Venice in a Day: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Gondola Ride
About Venice in a Day: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Gondola Ride
This guided tour packs the main sights of Venice into one outing: the Rialto Bridge and fish market, a gondola ride, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. It has 5,215 reviews and a 4.8 rating.
The tour lasts about 4.5 hours, with prices from about $131 per person. It is a good choice for a first visit when time is short.
Itinerary
- Ponte di Rialto (1 hours)
- Sightseeing & Photo Stop
- Casa di Marco Polo
- Canal Grande (30 minutes)
- San Marco (45 minutes)
- Basilica di San Marco (45 minutes)
- Palazzo Ducale (1.5 hours)
- Bridge Of Sighs
What’s included
- Rialto Fish Market
- Gondola Ride
- Local English-speaking guide
- Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25€)
- New Prisons
- Rialto Bridge
- Guided Walk of the back streets of Venice
- Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
- Bridge of Sighs
- House of Marco Polo ( exterior)
Meeting point
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets outside the entrance of the Church of San Giacometto at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto 255, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.
What to expect on the day
You start near the Rialto Bridge and walk through the Rialto fish market, then follow the back streets past the outside of Marco Polo’s house. A gondola ride takes you along the canals. At St. Mark’s Square, you skip the line into St. Mark’s Basilica to see its gold mosaics. The tour ends inside the Doge’s Palace, where you cross the Bridge of Sighs into the New Prisons.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: A local English-speaking guide, a gondola ride, a skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark’s Basilica, a reserved ticket for the Doge’s Palace, and the guided walk past the Rialto Bridge, fish market and Bridge of Sighs.
- Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off, gratuities, food and drinks.
What to bring
- A photo ID, which is required to enter St. Mark’s Basilica.
- Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, or a scarf to put on before entering.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
Tips for a better day
- Meeting point: Arrive 15 minutes early outside the Church of San Giacometto, Campo San Giacomo di Rialto 255. The guide holds a yellow WalksDevour sign.
- Use your real name: Book with the full name on your ID. Name changes are not allowed.
- Weather and closures: In heavy rain, strong wind or high tide, the gondola ride may be replaced with another experience. The basilica can close for religious celebrations, especially around Easter and Christmas.
Who it’s best for
Best for: First-time visitors who want the famous sights, a gondola ride and skip-the-line entry in one booking.
Consider another option if: You care more about food than monuments. The Venice food tasting tour visits local bars and restaurants for cicchetti and wine.
Restrictions
Travelers need a moderate level of fitness. The tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the basilica. No refund is given if a private event restricts access to the basilica or palace, or if the gondola ride is replaced because of weather.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 3 full days before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made within 3 days of the tour are not refunded.
FAQ about Venice in a Day: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Gondola Ride
How long is the Venice in a Day tour?
About 4.5 hours.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from about $131 per person.
Is a gondola ride included?
Yes. In bad weather or high tide, it may be replaced with another experience.
Do I skip the line at St. Mark's Basilica?
Yes. A skip-the-line basilica ticket is included.
Is the Doge's Palace included?
Yes. A reserved Doge's Palace ticket is included, and you cross the Bridge of Sighs.
Where does the tour meet?
Outside the Church of San Giacometto, Campo San Giacomo di Rialto 255.
Do I need ID?
Yes. A photo ID is required to enter St. Mark's Basilica.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Is it wheelchair or stroller accessible?
No. It is not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers or guests with mobility impairments.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 3 full days before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are not refunded.
