Venice's Best: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gondola & History Gallery
Discover the enchanting history and art of Venice in this immersive 3-hour experience!
Join an expert guide as you explore the stunning Doge’s Palace and the magnificent Saint Mark’s Basilica located in the heart of Piazza San Marco. Marvel at the artwork and dive into the rich history of the Venetian Republic. You’ll also stroll across the iconic Bridge of Sighs, a symbol of romance and intrigue!
Next, indulge in a romantic gondola ride through the Grand Canal and its charming waterways. As you glide along, take in Venice's must-see highlights, including the famed Fenice Opera House, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the stunning Santa Maria della Salute Church, among others.
Finally, immerse yourself in a unique virtual reality experience as you float over the serene waters of the Grand Canal at sunset, witnessing centuries of history unfold. You’ll also get an insider’s view of the craftsmanship behind Venice's iconic gondolas with a close-up look at a detailed model.
Options
Classic tour + Gondola ride
French Guided Tour
What's included in Venice's Best: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gondola & History Gallery
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Piazza San MarcoPass-by Only
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the heart of Venice and one of the most iconic squares in the world. Surrounded by historic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile, it’s a stunning open space that reflects the grandeur of the Venetian Republic. A must-see for every visitor to Venice.
Basilica di San Marco
Then, you will enjoy an amazing guided tour to the historical and famous Golden Basilica. You will admire stunning gold mosaics and marble inlays of the floors, sitting comfortably while our guide will show you the represented biblical scenes, the history and the particularities of this ancient basilica.
Doge's Palace
A guided tour in the Doge’s Palace the old seat of the Venetian political power. In his splendid rooms, immersed in hundreds of masterpieces of painting, the Doge and his Council controlled the ancient Republic of Venice. A professional guide will escort you in the halls of power and the bridge of Sighs to reach to the old prisons. You may visit by yourself the other magnificent palaces around St. Mark’s Square under the name of Procuratie with the same ticket!
Inclusions
- Shared 30-minute gondola ride
- Guided tour of the Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica
- Skip-the-line ticket to St. Mark's Basilica
- Access to Museums in Saint Mark's Square (Correr Museum, Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library)
- Skip-the-line ticket to Doge's Palace
- History Gallery: a unique Vr experience of Venice in the past
- 20-minute gondola introductory experience
- Hotel pick-up
- Food and drinks
- Guided tour of Museo Correr, Museo Nazionale Archologico, and Biblioteca Marciana
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
- Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica and Doge Palace
- Each gondola can host maximum 5 people; the seat aboard cannot be chosen but will be assigned by the gondolier depending of guests weight.
- The gondola ride does not operate in case of exceptionally bad weather, high/low tide or local gondoliers strike (in these cases it can be postponed the days after otherwise it will be refunded)
- The itinerary of gondola ride may change in the event of wind or bad weather
- For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
- 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
- The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
- A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs. • A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica. Classic tour + Gondola ride Option (if option is selected) & Premium Tour + Gondola Ride Option (if option is selected): - Basilica and Doge's Palace Guided Tour - Meeting Point: Venice Tours S.r.l., Calle de le Rasse, 4536, 30122 Venezia VE, Italia. Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time. - Gondola Ride - Meeting Point: Venice Tours Assistance Point is in St. Mark's Square, Calle Larga dell' Ascension #1257. The Assistance Point is the big grey newsstand between Fendi Boutique and Poste Italiane (the Post Office) with a "VENICE TOURS – ASSISTANCE POINT" sign. The staff will wait for you there with a “Gondola Tour” signboard. Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time. Tour at 09:00 AM - Gondola at 11.40 AM; Tour at 10:15 AM - Gondola at 2:20 PM; Tour at 11:00 AM - Gondola at 3:10 PM; Tour at 11:15 AM - Gondola at 2:20 PM; Tour at 11:30 AM - Gondola at 3:10 PM; Tour at 02:00 PM (classic tour) - Gondola at 4:40 PM; Tour at 02:00 PM (premium tour) - Gondola at 5:30 PM; Tour at 02:15 PM - Gondola at 4:40 PM.
