The Afternoon Tour in Venice promises an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks. Visitors can skip the lines and venture into the stunning Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, learning about their rich history from knowledgeable guides. But the true highlight lies in a serene 30-minute private gondola ride, gliding through the enchanting canals. With hotel pickup and a flexible booking policy, this comprehensive experience allows travelers to discover Venice’s captivating beauty without the hassle. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s timeless charm.
Key Points
- This afternoon tour showcases the highlights of Venice, including the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and a 30-minute private gondola ride.
- Prices start from €312 per person, with skip-the-line access and a live guide providing commentary in multiple languages.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but excludes food, drinks, and is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- Visitors can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour features in-depth exploration of Venice’s Gothic architecture, Byzantine art, and opportunities to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.
👉 Check out our guide to the 10 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Venice
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Tour Highlights
- Tour Experience
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Important Information
- Customer Reviews
- Meeting Point and Dress Code
- Tour Cancellations and Refunds
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
- Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?
- Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?
- How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From My Hotel?
- Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Venice
- More Tour Reviews in Venice
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Venice we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing
The afternoon tour offers visitors a chance to explore the Doge Palace, St Mark Basilica, and take a 30-minute private gondola ride, with prices starting from €312.00 per person.
The 3-hour tour includes skip-the-line access to the main attractions, as well as a live guide who can provide commentary in multiple languages.
Customers can take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option, and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While hotel pickup and drop-off are included, the tour doesn’t cover food and drinks, and isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice.
Tour Highlights
This tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore Venice’s key sights. It includes a walking tour to the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica, as well as a 30-minute private gondola ride through the city’s hidden canals.
Travelers can expect to skip the lines at the major attractions and benefit from the expertise of a live tour guide available in multiple languages.
The walking tour provides an in-depth look at the Gothic architecture of the Doge’s Palace and the stunning Byzantine art and mosaics within Saint Mark’s Basilica.
The gondola ride offers a relaxing and unique perspective of Venice, accommodating up to 5 people per boat.
Tour Experience
Qualified tour guides share captivating histories of Venice and its main monuments throughout the walking tour.
Visitors explore the Gothic architecture of the Doge’s Palace, admiring its ornate details and learning about the power and influence of the Venetian rulers. The tour then continues to Saint Mark’s Basilica, where participants marvel at the stunning Byzantine art and mosaics that adorn the interior.
The experience culminates in a 30-minute private gondola ride, allowing travelers to relax and take in the city’s hidden canals from a unique perspective.
The tour offers several highlights:
-
Guided exploration of the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica
-
Personalized gondola ride through Venice’s enchanting waterways
-
Opportunities to learn about the city’s rich history and culture from knowledgeable guides.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes a qualified guide, entrance tickets to the Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica, as well as a 30-minute private gondola ride. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided. However, it excludes food, drinks, and is not suitable for wheelchair users.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Qualified guide | Food and drinks |
| Entrance tickets to Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica | Not suitable for wheelchair users |
| 30-minute private gondola ride |
This comprehensive tour offers a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to explore the architectural and cultural highlights of Venice, while enjoying the iconic gondola ride. The exclusions are reasonable, ensuring the tour remains accessible to a wide range of travelers.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Travelers meet at the blue Clock Tower in Saint Mark’s Square to begin the tour. The meeting point provides a convenient starting point for the tour.
Participants must adhere to a dress code, covering shoulders and knees. Appropriate attire is required to enter the religious sites.
The tour operates rain or shine, with refunds provided for cancellations due to high tides. The tour proceeds regardless of weather conditions.
Visitors should bring comfortable shoes and water, while pets aren’t allowed. Guests should come prepared for comfort and leave pets at home.
These important guidelines ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants on the Doge Palace and Gondola Ride Tour.
Customer Reviews
Customers who’ve experienced the Doge Palace and Gondola Ride Tour generally rate it highly, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.
While the tour’s value for money and safety only receive 3 out of 5 ratings, the service and organization score 4 out of 5.
Reviewers praise the engaging and knowledgeable guides, who provide personalized experiences and restaurant recommendations.
The relaxing gondola ride is also a highlight. One customer notes, ‘The tour was well-organized, and the guide brought the history of Venice to life. The gondola ride was a perfect way to end the day.’
Meeting Point and Dress Code
The meeting point for the Doge Palace and Gondola Ride Tour is under the blue Clock Tower in Saint Mark’s Square.
Participants must adhere to a dress code that requires covering shoulders and knees. This dress code is in place for a few key reasons:
-
To respect the religious and cultural significance of the sites being visited.
-
To maintain a formal and respectful atmosphere during the tour.
-
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants.
The tour operates rain or shine, and refunds are available for cancellations due to high tides.
Comfortable shoes and water are recommended, while pets aren’t allowed on the tour.
Tour Cancellations and Refunds
Afternoon Tour: Doge Palace, St Mark Basilica & Gondola Ride
Tour Cancellations and Refunds
Should the tour be canceled due to high tides, refunds are readily available. The tour operator stands by their commitment to delivering a safe and enjoyable experience, regardless of the weather.
Guests may cancel their reservations up to 24 hours in advance with no penalties incurred. The tour operates rain or shine, so visitors needn’t worry about inclement weather.
In the rare event of a cancellation due to exceptional circumstances, such as exceptionally high tides, full refunds will be processed promptly. Guests can book with confidence, knowing their experience is protected and their satisfaction is the top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
No, the tour does not offer an option to customize the itinerary. The tour has a set itinerary that includes visits to the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and a 30-minute gondola ride, which cannot be changed by customers.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?
Based on the tour details provided, it appears there are no specific opportunities to purchase souvenirs during the tour. However, visitors may have free time before or after the tour to explore shops and markets in Venice on their own.
Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?
The tour does not seem to offer any advertised discounts or promotions. However, some companies may provide occasional deals or bundle packages. It’s best to check with the tour operator directly for any potential savings or special offers.
How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From My Hotel?
To get to the meeting point from your hotel, you can take a water bus or walk. The water bus is a convenient option that will drop you off right at Saint Mark’s Square. Alternatively, you can walk, which allows you to soak in the city’s charm.
Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?
Yes, you can take photos during the tour. Photography is generally allowed at the sights, but visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash in sensitive areas. Check with the guide for any specific photography rules or restrictions.
Afternoon Tour: Doge Palace, St Mark Basilica & Gondola Ride
Recap
The Afternoon Tour offers a comprehensive and captivating experience in Venice, allowing guests to explore iconic landmarks, enjoy a private gondola ride, and benefit from skip-the-line access and knowledgeable guides.
With flexible booking policies and convenient hotel pickup, this tour ensures a memorable adventure through the city’s enchanting canals and magnificent sites.
You can check availability for your dates here:
