Overview
A wonderful 3- hours experience to discover the historical and artistic heart of Venice!
The expert guide will escort you in the fascinating Doge’s Palace and the Saint Mark’s Basilica in Piazza San Marco. Admire their stunning artworks and learn the endless history the Venice Repulic. You'll cross also the famous Bridge of Sighs!
Then you will enjoy a romantic gondola ride through the Grand Canal and its picturesque waterways: during the ride you’ll admire the main Venice Highlights as Fenice Opera House, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Santa Maria della Salute Church and many others.
Lastly, experience a ride in a unique virtual reality as you glide over the Grand Canal's tranquil waters at sunset over the centuries, and then discover the craftsmanship and secrets behind Venice's iconic boat with an up-close look at a sectioned model.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
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
The Gondola Yard Gallery
20-minute gondola introductory experience
Hotel pick-up
Food and drinks
Guided tour of Museo Correr, Museo Nazionale Archologico, and Biblioteca Marciana
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Having the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches. Find Olivetti Museum, turn right passing under the archways, cross the little bridge and go straight on to “Campo San Gallo”, Venice Tours Office is located in the campo (small square).
Good to know
1. Basilica and Doge's Palace Guided Tour Meeting Point: Campo San Gallo, San Marco 1093/B, Venice Tours office, close to San Marco Square. Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the departure time.
HOW TO REACH THE MEETING POINT
The office is located close to San Marco Square. Having the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches. Find Olivetti Museum, turn right passing under the archways, cross the little bridge and go straight on to “Campo San Gallo”, Venice Tours Office is located in the campo (small square).
2. Gondola 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 10:00AM - Gondola at 2:20 PM;
Tour at 10:15 AM - Gondola at 2:20 PM;
Tour at 11:15 AM - Gondola at 2:20 PM;
Tour at 02 PM - Gondola at 4:40 PM; T
Tour at 02:15 PM - Gondola at 4:40 PM.
What to expect
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Basilica di San Marco
45 min
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.
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Doge's Palace
1 hour
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! -
Canal Grande
45 min
Enjoy a charming gondola ride through the most romantic waterways, passing under small bridges and along part of the Grand Canal! During your pleasant gondola ride you will admire the Mozart House, the famous La Fenice Theatre, Rio (Canal) “De le Ostreghe” and part of the spectacular Grand Canal where you will see the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Ca’ Dario Palace the Santa Maria de la Salute Church and other magnificent palaces.
The only gondola tour with commentary: a mobile-guide which will explain the magnificent palaces and attractions around you! Venice Goes App is an innovative mobile app (included in the price) that you can download easily on your mobile, click here to know how to get it. -
Campo Rusolo o San Gallo
45 min
The Yard Gallery Visit
Explore the Gondola’s Mystique: "Explore a genuine sectioned gondola to uncover its hidden secrets. Learn about the historical and cultural significance of this quintessential Venetian symbol."
Time-Travel on the Grand Canal: "Embark on a VR journey aboard a gondola through the centuries. Experience the vibrant Carnival festivities of the 1700s, just as Casanova did, and glide beneath the historic wooden drawbridge of the Rialto Bridge."
Cultural Immersion and Souvenir: "Immerse yourself in Venetian culture at our unique bookshop, rich with stories and artifacts. As a cherished memento of your visit, take home a wooden 3D puzzle of a gondola, keeping a piece of Venetian charm with you."
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Rome).
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
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Venice's Best: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gondola & History Gallery
Can I cancel Venice's Best: Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gondola & History Gallery for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3 hours.
Where does it start?
Having the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches.
What's included?
- 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
- The Gondola Yard Gallery
- 20-minute gondola introductory experience
What's not included?
- Hotel pick-up
- Food and drinks
- Guided tour of Museo Correr, Museo Nazionale Archologico, and Biblioteca Marciana
Which places does it visit?
It visits Basilica di San Marco, Doge's Palace, Canal Grande, Campo Rusolo o San Gallo.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by CITY TOURS CO. LTD















