4.7(32 reviews)
Venice Skip-the-Line Tour with Gondola Ride
From€616
3 hours
Venice, Italy
About this activity
Experience Venice's top attractions with skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica, a guided tour of Doge's Palace, and a traditional gondola ride through the city's picturesque canals.
Highlights
- Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark's Basilica
- Explore the opulent Doge's Palace
- Enjoy a serene gondola ride
- Discover Venice's rich history
- Experience iconic landmarks
Full description
Dive into the heart of Venice with this exclusive tour that offers skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica, allowing you to admire its stunning architecture without the usual wait. Explore the opulent Doge's Palace, where you'll uncover tales of Venetian history and governance. Conclude your journey with a serene gondola ride, gliding through the city's iconic canals and under charming bridges, providing a unique perspective of Venice's beauty. This tour is perfect for those eager to immerse themselves in Venice's rich heritage and iconic landmarks in a single, unforgettable experience.
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica
- Guided tour of Doge's Palace
- Traditional gondola ride through Venice's canals
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Meet your private guide in St. Mark's Square at the appointed time to begin your walking tour.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Your guide will point out how Eastern architecture and Western design came together to create this unique church. In a special extended tour of the Basilica you will hear how St. Mark’s remains arrived in Venice illegally, and see a myriad of treasures - some made in the city and others plundered during the crusades. Of particular interest are the 11th-century mosaics, some of the few treasures that have survived the Basilica’s floods and fires over the centuries. Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
3
Begin with a skip-the-line tour of the Doge's Palace to admire the beautiful ceilings with frescoes by Tintoretto and walls adorned with paintings by Veronese. You will see the wooden slot where accusations of treason were passed to the Secret Police and of course the Bridge of Sighs. Did you know that Casanova, Venice’s famous lover and writer, was imprisoned in one of the palace's prison attics before managing to escape? Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
4
Continue your walking tour of Venice to see sights such as Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Santa Maria Formosa, Fondamenta Nova, the Church of Holy Apostles, Marco Polo's House, and the Rialto Bridge. This famous marble bridge was a Venetian folly, running well over budget when built but now beloved and admired by Venice’s residents and visitors alike who like to watch as the sunlight dances on the smooth stone surface and the bridge is reflected in the river below. Your day ends with something only Venice can offer - a private gondola ride. As you wish a fond farewell to your guide you will begin a peaceful and intimate trip along Venice’s famous canals with your very own gondolier. Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Continue your walking tour of Venice to see sights such as Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Santa Maria Formosa, Fondamenta Nova, the Church of Holy Apostles, Marco Polo's House, and the Rialto Bridge. This famous marble bridge was a Venetian folly, running well over budget when built but now beloved and admired by Venice’s residents and visitors alike who like to watch as the sunlight dances on the smooth stone surface and the bridge is reflected in the river below. Your day ends with something only Venice can offer - a private gondola ride. As you wish a fond farewell to your guide you will begin a peaceful and intimate trip along Venice’s famous canals with your very own gondolier. Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Continue your walking tour of Venice to see sights such as Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Santa Maria Formosa, Fondamenta Nova, the Church of Holy Apostles, Marco Polo's House, and the Rialto Bridge. This famous marble bridge was a Venetian folly, running well over budget when built but now beloved and admired by Venice’s residents and visitors alike who like to watch as the sunlight dances on the smooth stone surface and the bridge is reflected in the river below. Your day ends with something only Venice can offer - a private gondola ride. As you wish a fond farewell to your guide you will begin a peaceful and intimate trip along Venice’s famous canals with your very own gondolier. Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
Continue your walking tour of Venice to see sights such as Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Santa Maria Formosa, Fondamenta Nova, the Church of Holy Apostles, Marco Polo's House, and the Rialto Bridge. This famous marble bridge was a Venetian folly, running well over budget when built but now beloved and admired by Venice’s residents and visitors alike who like to watch as the sunlight dances on the smooth stone surface and the bridge is reflected in the river below. Your day ends with something only Venice can offer - a private gondola ride. As you wish a fond farewell to your guide you will begin a peaceful and intimate trip along Venice’s famous canals with your very own gondolier. Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The gondola ride is shared with other passengers; private rides may be available upon request.
- Tour duration is approximately 3 hours; plan accordingly for other activities.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow the guide's instructions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and scenic views.
- Be prepared for potential weather changes; consider bringing a light jacket or umbrella.
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
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- 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
- 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
- BASILICA ENTRY TICKETS 12 EURO EACH INCLUDED IN THE PRICE DOGE'S PALACE ENTRY TICKETS 35 EURO EACH INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 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. Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to St.Mark’s Basilica
Traveler reviews
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In Denise we had a most...
In Denise we had a most womderful tour guide. The Doge Palace was the highlight of the tour. The gondola ride was a great way to end the day
John_CFeb 11, 2026VIATOR
Private tour of Saint Marks and the Doge
A last minute snag with our credit card forced us to move up to a private tour. Our group of six was very happy with our private guide, Brankica. We learned much about the history and lore of the Doge and St Mark’s cathedral. She was efficient and focused in her presentations and very proud of her city. Our visit to the Rialto bridge and surrounding area and the gondola ride were also accompanied by great local insight. What a fun way to scoop up knowledge and great memories of Venice. Spending the additional money for a private tour is very well worth it particularly if you’re lucky enough to have Brankica as your guide.
Thomas_KOct 24, 2024VIATOR
Great Venice experience
Denice has been our favorite guide ever! She was so knowledgeable & was able to answer all our questions. She hit all the highlights of Venice with ease and her joyful & bubbly personality made it a great time!! We highly recommend this tour & guide to everyone.
Terry_LJun 11, 2024VIATOR
Donata is the best!
Our guide, Donata, was fantastic and a great pleasure to work with. Would work with her every time friends or family come to Venice.
James_WNov 6, 2023VIATOR
Great walking tour
The walking tour with Denise was awesome. She was so informative and had great bits of information to add and make it enjoyable. We had a change of tour guides for Doge’s palace. Don’t need one for there. She just said what was on the walls signs. Her English was not easy to understand. They did not purchase Chapel tickets early enough to get us in so we did not get to see it. I booked 3 months ahead!!
Cari_EOct 31, 2023VIATOR
Additional information
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
Covid-19 Vaccination Card or Green Pass is mandatory to enter Museums and Churches
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