Venice In a Day: St Mark's, Doges Palace Gondola Ride & City Tour
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Venice, Italy
- 4 to 6 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Venice is home to hundreds of attractions, making it difficult to cover the highlights in limited time. Ideal for first-time visitors, this full-day tour of Venice checks off top sights. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge and browse the lively Rialto fish market, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal. Finally, visit St. Marks's Basilica and enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge's Palace.
- Soak up local life on a walking tour of Venice’s colorful neighborhoods and the Rialto markets
- Check off all of Venice's top attractions in just one day
- Skip the lines and explore the magnificent Doge’s Palace on a tour
- Learn more about Venice history and culture than you could alone
What's Included
- Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
- Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25€)
- Gondola Ride (Venice Express Half Day Option excluded)
- Guided Walk of the back streets of Venice
- Bridge of Sighs
- Rialto Bridge
- Rialto Fish Market
- New Prisons
- House of Marco Polo ( exterior)
- Local English-speaking guide
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Chiesa di San Giacomo di RialtoC.po San Giacomo, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets outside the entrance of the Church of San Giacometto at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto 255, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.
End point
- St. Mark's SquarePiazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
St. Mark's Square
Itinerary
Meet up with your guide and small group to emark on your adventure. The group size is limited to 20 people, so you don't have to worry about large crowds.
Start by strolling across Rialto Bridge as you take in the sights. Make your way to the bustling Rialto markets and stop at the fish market, learning about the history from your guide.
Next, be swept away on a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal. As you drift leisurely through the water, let Venice's charm and beauty enchant you before arriving at St. Mark's Basilica for a guided tour.
Finally, enjoy skip-the-line access at Doge's Palace before the tour comes to a close.
Start by strolling across Rialto Bridge as you take in the sights. Make your way to the bustling Rialto markets and stop at the fish market, learning about the history from your guide.
Next, be swept away on a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal. As you drift leisurely through the water, let Venice's charm and beauty enchant you before arriving at St. Mark's Basilica for a guided tour.
Finally, enjoy skip-the-line access at Doge's Palace before the tour comes to a close.
1
Ponte di Rialto
1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Rialto Market (Pass By)
Marco Polo's House (Pass By)
2
Canal Grande
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Venice
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Basilica di San Marco
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
5
Palazzo Ducale
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Bridge Of Sighs (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
- In case of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather (heavy rain, strong wind, high tide) conditions that prevent the gondola ride from taking place or any operational or safety reasons beyond our control it may be substituted for another experience, but no refund will be provided.
- Due to the religious nature of sites on this tour, all individuals (regardless of gender) must cover their shoulders and knees. It is acceptable to bring extra coverings to put on just before entering a holy site. Walks cannot be responsible for anyone denied entry.
- All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Venice Express Option: Gondola is not included.
- Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
- 8:30am tour is limited to 20 people and includes a lunch break on your own, while the 8:15am tour does not include a lunch break (shorter duration of 4 hours) and a maximum of 25 people in your group.
- St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
- Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 3 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 4,414 reviews
Kimberly_W, Jul 2026
For the most part the tour was good. It was good locations to visit and we were able to get into everything with minimal wait time. The main issue I have is getting to the tour location. We were told it would be a 20 min walk, it was about 30 minutes and across many bridges and alleys in an attempt to find the location. Not good for elderly people. When we got there, our group was split into two different tour groups. The tour operator didn't care to put us all together and said the groups were already made. How difficult would it have been to put two more people in a group or to switch a couple from a group. The tour guide was good, there were several times she got too far ahead of the back of the group and we couldn't hear a thing through the headsets. But overall she was knowledgeable and friendly. The tour could seriously have been cut down by about an hour or so of "free time" because there was nothing to do. The Gondola ride was shorter than expected and disappointing that our driver was on his phone or shouting to the driver in front of him the whole time and didn't say a word to us.
Ekta_C, Jun 2026
Just a wonderful trip. The guide was amazing, lively and very informative. He was timely and also went out of his way to make everyone feel
Comfortable.
Laura_C, Jun 2026
The whole experience was well run, organized, and a great time. Our guide was able to work well in the awful heat and was very fun and informative. They also did a great job of accommodating a change of time at the Basilica. I would recommend this to anyone who has limited time in Venice.
Dave_Q, Jun 2026
It was great if you’re new to Venice and only have a couple days. Excellent way to learn the history of the City.
Bianca_R, Jun 2026
The tour guide spoke good english and provided interesting information. There were breaks, she looked for places to sit and shade. FYI, most of the tour stops are not air conditioned and we visited when it was 90+ F.
Leanne_M, Jun 2026
Great tour. There was a little trouble finding the meeting place with directions given but otherwise would recommend !
Sheri_K, Jun 2026
Really great tour. Good amount of walking and steps so if mobility issues could be a little difficult. Gondola ride was fantastic. Good amount of free time. Our guide Giovanni was really great
Scott_J, Jun 2026
A very informative walk through Venice that hit every important area we were looking for. Great detail and history. Our guide was very friendly and adapted to the group, while keeping the group on track.
Krista_E, Jun 2026
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the city’s history and culture. As a native to Venice, her love and passion for the city was evident. We toured during the heat wave. It very hot and she made efforts to find shaded places to talk and take water breaks. Touring the most famous places with skip the line access and a guide was convenient and more educational than had we toured on our own. The gondola ride was about 30 minutes and a charming way to view the city.
Lani_T, Jun 2026
G gave a great tour of Venice to our group, showing us historical highlights and interesting facts. Fun and educational.
Richard_S, Jun 2026
Roberta was wonderful. So well informed and genuinely passionate about her city! The tour was the perfect mix of seeing and learning.
