Private Venice Tour: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Gondola Ride
Skip the lines and explore Venice’s top landmarks with a private guide before gliding through canals
Venice is a maze, but your personal guide makes hitting the top sights effortless. Skip the lines at St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, explore hidden corners of the city at your own pace, and glide through the canals on a private gondola ride. With a tailored itinerary and expert storytelling, this tour turns a complicated city into a seamless, unforgettable experience. No stress, no crowds—just you, Venice, and the beauty of its most iconic landmarks.
- Meet your guide at St. Mark's Square
- St. Mark’s Basilica
- Doge’s Palace
- Grand Ballroom
- Golden Staircase
- Prison Cells and Dungeon
- Bridge of Sighs
- Gondola Ride
- End near Piazza San Marco
Meet your private guide in St. Mark’s Square and bypass the lines to step inside St. Mark’s Basilica, where golden mosaics shimmer under soaring domes. Continue to the Doge’s Palace, the former seat of Venetian power, to explore grand chambers, the Bridge of Sighs, and the eerie prison cells. Then, experience Venice as it was meant to be seen—on a private gondola ride, gliding through quiet canals at your own pace, taking in the city’s beauty from the water.
Private St. Mark's Basilica, Doge Palace, & Gondola Ride Description
Your private 3.5-hour tour includes:
Private expert guide for a fully tailored experience
Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica
Skip-the-line entry to the Doge’s Palace
Private gondola ride through the Venetian canals
Exploration of the Bridge of Sighs and former prison cells
Flexible itinerary designed around your interests
St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice's Church of Gold
Begin your private tour in Piazza San Marco, one of the most iconic squares in the world. With your dedicated guide, walk past the long lines and straight into St. Mark’s Basilica, where golden mosaics stretch across every inch of its soaring domes. Your guide will explain the fascinating blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance influences that make this basilica one of the most dazzling in Europe.
Doge’s Palace – The Powerhouse of Venice
Step inside the Doge’s Palace, the Gothic fortress that served as the seat of Venetian power for centuries. With skip-the-line access, explore the lavish chambers where doges ruled, walk through the Great Council Chamber, and admire works by Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto. Stand beneath the Golden Staircase, a breathtaking symbol of Venice’s wealth, before stepping into the Council of Ten’s secretive chambers, where political intrigue shaped the city’s destiny.
The Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons of Venice
Cross the Bridge of Sighs, following in the footsteps of prisoners who took their final glance at Venice before facing their fate. Your guide will bring these stories to life as you step inside the eerie, damp prison cells, where Venice’s justice system played out behind closed doors.
A Private Gondola Ride Through the Canals
After exploring Venice’s grandeur on land, step into a private gondola for a relaxing ride through the canals. With no distractions or set routes, take in the beauty of the city from the water, drifting beneath centuries-old bridges and past hidden alleyways. Whether it’s a moment for quiet reflection or a chance to capture incredible photos, this ride is the perfect way to conclude your bespoke Venetian experience.
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, and for St. Mark’s Basilica, please ensure shoulders and knees are covered. A light scarf or shawl is recommended.
What to bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, and for St. Mark’s Basilica, please ensure shoulders and knees are covered. A light scarf or shawl is recommended.
How long is the tour?
The private tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, including the gondola ride.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace have some areas that may be challenging for wheelchair users. Please reach out in advance for accessibility options.
Can I take photos?
Photography is allowed inside the Doge’s Palace, but flash is prohibited. Inside St. Mark’s Basilica, photography rules may vary.
What language is this available in?
This tour is immediately available in English or Italian. If you’re looking for another language, reach out and we’ll work to accommodate you.
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