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

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5 / 5 See All 184 Reviews

· 3.50h · Venice, Italy

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.

Private Venice Tour: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Gondola Ride

A group of tourists on a gondola ride while taking a tour with The Tour Guy

A group of tourists inside St. Mark's Basilica in Venice while on tour with The Tour Guy.

An image of the golden frescoes inside St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.

A group of tourists walking around the streets of Venice while on tour with The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists waiting to enter the Doge's Palace in Venice while on tour with The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists inside the Doge's Palace in Venice while on tour with The Tour Guy.

A tour guide waving to tourists inside of a gondola in Venice.

A group of tourists on a gondola ride in Venice while on tour with The Tour Guy.

Tour Itinerary

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.

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What you get with this tour

Private English-speaking guide
Skip the line tickets
St. Mark's Basilica
Doge's Palace
Gondola ride
Private tour
Guide gratuity
Hotel pick up
Meals

Customer reviews

184 total reviews

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5.0/5 (based on 184 reviews)

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Bravo

07 October 2025

Reviewed by
Kristen Black

Roberta was amazing! Extremely knowledgeable, kind and engaging with our kids. She was flexible to our interests and knew how to maximize our experience. The tour itself was the perfect overview of Venice. Greatly enjoyed our morning!

28 September 2025

Reviewed by
Lori Lane

Loved it! First, our tour guide was the best! She really knew her stuff and made it fun. I enjoyed the fact that it was private. I highly recommend it,

True Escape

15 September 2025

Reviewed by
Leonard Conway

The crowded streets of Venice faded away in this private tour. It was relaxed, insightful, and the gondola ride remains a highlight of our travels.

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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.