STEPHEN_B, Jun 2026
Excellent guide that has a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm about Venice! Her sense of humor and attention to detail was most appreciated.
Barry_N, Jun 2026
There were parts that were interesting and learning of the history behind it; however, in my opinion, our guide way too much time talking about each site or item being looked at. Literally could have probably shortened the amount of time by nearly an 1 hour plus and still learn enough about it. The gondola was a nice ride and we all enjoyed it very much. Very hot inside of the Doge palace so plan accordingly for that.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Barry,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We're glad to hear that you enjoyed your day in Venice overall and that the gondola ride was a particular highlight for you.
We appreciate your comments regarding the pacing of the tour. One of the real benefits of a guided experience is the wealth of knowledge and insight our highly trained guides bring, helping to bring the history, art, and culture of each site to life in a way that can’t always be experienced independently. That said, we do understand that guests have different preferences when it comes to detail and pace, and we appreciate you sharing your perspective.
As you noted, it can also be very hot inside the Doge’s Palace, so we always recommend planning accordingly to stay comfortable during the visit.
Thank you again for your feedback, and we hope you enjoy the rest of your time in beautiful Italy.
With best regards,
Walks & Devour Tours
Mary_G, Jun 2026
Mateo was great. He’s loaded with local history because he grew up here. Made it more personal and informative. Hot in June, bring fans!
Shelley_E, Jun 2026
We saw so much from small neighborhoods to the ancient commercial square. Then a gondola ride and lunch. Finally to the Palace and Basilica. Our guide Nicoletta kept us in the shade during the heat wave in June. She spoke clearly and could expand on any subject.
Kim_K, Jun 2026
The tour is not easy for slow walkers. Our tour guide Alex did a great job catering to a young child but answered all my questions with enthusiasm. Alex was understanding of physical limitations but did not allow a family member to continue the tour due to heat exhaustion and mobility issues. We missed the first 1.5 hrs of the tour plus the gondola ride and the other family member did not do any of the entire 4 hours tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Kim,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We're pleased to hear that Alex made a positive impression and that you found him enthusiastic, accommodating, and engaging throughout the tour.
We're very sorry that one member of your family was unable to complete the experience due to the extreme heat and mobility difficulties. While we understand how disappointing this must have been, the safety and wellbeing of our guests is always our highest priority and our guides may occasionally need to make difficult decisions when they believe it is not safe for someone to continue.
Our tour description does advise that guests should be able to maintain a moderate walking pace, as the itinerary covers several sites within a set timeframe. This helps ensure the group is able to experience everything included in the tour.
Thank you again for your feedback. We hope you were still able to enjoy your time in Venice and we wish you safe and happy travels.
Walks & Devour Tours
Dominique_S, Jun 2026
Without a doubt the best tour we have taken in any country! Elena, our guide, was INCREDIBLE. We are all still talking about the tour over a week later. She was so knowledgeable and relatable to a 13, 17, 19, and two 50 year-olds alike.
Pooja_S, Jun 2026
Fantastic tour from start to finish! Michele was full of stories and details. Even our skeptical preteen had a lovely time! Grazie!
Crystal_R, Jun 2026
Prompt, informative and helpful. Learned lots about the history and culture. Guide did great job. Highly recommend.
Lori_S, Jun 2026
Absolutely great tour. Great thing to do the first part of your visit to get unsure information on places to see, eat, and things to do. Basilica is beautiful and doges palace was amazing. The history is very interesting. Michele was fabulous! Highly recommended.
Marc_H, Jun 2026
Guliano was fantastiic! What a great tour guide and fun guy to be with. We got to see so many great places in Venice and did it quicklly.
Jglassma, Jun 2026
We had a great morning with a private tour with Valentina S. She was very knowledgeable and kind, highly recommend.
Robert_p, Jun 2026
Lots of walking. Great experience. Tour Surpassed our expectations Best guide ever. Well worth the money.
Paula_D, Jun 2026
This is a LONG day. My friends might not give this five stars as the day was hot and they bowed out about an hour before the tour was over. And honestly, it was a long tour.
Positives: Delightful and knowledgeable tour guide, no waiting in line for anything. Group was only 17 people, which is better than some very large groups I have seen walking through the city.
Negatives: Quite long and if you only have a tiny interest in the history of the place then this is not the tour for you.
Joseph_L, Jun 2026
Tour guide was a local with a lot of knowledge and love for the area. Very professional, entertaining and helpful!
Jummy_O, Jun 2026
A great way to explore the city. Our tour guide Marco, was very detailed and had a great sense of humour, which made the tour more interesting. I totally recommend this tour.
Elizabeth_A, Jun 2026
Great experience from start to finish. Very informational and would recommend this to anyone visiting the city.
Sam_G, Jun 2026
Amazing tour guide. He was awesome! Lots of knowledge and depth of stories with a lot of heritage and culture
Joy_B, Jun 2026
Excellent guide. Very knowledgable. Skip on hot days! We were miserable. The gondola ride was nice but short.
Amber_M, Jun 2026
Slyvia was a great tour guide and had so much knowledge and passion for the city of Venice, you could tell how much she loved it and enjoyed sharing all the knowledge with us. She kept a great pace and kept us engaged the entire tour. I would remind others that the Basilica is closed during Sunday for mass, so be aware when booking that day, but we still enjoyed it overall as the city was rather quiet and not as busy on Sunday mornings. So just be cognizant of trade-offs. We still enjoyed the Basilica terrace and were able to snap great views of the city. Overall, we really enjoyed this tour and the breaks scattered within. Sylvia was wonderful!
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