Semi Private Venice in a Day Tour with Gondola Ride
See the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s in an intimate group with pre-reserved tickets
Experience the grandeur of Venice in a semi private group that offers a more tailored pace and a closer connection to your local guide. This tour showcases the gold-leaf domes of St. Mark’s Basilica and the gothic splendor of the Doge’s Palace, plus includes a stroll past the Rialto Bridge and a shared gondola ride on the canals. The small group size ensures you get the most out of your pre-reserved entry and provides a superior, personalized perspective of the world’s most famous water city.
What You Get With This Tour
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Venice’s back streets & top sites in one day
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Timed-entry ticket for St. Mark’s Basilica
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Timed-entry ticket for the Doge’s Palace
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Guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace
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Venice walking tour with Rialto Bridge
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30-minute shared gondola ride
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Semi private experience
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Guide tips
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Lunch
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at St. Mark's Square
Your tour begins between the two stone columns on the lagoon side of St. Mark’s Square. Listen as your guide explains how this island city became a global trade power as you prepare for a day of exploring the most famous landmarks in the floating city. -
2
Enter St. Mark’s Basilica
Next, use your timed tickets to enter St. Mark’s Basilica, the 11th-century cathedral known for its golden interior. Spend time admiring the intricate mosaics and domes while your guide explains the religious significance and the legends behind the relics housed within these historic walls. -
3
Walk Venice’s backstreets and see the Rialto Bridge
Then, follow your guide and semi private group through narrow alleys and over small stone bridges used mostly by locals. Learn about the daily Venetian lifestyle before arriving at the Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, for a perfect photo opportunity. -
4
Sightsee on a 30-minute shared gondola ride
Next, in groups of 5, board a traditional wooden gondola to experience Venice from its famous canals. Drift past ancient palazzos and under low bridges as you move from quiet residential waterways into the bustling activity of the Grand Canal for classic Venetian views. -
5
Take free time for lunch
After the gondola ride, take time to enjoy a meal at your own pace. Your guide can provide recommendations for authentic spots where you can find traditional snacks or a full sit-down lunch. This break allows you to recharge before the afternoon palace visit. -
6
Explore Doge’s Palace and cross the Bridge of Sighs
After lunch, enter the Doge’s Palace, the gothic masterpiece that served as the center of the Venetian government. Walk through the massive council chambers and cross the Bridge of Sighs into the atmospheric old prisons, following the path of former inmates. -
7
Your tour finishes inside the Doge’s Palace
Your tour ends inside the Doge's Palace, leaving you perfectly placed to continue exploring the museum at your leisure. Leave with a deeper understanding of the city's history and suggestions from your guide on where to find the best evening cicchetti nearby.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Dress Code: Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women to enter St. Mark’s Basilica; entry may be refused otherwise. Please avoid wearing sandals, hats, shorts, skirts, or tops that expose your shoulders.
ID Requirement: A valid government-issued ID is required for entrance to St. Mark's Basilica. The name on your ticket (entered at check-out) must match the name on your ID, or you may be refused entry.
Tour Changes: All St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace tours are subject to potential time change due to ticketing. Please keep the date of your tour flexible. The order of stops may change due to timed entry schedules, crowds, or operational reasons, but you will still visit the same key sights listed.
Accessibility: This tour involves extensive walking, standing, and climbing stairs. It is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
Weather Advisory: Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice due to adverse weather events, maintenance, or safety reasons. If this occurs, you will be notified as soon as possible.
St. Mark's Basilica: Please note, the tour inside St. Mark's Basilica usually lasts around 20 minutes, as per the monument's rules and protocol.
Gondola Ride: The gondola ride is a shared experience, as each boat can hold up to 5 guests. While you will have a professional gondolier operating the boat, it is important to note that this portion of the tour is not guided.
Bag Policy: Large backpacks or bags aren’t allowed inside the attractions; please leave them at your accommodation.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 6-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Timed-entry ticket and guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
Timed-entry ticket and guided tour of Doge’s Palace
Walking tour of Rialto Bridge and Venice’s quieter areas
30-minute shared gondola ride (max 5 people shared experience)
Free time for lunch (meal not included)
Semi private experience
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Covering for knees and shoulders
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Camera
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, children are welcome on this tour. The mix of walking, historical sites, and the gondola ride usually keeps younger travelers engaged, though be mindful of the six-hour duration.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour involves significant walking on uneven cobblestones and several flights of stairs. It is unfortunately not wheelchair or stroller accessible. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss private options.
What is the dress code?
St. Mark’s Basilica requires modest clothing. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees, or security may deny you entry to the church.
Does the tour run in the rain?
The tour runs in most weather conditions. However, the gondola ride may be cancelled or rescheduled if the weather is severe or the water levels are dangerously high.
