Venice Tour: Skip-Line St Mark’s & Gondola Ride
Recommended by 91% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Venice, Italy
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience quintessential Venice on this walking tour (private tour upgrade available), including a memorable gondola ride. See iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and the House of Marco Polo; get a taste of local life at the Rialto Fish Market, and explore historic neighborhoods like Cannaregio. Then, admire the palatial architecture of St. Mark’s Square, pass by the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and soak up the scenery on a romantic gondola cruise.
- Check off many top Venice sights—and hidden gems—in one tour
- Cruise along the Grand Canal on a romantic gondola ride
- Ideal introduction to Venice for first-time visitors or those short on time
- Pick between group and private tour options to fit your preferences
What's Included
- Gondola Ride (if option selected)
- Skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
- Rialto Bridge
- Rialto Fish Market
- Famous local bookstore
- Palazzo Grimani (exterior)
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Guide (during gondola ride)
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 (also known as Campo San Giacometto).
End point
- St. Mark's SquarePiazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
In St. Mark's Square.
Itinerary
1
Mercati di Rialto
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Castello
50 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Museo di Palazzo Grimani (Pass By)
3
Libreria Acqua alta
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Basilica di San Marco
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
5
Bacino Orseolo
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- The Rialto Fish Market is closed on Sundays.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Large bags, trolleys and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
- During times of high tides, flooding, or heavy rain, the gondola ride may be substituted for another experience.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
- 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.
- 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 20 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
Featured review
Eddy_D
Had a great tour also my wife’s birthday today , thx Valentina S , very informative and knowledgable guide , had a few laughs along the way
Gondola ride at the end of the four was brilliant
Would recommend if in Venice
Reviews
4.6
based on 501 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Laura_M, Jun 2026
Excellent and humorous walking tour with historical, architectural, and cultural tidbits cleverly explained by Philippo. Gondola ride provided a new perspective on the city life after learning so much about it.
Theresa_M, Jun 2026
Roberta!!! what an amazing guide! She is very informative and gives the group little tit bits as you walk along the streets A reminder that if you want to go into the St Marx Basilica you will need to cover your shoulders and knees. Not advisable for families with toddlers
Bridgette_V, Jun 2026
If I could provide a ZERO rating for this tour, I would. The option is not available. Avoid this tour at all cost!!
In May, there were many labor strikes. It was all over the news (TV, radio). I received notification only 24-hours in advance that my train would not operate from Rome to Venice. It was impossible for me to go on this trip. When I called Viator (and messaged them), they were incredibly unprofessional and rude. Apparently, labor strikes in Europe are a common event so nobody cared.
Ask yourself this: How can you cancel a tour package 4 days ahead of time for a refund if you only learn your train is canceled the day before you're supposed to visit Venice? That's impossible. There's no logic to this request.
Not only did they refuse to refund me, the merchant was rude, and and then offered to charge me MORE $$$ to change the date of my reservation to another date when I was not in Italy. Imagine that? No thanks.
I paid $128 for nothing and I have never visited Venice in my life.
Now, I have no interest in ever seeing Venice at all.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear Bridgette,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We're very sorry to hear that you were unable to travel to Venice due to the rail strikes and understand how frustrating and disappointing that situation must have been.
Unfortunately, as your tour was due to depart the following day, your booking fell within our cancellation policy and we were unable to offer a refund.
Whilst transport disruptions are outside of anyone's control, our cancellation terms are in place so that we can fairly manage the limited spaces on our tours.
Rather than simply declining your request, we did offer the option to reschedule your booking for a later date, subject to our standard amendment fee. We're sorry that this wasn't a suitable solution given your travel plans.
We sincerely regret that your trip was impacted by circumstances beyond anyone's control and that this experience has left you with such a negative impression. We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and wish you all the best in your future travels.
Walks & Devour Tours.
Lindy_M, Jun 2026
Elena was a wonderful guide! We enjoyed this tour very very much!! She had many interesting stories that tied in with all that she showed us.
Highly Recommended this tour and Elena!!
Amy_E, Jun 2026
This was a wonderful tour and experience! Our guide, Ariana, was fantastic. She explained everything in detail and was great answering all of our questions. Would definitely recommend this tour!
Monika_B, Jun 2026
Philippe was very knowledgeable and was able to break down centuries of history in a humourous digestible way. I was enraptured in his storytelling and enjoyed his style of guiding. It’s also the Bieniale in Venice and he pointed out hidden gems on our tour. Plus the gondola tour at the end was very nice. Highly recommend.
Lonnie_M, May 2026
This was a fun and enjoyable tour. Our guide was attentive and very knowledgeable. The gondola ride at the end was a nice touch and we even had a short break in the middle to use the restroom and grab a water and gelato!
Christian_R, May 2026
This was great! Very informative and fun. History and a perfect gondola ride. All you need to experience Venice
Richie_R, Apr 2026
Our tour was a great welcome to Venice by Elenora. She was informative with the history of the city and the walk was pleasant.
Peter_M, Apr 2026
Great experience! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and extremely friendly! We toured the city at a relaxed pace and had time to relax at a small shop for a drink. The gondola driver was friendly and answered any questions we had during our ride. The tour guide even assisted us with a water taxi to help get us to our train on time! Highly recommend.
Silvia_C, Apr 2026
This is the best tour for everyone who come to Venecia because include the REAL GONDOLA, believe me the price por single ride is very expensive (around $110-150) but this TOUR offer amazing tour the guide explain details and very sweet, he show me how I can te water taxi for back to the station trains and he has the most beautiful spots and views, really you need this tour. Highly recomend
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Silvia,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the Welcome to Venice tour and that you loved the gondola experience — it really is a special way to see the city.
