Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Doge's Palace and Gondola Ride Tour

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4 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

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Overview

Discover Venice’s most iconic landmarks and enjoy a quintessential gondola ride on this exclusive private tour. With your expert guide, explore St. Mark’s Basilica, admiring its dazzling golden mosaics, the Pala d’Oro, and the panoramic views from the Loggia dei Cavalli.

Step into the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace, once the heart of Venetian political power, and uncover the secrets of the Doges, the magnificent Great Council Hall, and the stories behind the Bridge of Sighs.

End your experience with a relaxing 30-minute gondola ride, drifting through the hidden canals of Venice, surrounded by historic palaces and breathtaking scenery. A perfect combination of history, art, and romance, designed for an unforgettable Venetian adventure.

What's Included

Access to the Loggia dei Cavalli and Pala d'Oro
St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets
30-minutes Gondola Ride
Official Private Tour Guide
Meet & Greet your Tour Guide at your Accommodation (valid only for hotels in San Polo & San Marco)

Boat/Car Transfers from/to Hotel
Tour guide on Gondola

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

Meet and Greet your tour guide at your hotel/accommodation. You will reach Doge's Palace or St. Mark's Basilica by foot (transfers by boat are not included).

What To Expect

St. Mark's Square

Your journey begins in the iconic Piazza San Marco, the political and religious heart of Venice. Your private guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of this magnificent square, often called the "finest drawing room in Europe." Admire the elegant Procuratie, the Clock Tower, and the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica—one of the greatest examples of Byzantine architecture.

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St Mark's Campanile (Pass By)

Gaze up at the towering St. Mark’s Campanile, the city’s tallest structure, originally built as a lighthouse for sailors navigating the Venetian Lagoon. While you won’t enter, your guide will share its history, from its collapse in 1902 to its reconstruction, preserving its iconic presence over Venice.

St. Mark's Basilica

Step inside the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica, where dazzling gold mosaics cover the ceilings and domes, reflecting centuries of Venetian wealth and influence. Your guide will unveil the basilica’s fascinating history, from its origins as a Doge’s private chapel to its transformation into a symbol of Venetian maritime dominance.Then, ascend to the Loggia dei Cavalli, a stunning terrace offering unmatched views of Piazza San Marco. Here, you’ll also admire the famous Horses of St. Mark, the bronze sculptures taken from Constantinople that have become symbols of Venetian power.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

The Horses of Saint Mark

From within the basilica, ascend to the Loggia dei Cavalli, an exclusive open-air terrace offering breathtaking views over Piazza San Marco. Here, you will also have the opportunity to admire the Horses of St. Mark, ancient bronze sculptures looted from Constantinople and placed above the basilica’s entrance as symbols of Venetian dominance. From this vantage point, enjoy a unique perspective of the basilica’s ornate façade and the lively square below.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Pala D'Oro

Inside the basilica, marvel at the Pala d’Oro, a spectacular golden altarpiece adorned with precious gems, intricate enamels, and centuries-old craftsmanship. Commissioned by Venetian Doges, this masterpiece stands as one of the most stunning treasures in religious art.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Doge's Palace

Next, visit the magnificent Doge’s Palace, once the residence of Venice’s rulers and the center of the Republic’s political power. Wander through its opulent halls, including the Hall of the Great Council, adorned with monumental paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese. Learn about the Venetian Republic’s unique system of government, its powerful Doges, and the elaborate judicial system that shaped the city for centuries.

50 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Bridge of Sighs

Your tour concludes at the Bridge of Sighs, the legendary passage connecting the palace to the New Prisons. Hear the fascinating stories of prisoners who crossed this bridge, taking their last glimpse of freedom before serving their sentences.From here, you’ll step onto a traditional gondola for a 30-minute ride through Venice’s enchanting canals. Glide past historic palaces, hidden waterways, and charming bridges, experiencing the city as Venetians have for centuries. Your guide will not join you on the gondola, allowing you to soak in the tranquility of this classic Venetian experience at your own pace.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress code required: Knees and Shoulders must be covered to access holy sites.
Big bags, trolleys, luggages are not allowed into the visited attractions
The tour guide will not join the Gondola ride

Meet & Greet your tour guide at your accommodation is included only for those who are staying within the San Polo or San Marco areas
Food and drinks are not allowed inside Doge's Palace
In case of adverse weather or tidal conditions, the duration and itinerary is subject to change
Please wear confortable shoes on the day of the tour.
To ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests, every reservation that includes minors (under 18) must be accompanied by at least one adult. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings made exclusively by unaccompanied minors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Will I get seasick on Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Doge’s Palace and Gondola Ride Tour?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023