incredible experience - Our tour guide Lucia was so helpful, kind, patient and knowledgeable. We all learned so much from this tour and every question that was asked, she knew the answer to. We'll never forget this experience. Even though our little girl was acting out, she was still so kind and tried to include her. We loved it!
Review provided by Viator
Svetlana01010
Aug 3, 2024
Gondola ride - Emma was Wonderful 😊 WE had a great time . We came here for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. Venice is a wonderful city. Highly recommend to try a gondola ride!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
872renatah
Aug 3, 2024
Perfect fast experience! - My friend and I were only on the city for one day so this was the perfect experience. Price is extremely good and for booking on the same day it was perfect. Tour guide was extremely nice. Definitely worth the money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer
Aug 3, 2024
Great option! - Great way to see Venice. Nicole was helpful as a guide and the gondola ride was about 30 minutes. Very nice! My family of five got our own gondola.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jonathancw1923rb
Aug 2, 2024
Francesco is the best! - Francesco was a great tour guide and so knowledgeable about Venice. He was very friendly and made the quick walk and gondola ride special. Thanks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leandrogi6774ko
Aug 2, 2024
Great experience - Good experience with a experienced gondola rider across Venice channels. Gaia was a great and attention guider. Good idea for a sunny day on Venice
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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