Best Of Venice: Saint Mark's Basilica, Doges Palace with Guide and Gondola Ride Discount Tickets

Get your discount tickets for the St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace Guided Tour with Gondola Ride, save up to 18% !

Overview

This tour pairs Venice’s two most important landmarks with a 30-minute shared gondola ride. Use timed entry tickets to enter St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace with an expert guide. Learn fascinating details as you explore, from the basilica’s mosaics to the palace’s political history and prison passages. Finally, board a shared gondola, for a classic and memorable Venetian experience.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early. Between the two big columns in St. Mark’s Square (columns of San Marco and San Teodoro) located on the south side of the square, near the canal. Your guide will be holding a "The Tour Guy" sign.

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Basilica di San Marco
Use time entry to tickets to enter St. Mark’s Basilica, go through the required security line, then spend about 20 minutes inside with your expert guide. Admire gold mosaics, domes, and marble floors while your guide explains how Venice’s seafaring empire shaped this sacred landmark.
Duration: 30 mins
2. Palazzo Ducale
Move from St. Mark's across the square to the Doge's Palace. Follow your guide inside with time entry tickets, skipping the general admissions line. As you explore the Doge’s Palace, learn about the wild ways of the Venetian Republic under the rule of elected magistrates. This tour not only showcases the interior of this ornate palace, but also goes in depth about the crime and legal system that was once in place in the city of Venice. Admire classic works of Venetian art and visit Doge’s Palace’s main sights, such as the Grand Staircase and the Bridge of Sighs.
Duration: 90 mins
3. Piazza San Marco
Following your guided tour of the Doges Palace, your guide will introduce you to some other highlights surrounding St. Marks Square like the stunning bell tower (exterior visit) and adorning portico's surrounding the square. Then take a 20-minute break to grab a snack and relax.
Duration: 30 mins
4. Venice
Lastly, join a quintessential Venice activity, a gondola ride! Left in the care of a trusted gondolier, enjoy the beauty of Venice from the water. Glide through the panoramic canals in a shared gondola, each boat accommodating up to 5 participants.
Duration: 30 mins

Inclusion

Timed entry ticket and guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica (valued at €12 per person)

Expert English-speaking guide

Timed entry ticket and guided tour of Doge’s Palace

30-minute gondola ride (max 5 people shared experience)

Exclusion

Food and drinks

Guide tips

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

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

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women to enter St. Mark’s Basilica; entry may be refused otherwise. Please avoid wearing sandals, hats, shorts, skirts, or tops that expose your shoulders.

A valid government-issued ID is required for entrance to St. Mark's Basilica. The name on your ticket (entered at check-out) must match the name on your ID, or you may be refused entry.

Your gondola ride is a shared experience, with each boat accommodating up to five guests. A professional gondolier will operate the boat, but please note that this portion of the tour is not guided. The ride lasts approximately 25 to 30 minutes, including the time needed to board and disembark.

Supplied by The Tour Guy

Reviews

4.6

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 1176 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
935
4 stars
131
3 stars
48
2 stars
20
1 stars
42

Explore other options