Venice: Full Day Tour With Gondola, Doges Palace & Basilica

Embarking on a comprehensive full-day tour in Venice promises an immersive exploration of the city’s captivating history and iconic landmarks. From the grandeur of Doge’s Palace to the serene beauty of a traditional gondola ride, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that caters to various interests. With expert guidance and priority access, visitors can explore the rich cultural tapestry of Venice, uncovering its architectural marvels and savoring local flavors. Whether a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this tour provides an opportunity to truly capture the essence of this enchanting floating city.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Full-Day Tours In Italy.

Key Points

• This full-day tour of Venice includes a guided walk, priority access, a gondola ride, a traditional Venetian aperitivo, and visits to the Doge’s Palace and Opera Museum.
• The tour highlights iconic landmarks, such as the Bridge of Sighs, the Castello neighborhood, and the Santi Giovanni e Paolo church, known as the "Pantheon of Venice."
• Expert guides provide captivating narratives about Venice’s history and offer priority access to St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and exclusive terrace views.
• The tour includes a 30-minute gondola ride through the city’s picturesque canals and a traditional Venetian aperitivo, such as a Spritz.
• The tour meets at St. Mark’s Square at 9:30 am, and comfortable shoes are recommended due to the significant walking involved.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day Venice tour offers an immersive experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and partake in traditional Venetian activities.

Priced from $211.39 per person, the 7-hour tour includes a guided walk through the city’s streets, priority access to St. Mark’s Basilica, and exclusive access to its terraces.

Highlights include a 30-minute gondola ride, a break for a traditional Venetian aperitivo, and tours of the Doge’s Palace and the Opera Museum.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a convenient reserve now, pay later option, this comprehensive tour ensures a memorable experience in the floating city.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at St. Mark’s Square, the tour takes guests on an immersive journey through Venice’s most iconic landmarks. The itinerary highlights include crossing the Bridge of Sighs, exploring the historic Castello neighborhood, and visiting the grand Santi Giovanni e Paolo church. The highlight of the tour is a 30-minute gondola ride, allowing visitors to experience the city’s picturesque canals. After the gondola ride, the group enjoys a break for a traditional Venetian aperitivo, such as a Spritz, before continuing the tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Landmark	Location
Bridge of Sighs	Connects Doge’s Palace to the New Prison
Castello	One of the six historic sestieri (districts) of Venice
Santi Giovanni e Paolo	A large basilica known as the "Pantheon of Venice"

Tour Experience

Expert guides lead a captivating walk through Venice’s winding streets, providing a captivating narrative that brings the city’s history to life.

Guests enjoy priority access to St. Mark’s Basilica and exclusive access to its terraces, offering breathtaking views. The tour also includes visits to significant landmarks like the Byzantine domes of St. Mark’s Basilica, the grand Doge’s Palace, and the Opera Museum.

Participants can indulge in a traditional Venetian aperitivo, such as a refreshing Spritz, and embark on an enchanting 30-minute gondola ride through the city’s picturesque canals.

This immersive experience offers a well-rounded exploration of Venice’s rich culture and architectural wonders.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This full-day tour in Venice includes a walking guided tour, skip-the-line entrance to St. Mark’s Basilica, and access to the Palazzo Ducale.

Guests will also enjoy a traditional Venetian Spritz and a 30-minute gondola ride. The tour package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, providing a hassle-free experience.

The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments. Optional tips aren’t included in the price.

The key inclusions are:

1. Walking guided tour
2. Skip-the-line entrance to St. Mark’s Basilica
3. Access to Palazzo Ducale
4. Typical Venetian Spritz and 30-minute gondola ride

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Important Information

The meeting point for the tour is St. Mark’s Square, where guests should gather at 09:30 am under the column with the lion.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves a significant amount of walking. Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

Participants should note that the tour includes a 1.5-hour break to move from the gondolas to St. Mark’s Square on their own.

The live tour guide is available in English only to ensure a high-quality experience.

Starting Location

The starting location for the Venice Full Day Tour is St. Mark’s Square. This central hub of Venice serves as the meeting point for the tour, where participants gather at 9:30 am under the column with the lion.

From this iconic location, the tour embarks on a captivating journey through the city’s streets and landmarks. The tour guide leads the group through the following key areas:

1. Bridge of Sighs
2. Castello, Venice
3. San Zaccaria
4. Santi Giovanni e Paolo

This strategic starting point allows for seamless access to the tour’s highlights, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive experience for all participants.

Guided Tour Highlights

An expert guide leads a captivating walk through Venice’s streets, highlighting the city’s most significant landmarks.

The tour includes a visit to the iconic Bridge of Sighs, the historic Castello neighborhood, and the breathtaking San Zaccaria and Santi Giovanni e Paolo churches.

Visitors will also enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride, providing a unique perspective of Venice’s picturesque canals.

After the gondola ride, the group will have a break to experience a traditional Venetian aperitivo, such as a Spritz, at a local bar.

The tour then continues with visits to St. Mark’s Basilica, renowned for its Byzantine domes, and the opulent Doge’s Palace, home to the former rulers of Venice.

Venetian Aperitivo and Gondola Ride

After the guided tour through Venice’s storied streets, visitors can look forward to a break to indulge in a quintessential Venetian experience – the aperitivo.

This traditional pre-dinner drink, often a Spritz, is the perfect way to unwind and soak in the local atmosphere. The tour includes a stop at a local bar, where guests can savor this iconic beverage while enjoying:

1. Panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks
2. Lively conversations with fellow travelers
3. A chance to people-watch and observe the Venetian lifestyle
4. A refreshing interlude before the next leg of the tour – a 30-minute gondola ride through the picturesque canals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable and weather-appropriate attire. Modest clothing is recommended when visiting religious sites like St. Mark’s Basilica.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Dietary Needs?

The tour can accommodate special dietary needs, though guests should notify the tour operator in advance. The tour provider will work to ensure appropriate food and beverage options are available for those with specific dietary requirements.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography and video recording are generally allowed during the tour, but participants should be mindful of not disrupting the flow of the group or blocking the guide’s explanations. Reasonable use of cameras is permitted.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, as it involves a significant amount of walking and accessing stairs. However, it may be accessible with prior notice and accommodation requests.

Can the Tour Be Booked in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is offered in English only. While the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments, the tour provider doesn’t specify availability in other languages.

Recap

The Full Day Tour in Venice is an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, from the Doge’s Palace to St. Mark’s Basilica. With priority access and expert narration, the tour offers a comprehensive look at Venice’s rich history and culture, culminating in a traditional Venetian aperitivo and a captivating gondola ride. This tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to fully experience the enchanting beauty of this remarkable city.

You can check if your dates are available here: