Skip-the-Line Doge's Palace Tour with Gondola Ride
Cross the Bridge of Sighs & follow in Casanova's footsteps (but not all the way to a rooftop escape)
The lines for Doge's Palace Tours are notorious, and trying to book a great gondola tour on the same day is a recipe for vacation stress. Stop worrying! We have the expert-approved solution: a small-group Doges Palace Tour with guaranteed skip-the-line access, led by an English-speaking guide who brings its epic history, including the iconic Bridge of Sighs, to life. This Venice tour also includes a shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal to check off your Venice bucket list.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Skip-the-line tickets to Doge's Palace
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Bridge of Sighs
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Hall of the Great Council
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Entrance to Correr Museum
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New prisons
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Hotel Pickup/ Drop Off
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Gratuities
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide
Your tour begins at the meeting point in St. Mark's Square. You will explore the city's most famous public space and learn about its rich historical and political importance. -
2
The Doge's Palace
Follow your guide directly into the opulent Doge's Palace using your skip-the-line tickets to bypass the long lines. You will explore the political heart of an empire and see the wealth and power of the Venetian Doges. -
3
The Bridge of Sighs & Prisons
You will cross the unmissable Bridge of Sighs and continue to the Old and New Prisons.Here, you will discover the history behind the bridge's name and hear the extraordinary tale of Casanova's life in Venice. -
4
Gondola Ride
The tour concludes with a classic Venetian gondola ride. Your guide will lead you to the nearby pier for a 30-minute journey through Venice’s picturesque canals and past hidden corners.
Additional Information
Doge's Palace and Gondola Full Tour Description
Your 2.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line tickets and guided tour of Doge’s Palace
Guided visit to St. Mark's Square
A walk over the Bridge of Sighs
A shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal
Admission to the Correr Museum (to be explored on your own)
Max group size of 15
St. Mark’s Square: The Heart of Venice
Begin your journey in the most famous public space in Venice, St. Mark’s Square. As your local expert guide leads you through the square, you will learn about its historical, social, and political importance. Take in the grand architecture of the Clock Tower and the Marble Lions, all part of St. Mark’s rich history.
The Opulent Doge’s Palace
Next, follow your guide directly into the Doge’s Palace using your skip-the-line tickets to bypass those waiting in general admission. At a relaxed pace, you will explore the political heart of an empire and see the supreme authority and wealth of the Venetian Doges. Admire the Gothic architecture of this palazzo and enjoy stunning views across the Lagoon.
The Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs
After touring the palace, you will continue to New Prisons. Understand the significance of the unmissable Bridge of Sighs as you cross it. You will also listen to the extraordinary tale of Casanova and his life in Venice.
Your Gondola Grand Finale
Your tour concludes with a classic Venetian gondola ride. Your guide will lead you to the nearby pier where you will board a traditional gondola for a 30-minute journey. Glide past hidden corners and magnificent palaces on this relaxing ride, a must-do experience to end your day in Venice.
Your admission ticket also grants entry to the Correr Museum on St. Mark’s Square. Napoleon originally commissioned the building as a residence, and later it served as the Venetian home of the King of Italy. After the tour, explore the Correr Museum at your own pace with your pre-reserved ticket. This ticket can also be used at the National Archeological Museum and Biblioteca Marciana.
Please note: The gondola ride is shared with other participants from your tour, just like it’s always been in Venetian tradition. Each gondola accommodates up to 5 guests. If your group is larger, you’ll be placed on separate gondolas.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, you will be contacted before your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
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Customer Reviews
Waiting on resolution. Gondola ride was not included and tour operator was rude and non-responsive.
Couldn’t ask for more: palace, Bridge of Sighs, gondola ride. All perfect.
Loved skipping the long lines! The Doge's Palace was so grand, and the guide was super funny. Ending with a gondola ride was pure magic.
Perfect mix of culture and relaxation! We felt special skipping lines, hearing real stories, and gliding through the canals. Highly worth it.
Pure joy throughout — skipping lines, hearing stories, gliding past Venice’s charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please bring a government issued ID to check in for the tour. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as this tour involves walking. You can also consider wearing a rain coat as Venetian weather can be unpredictable.
What to bring?
Please bring a government issued ID to check in for the tour. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as this tour involves walking. You can also consider wearing a rain coat as Venetian weather can be unpredictable.
Is this tour mobility accessible?
Unfortunately, this tour is not mobility accessible as it includes an ancient monument with narrow passage ways, stairs, and cobblestone.
Does this tour include entry into St. Marks Basilica?
No, St. Marks Basilica is not included on the tour. Consider our St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride.
Will the gondola ride be private?
The gondola ride follows traditional Venetian practices and is shared with other participants from your tour. Each gondola carries up to five guests. If your group is larger, we will place you in separate gondolas.
What if it rains?
Acqua Alta (High Tide) in Venice can cause delays in entering the Doge’s Palace. Additionally, the palace authority may decide to suspend skip-the-line priority, especially around the months of October, November, and December. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, you will be contacted before your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
Does this tour included a guided visit to the Correr Museum?
No, your admission ticket grants entry into the Correr Museum on St. Mark’s Square. After the tour, explore the Correr Museum at your own pace with your pre-reserved ticket. This ticket can also be used at the National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana.
