Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Doge's Palace and Gondola Ride Tour
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.
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Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Doge's Palace and Gondola Ride Tour
Pickup included
What's included in Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Doge's Palace and Gondola Ride Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
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.
Inclusions
- Meet & Greet your Tour Guide at your Accommodation (valid only for hotels in San Polo & San Marco)
- Access to the Loggia dei Cavalli and Pala d'Oro
- St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Official Private Tour Guide
- 30-minutes Gondola Ride
- Boat/Car Transfers from/to Hotel
- Tour guide on Gondola
- 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.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Additional Information
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).
