Private Venice Day Tour with Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola
6 hours
Max 8 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Venice, Italy
About this activity
Discover Venice’s top landmarks in one unforgettable day. Explore the Rialto Market, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Doge’s Palace, plus relax on a private gondola ride through the city’s quiet canals.
Highlights
- Private full-day exploration of Venice’s sights
- Explore St. Mark's Basilica & Doge’s Palace
- Private gondola glide through scenic canals
- Guided walk of Rialto Bridge & market
- Expert storytelling from a local guide
Full description
Experience Venice on a private full-day tour that combines the city’s top highlights with the personal attention of a dedicated guide. Begin by crossing the iconic Rialto Bridge and exploring the lively market where Venetians have traded for centuries. Glide along the Grand Canal on a private gondola, and then enjoy skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica. Finally, step inside the Doge’s Palace to walk through grand halls once ruled by Venice’s powerful dukes. With flexible pacing and expert insights into the city’s history and art, this private experience captures the very best of Venice in just one day.
Begin your private Venice adventure with a guided stroll through the city’s storied heart. Cross the famous Rialto Bridge and pause to explore the bustling Rialto Market, where locals have gathered for centuries to trade seafood and produce. As your guide reveals the traditions that shaped Venetian daily life, hear stories of explorers and merchants who made Venice a maritime powerhouse.
Then, step aboard a private gondola for a serene glide along the Grand Canal and its quieter side canals. With just your group and a gondolier, enjoy the city from its most enchanting perspective past centuries-old palaces, bridges, and hidden courtyards.
After a lunch break on your own, continue to St. Mark’s Basilica. Bypass the long lines with your private guide and marvel at its golden mosaics. Your guide will share insight into the craftsmanship and artwork behind this Byzantine masterpiece.
Conclude your day at the Doge’s Palace, where skip-the-line entry grants you immediate access to its lavish salons. Explore grand council rooms as your guide reveals the dramatic history of the Venetian Republic. This private experience offers you an in-depth look at Venice's main sights in just one day.
Important: You must provide the following details for every guests in your party at the time of booking: first and last name. All guests must bring ID on the day of their tour as it is required to visit the St. Mark's Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. Name changes are not permitted. This experience is refundable up to 7 days before your tour.
Then, step aboard a private gondola for a serene glide along the Grand Canal and its quieter side canals. With just your group and a gondolier, enjoy the city from its most enchanting perspective past centuries-old palaces, bridges, and hidden courtyards.
After a lunch break on your own, continue to St. Mark’s Basilica. Bypass the long lines with your private guide and marvel at its golden mosaics. Your guide will share insight into the craftsmanship and artwork behind this Byzantine masterpiece.
Conclude your day at the Doge’s Palace, where skip-the-line entry grants you immediate access to its lavish salons. Explore grand council rooms as your guide reveals the dramatic history of the Venetian Republic. This private experience offers you an in-depth look at Venice's main sights in just one day.
Important: You must provide the following details for every guests in your party at the time of booking: first and last name. All guests must bring ID on the day of their tour as it is required to visit the St. Mark's Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. Name changes are not permitted. This experience is refundable up to 7 days before your tour.
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
- Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25€)
- Gondola Ride
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Lunch
Meeting point
Start Location
255 Campo San Giacomo di Rialto, Venezia, IT
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets outside the entrance of the Church of San Giacometto at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto 255, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
- In case of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather (heavy rain, strong wind, high tide) conditions that prevent the gondola ride from taking place or any operational or safety reasons beyond our control it may be substituted for another experience, but no refund will be provided.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty
- All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
- St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Know before you go
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- Due to the religious nature of sites on this tour, all individuals (regardless of gender) must cover their shoulders and knees. It is acceptable to bring extra coverings to put on just before entering a holy site. Walks cannot be responsible for anyone denied entry.
- Sites visited on this tour occasionally close due to holy days, high tides, and/or flooding. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). The guide will modify the itinerary to include alternate dry paths whenever possible.
- Lunch is not included on this tour. Your guide will give you recommendations and tell you where to meet after lunch but please be aware that it is your responsibility to arrive at the meeting point in time for your PM tour.
- If the client chooses not to attend the walking tour due to adverse weather, no refund will be issued. However, the client may still participate in the second part of the tour if they notify us in advance.
- Large bags and backpacks cannot be accommodated on this tour.
- All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
- Please be aware that this tour involves extended periods of standing, which may not be suitable for travelers with certain health conditions or mobility limitations.
- St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 7 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 7 days of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)