Venice Best in a Day Private Tour
From€450
6 hours
Venice, Italy
About this activity
Experience Venice's iconic landmarks with a private guide, including St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and a scenic gondola ride along the Grand Canal.
Highlights
- Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark's Basilica
- Guided tour of Doge's Palace
- Gondola ride through the Grand Canal
- Explore Rialto Bridge and Market
- Discover hidden gems of Venice
Full description
Discover the enchanting city of Venice on a personalized private tour that brings you face-to-face with its most iconic landmarks. Begin with skip-the-line access to the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica, where you'll marvel at its intricate mosaics and rich history. Next, delve into the opulent Doge's Palace, once the seat of Venetian power, and uncover tales of intrigue and grandeur. Glide through the serene waters of the Grand Canal on a traditional gondola ride, offering a unique perspective of the city's stunning architecture. Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating insights and stories, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience. This tour is perfect for those seeking an intimate and comprehensive exploration of Venice's treasures.
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark's Basilica
- Guided tour of Doge's Palace
- Gondola ride through the Grand Canal
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Your experience of Venice begins in the iconic St Mark's square where you will also meet your guide.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Next, skip the long lines and enter this beautiful and ornate basilica as your guide provides you with anecdotes of its history. An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
3
Next make your way to the Doge's Palace again with VIP entry, the political center of Venice. Your expert guide will share the secrets of the private hidden apartments, and you will see impressive halls such as the Hall of Great Council. The tour takes a more sinister turn as you visit the prison, as well as an extensive private weapons collection. Upon exiting, you will stop at the notorious Bridge of Sighs. After this visit, your guide will provide you with some great recommendations to stop to eat and have refreshments before continuing on your tour. The rest of the day will be spent on foot exploring the narrow winding streets to unexpected squares and bridges. Visit the Rialto bridge and see Marco Polo's house before stopping in Campo Santa Maria Formosa for your private gondola ride.
Duration: 2h 30mAdmission: YES
4
Your guide will escort you to your very own private gondola ride - the best way to complete a day in Venice! They will ensure you will have everything you need before embarking on a relaxing journey through the canals on your gondola.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
Meeting point
Start Location
Chiesa San Giacomo di Rialto, Rialto Bridge, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.
- Gondola ride is shared with other passengers; private gondola options may be available upon request.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow guide's instructions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobblestone streets.
- Bring a camera to capture the picturesque canals and architecture.
- Be prepared for potential crowds at popular sites.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- 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
- Offered in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Please specify under “Additional notes” if you wish to book the tour in a language other than English.
- Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
- There is no photography allowed in St Marks basilica.
- The itinerary described above is a suggested order of the various experiences. These may vary according to your personal requests or preferred starting time.
- An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
- The ticket includes a cost to enter St. Mark’s Basilica valued at 30 EUR per person.
Traveler reviews
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Very informative and...
Very informative and thorough, great personality, no waiting in lines, definitely would recommend to everyone
Rachel_RJun 11, 2026VIATOR
Venetian History at Street Level
The tour was exceptional. The guide provided wonderful insight into Venetian history while walking through the city, above and beyond just the basic information about St. Mark’s and Doge’s Palace. Absolutely recommend for any first time tourists!
642caliecJun 9, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Best of the best in Venice
Tulia was knowledgeable, courteous and fun to listen to. I appreciated the time she took with us and the attention to details. It was like a customized tour for our interests. Thank you!!
kellymL541AOJun 5, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Thank you, Nico!
Great experience with Nico! He was very knowledgable and passionate. Highly recommend.
910meaganmMay 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR
The best of Venice
Amazing. She was absolutely lovely and the pace was perfect.
Y5512DOthomaswMay 21, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
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
Offered in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Please specify under “Additional notes” if you wish to book the tour in a language other than English.
Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
There is no photography allowed in St Marks basilica.
The itinerary described above is a suggested order of the various experiences. These may vary according to your personal requests or preferred starting time.
An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.