Venice Must-see: St. Marks Basilica, Doges Palace & Gondola

Discovering the enchanting beauty of Venice is a must for any traveler. This comprehensive tour offers a chance to take in the city’s rich history and captivating sights. From the awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica to the opulent Doge’s Palace, each step of the journey promises to transport visitors back in time. But the true highlight lies in the shared gondola ride, where the city’s timeless charm and romance can be experienced firsthand. With so much to explore, it’s clear why this tour is a must-see for those seeking to uncover the essence of this remarkable city.

About Your Stay

• Comprehensive tour of Venice’s iconic landmarks, including skip-the-line access to Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica with guided exploration.
• Exclusive access to St. Mark’s Basilica’s museum and terrace, offering a unique perspective on the city’s Byzantine architecture.
• Shared gondola ride along Venice’s picturesque canals, providing an immersive experience and breathtaking views.
• Enhanced understanding of Venice’s rich history and culture through expert commentary.
• Convenient meeting point, flexible booking options, and end location near Gondola Bauer for a seamless Venetian experience.

Tour Overview

This tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Venice’s must-see attractions.

It includes skip-the-line access to the iconic Doge’s Palace, where you will be guided through the palace’s opulent halls, the Bridge of Sighs, and the New Prisons.

The tour also provides access to St. Mark’s Basilica and its museum, allowing guests to admire the stunning Byzantine architecture and expansive terrace.

Completing the experience is a shared gondola ride, providing a unique perspective of Venice’s enchanting canals.

Priced at $157.62 per person, this tour promises a well-rounded and immersive experience, with the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights and Inclusions

The tour offers a variety of highlights and inclusions that provide visitors with a well-rounded experience of Venice’s iconic attractions.

Travelers will enjoy skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace and a guided tour through its opulent halls, the Bridge of Sighs, and the New Prisons.

They’ll also gain exclusive access to St. Mark’s Basilica and its museum, including the external terrace.

Plus, the tour includes a shared gondola ride with commentary, allowing visitors to experience the city’s famous waterways.

These inclusions ensure a comprehensive exploration of Venice’s most renowned landmarks, offering guests a deeper understanding and appreciation of the city’s rich history and culture.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The meeting point for the tour is at the TURIVE kiosk, located on Calle larga de l’Ascension, 1257, in Venice.

This is near the St. Marks Post Office, behind the Correr Museum. From there, the group will embark on their guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and St. Mark’s Basilica.

The tour ends at the Gondola Bauer, located on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, 2091/b. The tour starts at 2:45 PM and can accommodate up to 100 travelers.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation, making it easy for participants to arrive and depart.

Tour Logistics

The tour starts at 2:45 PM and can accommodate up to 100 travelers.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.

Confirmation is received at booking, and the tour is operated by Insidecom srl.

Travelers have the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour ends at the Gondola Bauer, located on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, 2091/b, in Venice.

With skip-the-line access to the Doge’s Palace, a guided tour of the palace, Bridge of Sighs, and New Prisons, as well as a shared gondola ride with commentary, this tour offers a comprehensive experience of Venice’s must-see attractions.

Exploring St. Mark’s Basilica

Visitors entering St. Mark’s Basilica are immediately struck by the magnificent Byzantine architecture and the glittering gold mosaics that adorn the interior.

As one of the most renowned churches in Italy, the basilica offers a wealth of captivating features to explore:

1. Stunning Mosaics: The basilica’s interior walls and ceilings are covered in intricate Byzantine mosaics, depicting biblical scenes and religious figures in shimmering gold.

2. Pala d’Oro: This stunning gold altarpiece is considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine craftsmanship, with its intricate enamel and gem-encrusted design.

3. Horses of St. Mark: The four bronze horses displayed on the basilica’s façade are an iconic symbol of Venice, originally brought from Constantinople.

4. Basilica Museum: The on-site museum houses a collection of religious artifacts, including Byzantine silverware and liturgical vestments.

Visiting the Doge’s Palace

Stepping through the ornate gates of the Doge’s Palace, visitors are immediately transported back to the height of Venetian power and influence.

This magnificent Gothic-style palace was the seat of the Venetian government and the residence of the Doge, the supreme ruler of the Venetian Republic.

The tour explores the lavishly decorated halls and chambers, including the impressive Sala del Maggior Consiglio, where the Grand Council held its meetings.

Visitors will also see the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connected the palace to the New Prisons, and learn about the intricate political systems that governed the Republic.

With its stunning architecture and rich history, the Doge’s Palace offers a captivating glimpse into Venice’s illustrious past.

Shared Gondola Ride

Gliding effortlessly along the serene canals of Venice, the shared gondola ride offers visitors a quintessential Venetian experience. This iconic activity provides a unique perspective of the city’s magnificent architecture and hidden waterways.

The tour includes:

1. A shared gondola ride with commentary from an experienced gondolier.
2. Access to the picturesque Gondola Bauer, located near the end of the tour.
3. An opportunity to capture breathtaking photos and videos as you drift through the city’s picturesque canals.
4. A chance to learn about the timeless charm and romance of Venice.

This enchanting gondola ride perfectly complements the tour’s other highlights, including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, providing a well-rounded Venetian experience.

Additional Information

This tour offers convenient booking options, including a Reserve Now and Pay Later option, providing visitors flexibility in planning their Venetian adventure.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, ensuring a seamless experience. The tour is operated by Insidecom srl, a reputable company that manages various experiences in the city.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.

With a maximum of 100 participants, the tour offers a more intimate and personalized experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the wonders of Venice.

Worth The Stay

This comprehensive tour of Venice’s iconic landmarks offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the city’s rich history and captivating beauty. From the stunning mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica to the opulent halls of the Doge’s Palace and the romantic gondola ride, this experience promises an unforgettable journey through the enchanting essence of Venice.