CultureHistoricalHiking

Best of Venice Private Tour: St. Mark's Doge Palace Gondola Ride

4.9(129 reviews)Venice, Italy
4h30DurationPortuguese, English, Italian, French, SpanishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupEasyLevel

About this experience

This private tour of Venice includes a visit to key landmarks with a personal guide. Start at Saint Mark's Square, where you can view Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Enjoy skip-the-line access to both sites, allowing you to appreciate the interior of the basilica and its golden mosaics, followed by a tour of the Doge's Palace, where you will see historical courtrooms and prisons, including the Bridge of Sighs. After the palace, your guide will suggest lunch spots before you continue the tour. You will walk to the Rialto Bridge and see Marco Polo's house, concluding the experience with a private gondola ride. This tour is suitable for those looking for a comprehensive exploration of Venice and is ideal for small groups. It is not recommended for large parties or those with mobility issues, as the tour involves walking and may not be fully accessible.

Itinerary

1

Piazza San Marco

Your experience of Venice begins in the iconic St Mark's square where you will also meet your guide.

2

Basilica di San Marco

Next, skip the long lines and enter this beautiful and ornate basilica as your guide provides you with anecdotes of its history. An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.

3

Palazzo Ducale

Next make your way to the Doge's Palace again with VIP entry, the political center of Venice. Your expert guide will share the secrets of the private hidden apartments, and you will see impressive halls such as the Hall of Great Council. The tour takes a more sinister turn as you visit the prison, as well as an extensive private weapons collection. Upon exiting, you will stop at the notorious Bridge of Sighs. After this visit, your guide will provide you with some great recommendations to stop to eat and have refreshments before continuing on your tour. The rest of the day will be spent on foot exploring the narrow winding streets to unexpected squares and bridges. Visit the Rialto bridge and see Marco Polo's house before stopping in Campo Santa Maria Formosa for your private gondola ride.

4

Campo Santa Maria Formosa

Your guide will escort you to your very own private gondola ride - the best way to complete a day in Venice! They will ensure you will have everything you need before embarking on a relaxing journey through the canals on your gondola.

What's included / not included

Skip the line tickets to St Mark's Basilica and Doge's PalaceDoges PrisonHall of the Great CouncilPrivate Expert Local GuideMarco Polo’s houseCampo Santa Maria FormosaBridge of Sighs30 minute private gondola rideRialto bridge
Food and drinksGratuities (optional)

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Good to know

  • 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
  • Offered in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Please specify under “Additional notes” if you wish to book the tour in a language other than English.
  • Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
  • There is no photography allowed in St Marks basilica.
  • The itinerary described above is a suggested order of the various experiences. These may vary according to your personal requests or preferred starting time.
  • An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
  • Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
  • The ticket includes a cost to enter St. Mark’s Basilica valued at 30 EUR per person.

Traveller reviews

4.9129 reviews

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