Venice in a Day Tour with Gondola Ride

Visit St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, and the hidden areas of Venice

4.95 (385) ·

Travel Flexibly

· 6.00h · Venice, Italy

A family sitting on a gondola in Venice.

A guide in St. Marks' Square speaking with customers on a tour with The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists inside St. Mark's Basilica with a guide from The Tour Guy.

A woman taking a picture of the golden ceiling inside St. Mark's Basilica while listening to a guide from The Tour Guy.

A woman taking a picture of the Scala Contarini del Bovolo in Venice.

A man having his picture taken in front of Rialto Bridge while on tour with The Tour Guy.

A woman taking a picture of the Doge's Palace with a tour group and guide from the Tour Guy.

A couple on a tour of the Doge's Palace with guide from The Tour Guy.

A woman taking a picture of a window inside the Doge's Palace.

Want to see Venice’s icons and find its quiet corners? This 6-hour tour strikes the perfect balance. You’ll explore St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace with skip-the-line entry, then cross the Rialto Bridge and browse the bustling market. Afterward, stroll through hidden backstreets and unwind on a gondola gliding along the Grand Canal. With a passionate local guide and a relaxed pace, you’ll leave feeling like you truly uncovered Venice in a single day.

What you get with this tour

Expert, English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark’s Basilica
Skip-the-line tickets for Doge’s Palace
Walking tour
30-minute gondola ride
Guide tips
Lunch

Tour Itinerary

1

Meet your guide at St. Mark's Square
Your day begins between the two columns on the lagoon side of St. Mark’s Square. As your guide sets the scene, you’ll learn how this city rose from muddy islands into a maritime empire, and what lies ahead for your full Venetian experience.
2

St. Mark's Basilica
With skip-the-line access, step straight into Venice’s most iconic church. Admire the gold mosaics and grand domes, and tune in as your guide shares tales of relics, crusades, and ambition. It’s a brilliant glimpse into the wealth of old Venice.
3

Walking Tour of Venice
Leaving the crowds behind, you’ll follow your guide through narrow lanes and quiet canals that most visitors never see. Along the way, catch glimpses of hidden courtyards, artisan shops, and locals going about their day.
4

Rialto Bridge & Rialto Market
Soon, you’ll reach the heart of old Venice. From the Rialto Bridge, see famous views of the Grand Canal, then wander through the market that has thrived here for centuries. Learn how traders once filled these stalls with goods from across the world.
5

30-Minute Gondola Ride
It’s time to swap land for water! Step into a classic gondola with just a few others from your group and enjoy a peaceful 30-minute ride. You’ll drift through narrow side canals before entering the Grand Canal to capture those unforgettable shots.
6

Free Time for Lunch
After your gondola ride, take a break for lunch of your choosing. Your guide will point out nearby favorites for pizza, panini, or traditional cicchetti. Lunch isn’t included, but you'll have plenty of time to eat before meeting back up with the group.
7

Doge's Palace
Back in tour mode, it’s time to skip the lines and head inside Venice’s former seat of power. Climb the Golden Staircase, walk through frescoed council halls, and cross the Bridge of Sighs into the old prisons.
8

Your Tour Ends Inside Doge’s Palace
The tour finishes inside the Doge’s Palace, but you’re welcome to stay and wander a bit longer. Before you go, ask your guide for a favorite nearby spot to enjoy a drink or bite to eat—you’ve earned it after seeing Venice at its very best!

Additional Information

Good to know:

Dress code: St. Mark’s Basilica is a sacred space—knees and shoulders must be covered.
Weather advisory: Due to high water or other unforeseen circumstances, the gondola or boat portion cannot be guaranteed.
Bag policy: Large bags/backpacks aren’t allowed inside St. Mark’s Basilica or Doge’s Palace and may need to be checked—best to leave them at your hotel.
ID Requirement: Please bring a valid government-issued ID for entrance into St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
Check-in: Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.

Your 6-hour tour includes:

Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of Doge’s Palace
Visit Rialto Bridge and Rialto Market
Walking tour of Venice’s quieter areas
30-minute shared gondola ride (up to 5 people per boat, with others from your tour group)
English-speaking local guide
Small group experience (maximum 20 guests)
Free time for lunch (meal not included)

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Covering for knees and shoulders
Camera

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Customer reviews

385 total reviews

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5.0/5 (based on 385 reviews)

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Great tour!

28 October 2025

Reviewed by
William Crookshank

This was a great way to spend our day in Venice. Our tour guide, Giuliano was funny and knowledgeable. The gondola ride was lots of fun and the museum & cathedral were amazing. We had a great time!

Great

26 October 2025

Reviewed by
Isuri Vidyarathne

Great and informative. The Tour Guide was a bit hard to find, and the entire tour got a bit tiring, but we still saw a lot of incredible architecture and churches. The best part is the Gondola ride.

23 October 2025

Reviewed by
Kathy Moore

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a water bottle. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed and will have to be checked before entering the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's. It's best to leave them at your hotel if possible.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest checking out one of our private Venice tours so your needs can be better accommodated

What should I wear?

Since St. Mark's is a sacred place, we ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise you might be refused entry and miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Venice can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. Please also wear comfortable shoes since this is a walking tour.