Venice Skip‑the‑Line Doge's, St Mark’s & Shared Gondola Ride
Explore Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica—skip the lines with a licensed guide, then glide through Venice on a 30‑min shared gondola—an iconic, all‑in‑one Venetian experience.
Options
English Guided Tour
Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride: The tour includes Doge’s Palace from 15:45 to 17:00, and gondola from 17:15 to 17:45.
Tour Time and Meeting Point: The guided tour includes St. Mark’s Basilica, followed by the Doge’s Palace, and concludes with a gondola ride.
Meeting Point Information: Please note: All tours begin at the same meeting point. Customers must return to this location for each part of the tour.
What's included in Venice Skip‑the‑Line Doge's, St Mark’s & Shared Gondola Ride
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Step into the heart of Venice and uncover the secrets of its golden past with this immersive tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and a relaxing shared gondola ride. Designed for those who want to experience the best of Venice in one unforgettable journey, this 3-hour tour combines fast-track access, expert storytelling, and a truly iconic Venetian experience. Your tour begins in the bustling square of St. Mark’s, where you’ll meet your professional guide near the Basilica. With skip-the-line tickets in hand, you’ll avoid the long queues and step directly into St. Mark’s Basilica—known as the "Church of Gold." Inside, your guide will bring the rich history of this sacred place to life as you admire the breathtaking Byzantine mosaics that shimmer across its vast domed ceilings. You'll also explore the upper level of the basilica, including the museum and terrace, where you can take in a stunning panoramic view of St. Mark’s Square and the Venetian lagoon.
Doge's Palace
Next, continue on to the Doge’s Palace, the symbol of Venice’s political and judicial power for centuries. With skip-the-line access, you’ll walk straight into the grand halls once ruled by the Doge and the Council of Ten. Marvel at the opulent Golden Staircase, richly decorated ceilings, and massive canvases by the likes of Tintoretto and Veronese. Your guide will share stories of intrigue, justice, and politics that once defined the Venetian Republic. The experience deepens as you cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs to explore the palace’s eerie prisons, where many met their fate.
After stepping out of the palace, it’s time to unwind and see Venice from its most magical perspective: the water. Board a traditional gondola for a 30-minute shared ride through the city’s historic canals. Glide beneath charming bridges, past grand palaces, and along quiet waterways, including parts of the Grand Canal and hidden corners only accessible by boat. It’s the perfect way to end your Venetian experience—peaceful, scenic, and unforgettable. This tour is ideal for those who want to combine Venice’s must-see landmarks with the comfort and ease of skip-the-line entry and expert guidance. From the spiritual splendor of the Basilica to the political drama of the Doge’s Palace, and the gentle rhythm of a gondola ride, every moment of this tour is crafted to give you a deeper connection to Venice’s soul. Join us for a unique exploration of Venice—where history, beauty, and tradition meet.
Inclusions
- 30 minutes shared Gondola Ride
- Tickets and Reservations to Saint Mark's Basilica
- 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
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Photography is not allowed only inside the Cathedral.
- Please wear clothes that cover your shoulders and are knee-length to access St Mark’s Basilica, otherwise you might not be allowed in.
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- For security reasons sacks, bags or knapsacks are not allowed inside the Basilica and Doge's Palace.
- The storage service is free of charge but please allow sufficient time to do so.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- In the event of adverse weather conditions, the Gondola Ride tour may vary in duration or itinerary.
- 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 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.
- The guided tour includes St. Mark’s Basilica from 14:45 to 15:45, Doge’s Palace from 15:45 to 17:00, and ends with a gondola ride from 17:15 to 17:45.
- 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
The entrance tickets will be delivered by the guide or our representative at the meeting point prior to the start of the tour. Please follow the instructions to the meeting point as on the voucher. The guided tour includes St. Mark’s Basilica from 14:45 to 15:45, Doge’s Palace from 15:45 to 17:00, and ends with a gondola ride from 17:15 to 17:45.
