Doge's Palace Guided Tour with Gondola Ride in Venice
Explore two iconic Venetian experiences in one seamless tour: a guided visit to the Doge’s Palace and a relaxing gondola ride through the city’s enchanting canals.
With skip-the-line access, you’ll uncover hidden prison cells, grand halls, and masterpieces by Tintoretto and Veronese, all brought to life by a knowledgeable guide. Then, unwind on a traditional gondola ride through quiet waterways and past landmarks like the Rialto Bridge.
This combination of rich history and scenic beauty offers a perfect balance of culture and relaxation. Ideal for first-time visitors who want an authentic and memorable Venice experience.
Options
English Guided Tour
Doge's Palace Tour at 15:45: The Doge's Palace tour takes place at 15:45 after the Gondola Ride tour.
Tour Time and Meeting Point: The guided tour includes a Gondola Ride tour from 15:45 to 17:00, followed by Doge's Palace from 15:00 to 15:30.
Meeting Point Information: Please note that the meeting point remains the same for both tours — Please return to the same location for the Doge's Palace
What's included in Doge's Palace Guided Tour with Gondola Ride in Venice
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Doge's Palace
Join the guided group tour and walk toward the grand entrance of the Doge’s Palace as your guide shares captivating stories of the Venetian dukes, councils, and the Republic's powerful rise and eventual decline as a European trading empire. With skip-the-line access, you’ll enter directly into the palace. Inside, explore grand halls adorned with artistic masterpieces and the famous golden staircase showcasing a blend of Byzantine and Oriental influences. Admire works by masters like Tintoretto and Veronese as your guide brings the palace’s political and artistic legacy to life. Visit the historic armoury with its vast collection of weapons, and then continue into the prison wing. You'll walk through the legendary Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners glimpsed Venice one last time before their fate. The guide ends the tour with powerful stories of Venice’s justice system and ruling bodies.
After your palace visit, enjoy a serene 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s picturesque canals. As you glide through the quiet waterways, take in charming scenes of daily life and centuries-old palaces from a unique perspective. Pass by the Rio dei Barcaroli, home to Mozart's former residence, and continue along the Rio dell’Ovo toward the Grand Canal. On the right, marvel at the magnificent Rialto Bridge, a Renaissance masterpiece, and on the left, spot Ca' Farsetti and Palazzo Grimani, two significant historical buildings. Your journey continues through Rio San Luca, where you’ll pass beneath Ponte del Teatro and Ponte di San Paternian, near the elegant Palazzo Manin, once home to the last Doge of Venice and now the Bank of Italy. The ride concludes at the same point it began, offering a peaceful and memorable way to end your Venice experience.
Inclusions
- 30 minutes shared Gondola Ride
- Official certified guide
- Radio system to hear the guide
- Tickets and Reservations to Doge's Palace
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Entrance tickets to the attractions are not mentioned in the inclusions
- Gondola ride is not guided
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved.
- Due to recent safety concerns, some lines to enter the Doge's Palace may occur even for skip-the-line ticket holders.
- For security reasons sacks, bags or knapsacks are not allowed inside the Palace.
- Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- The tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of religious functions (in these cases it can be rearranged or refunded).
- In the event of adverse weather conditions, the Gondola tour may vary in duration or itinerary.
- Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of two guests to run.
- Please note that if you arrive after the tour start time you will not be able to join and will not be refunded or have your tour rescheduled.
- There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements, in the event of this occurring you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Note that smoking is not allowed on the boat.
- It is not possible to bring bulky baggage of more than 16 liters in size onto the boat.
- Please note that the 15:00 tour includes the guided Gondola Ride tour. The Doge's Palace tour will take place at 15:45 from the same meeting point. Make sure to return to the meeting location on time for the Doge's Palace tour.
- Please note that customers suffering from claustrophobia, vertigo or cardio-respiratory disorders, pregnant women and Children under 6 are not allowed on this tour.
- Unfortunately, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour. All customers must be able to autonomously walk, climb and get off the steps.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Please meet your guide in front of the wooden souvenir kiosk, just behind the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, next to the entrance to the post office.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Meeting point Details • The entrance tickets to the Doge's Palace will be delivered by the guide or our representative at the meeting point prior to the start of the tour. • Gondola Ride Meeting Point - Please meet your guide in front of the wooden souvenir kiosk (Calle larga de l'Ascension, 1257, 30124 Venezia IT), just behind the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, next to the entrance to the post office. • Please note that the 15:00 tour includes the guided Gondola Ride tour. The Doge's Palace tour will take place at 15:45 from the same meeting point. Make sure to return to the meeting location on time for the Doge's Palace tour.