It’s wonderful that your guide shared local tips, showed you the best views, and made the tour so enjoyable. We’re delighted that you found the experience valuable and memorable.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to Venice on another Walks & Devour adventure!
All the best,
Samantha. Walks & Devour Feedback Team
Gregory_P, Apr 2026
The guide was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. This tour was the perfect entry into Venice.
Christopher_L, Apr 2026
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. She made an effort to take us off the main streets and avoid the crowds. The gondola ride at the end was very nice.
Brian_S, Mar 2026
Roberta was fabulous. Very nice ,sweet, knowledgeable and accommodating . We loved her. No one else booked so it was a private tour.
Paul_A, Dec 2025
Overall, this tour was a good way to start our time in Venice, especially if it’s your first visit. Alessandro was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and funny, which made the walking tour both informative and enjoyable. He did a great job explaining the city’s history while keeping things light and engaging.
The gondola ride at the end was definitely the highlight and a perfect way to wrap up the experience. Access to St. Mark’s Basilica was included in the tour fee, but we never actually went inside, and it wasn’t clear whether we were supposed to do that on our own or if it was skipped altogether—so if you book this tour, be sure to ask about that ahead of time. Aside from that, it’s a solid tour that helps you get oriented and comfortable in Venice.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your detailed feedback! We’re delighted to hear that Alessandro’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and humor made your walking tour both informative and enjoyable, and that the gondola ride was a highlight of your experience. We also appreciate your note about St. Mark’s Basilica and will take this on board to ensure clearer communication for future guests. It’s wonderful that the tour helped you feel oriented and comfortable in Venice!
Kind Regards,
Walks and devour feedback Team -
Gillian_S, Oct 2025
With only a short time to spend in Venice this tour was a great way to make sure we made the most of our time. Well organised and very interesting, our tour guide was very knowledgeable, loved the gondola ride at the end too.
Mechelle_M, Oct 2025
Very informative and Filp (Philip) was great and very knowledgeable. The gondola was nice.
The prefect amount of thine.
Robert_F, Oct 2025
This tour exceeded our expectations! Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, polite, and professional. We would gladly tour with her again.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear the tour exceeded your expectations and that your guide made such a positive impression. We’d be delighted to welcome you on another tour with her anytime!
Kind Regards
Walks and Devour Feedback Team
Erayna_G, Oct 2025
This walking tour was a wonderful way to get an overview of Venice’s key historical spots. Our guide did a great job describing the different points of interest and providing background information on each site we visited. The gondola ride was the highlight of the tour for me — it’s such a classic Venetian experience and a beautiful way to see the city from the water.
If you’re looking for a tour that gives you a solid introduction to Venice and a chance to experience a gondola ride without planning it separately, this is a great choice.
James_W, Oct 2025
Roberta was an excellent tour guide! She is a great storyteller and is passionate about Venice. She gave great insights and made the three hours most enjoyable!
Michelle_B, Oct 2025
Fast pace but lots of information shared about this beautiful city. Alex was a wonderful guide. Loved the gondola ride through the canals. Excellent tour!!
Nicole_B, Sep 2025
Sara M was amazing!!! Best tour guide we have had using Viator for day trips in Italy while we are visiting all of the different cities. Great tour, highly recommended. Only suggestion is skip the Gondola included ride and book separately. It was like an assembly like ride and not as enjoyable
Julia_B, Sep 2025
We learned alot and got to places I know we wouldn't have found on our own. Or knew anything about. Guide was very good and informative.
mason_b, Sep 2025
Bring your walking shoes and enjoy a leisurely stroll through picturesque Venice! We had walked a few of the same paths the day prior, however, our local tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the subject and pointed out so much that we had missed on our own. Great enhancement to our trip. Be sure to buy your tickets for St. Marks in advance if they’re not included in your tour!
Eddy_D, Aug 2025
Had a great tour also my wife’s birthday today , thx Valentina S , very informative and knowledgable guide , had a few laughs along the way
Gondola ride at the end of the four was brilliant
Would recommend if in Venice
Flora_B, Jul 2025
Guide Elena very knowledgeable and nice. My kids even found it interesting. The gondola ride at the end was about 25 mins
Colleen_C, Jul 2025
This was a great tour... The guide was very knowldegeable and engaging. We actually booked 2 tours so a total of 17 people ages 9 months to 70. The guide did go at our pace, was able to stay in shade and kept us all together. We had a great time and learned a lot! The Gondola ride was great as well - it is part of the tour so you just go on at the end... no waiting.
Some things to know
- it is a lot of walking with lots of steps - strollers not possible so if going with small kids you will need to carry or they need to walk
- There was a break for bathrooms/food etd
- You don't actually go into the church on the tour - we had gotten notice that you needed to wear long pants, cover shoulders etc but that was not needed for the tour - only if you want to go back later.
Kevin_N, Jun 2025
Our guide was fantastic! A true Venetian and wealth of information. Explained everything and answered our questions. A great experience!
Jemma_B, Jun 2025
Good tour you got to see all the main tourist places in Venice with a guide and radio so it was easy to just relax and take it all in. Finished off with a gondola ride which was a nice end to a good tour.
Kevin_C, Jun 2025
Antonia was a fantastic guide. She's patient in answering questions and provides a interesting overview of the city and sites. Highly recommend.!
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Venice Tour: Skip-Line St Mark’s & Gondola Ride
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