See Venice’s most famous landmarks in one unforgettable morning or afternoon! Skip the lines at St. Mark’s Basilica, a 1,000-year-old masterpiece filled with gold mosaics, and wander through the Doge’s Palace, where centuries of Venetian rulers once made their most crucial political and judicial decisions. Then, relax and sightsee on a small-group gondola ride. With an expert local guide leading the way, this is the ultimate, stress-free way to experience the best of Venice in just a few hours.
Doges, domes, and canals in one go
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark’s Basilica
Skip-the-line tickets for Doge’s Palace
Guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace
30-minute shared gondola ride
Guide tips
Your tour begins in St. Mark's Square
Meet your guide in St. Mark’s Square. The exact location will be listed on your booking voucher. You guide will be holding a red "The Tour Guy" sign or flag, awaiting your arrival.
Step inside St. Mark’s Basilica
Skip the long ticket lines and spend about 20 minutes inside St. Mark’s Basilica. Admire gold mosaics, domes, and marble floors while your guide explains how Venice’s seafaring empire shaped this sacred landmark.
Explore the Doge’s Palace
Steps away from the basilica, enter the Doge’s Palace. Get ready to learn all about power and politics. Skip the lines and follow your guide through lavish chambers where Venice’s leaders ruled with unmatched ambition.
Cross the Bridge of Sighs and enter the prisons
Follow the corridor across the famous Bridge of Sighs and hear the legend behind its name. Then descend into the palace prisons and dungeon, where cramped cells reveal punishments, plots, and Casanova’s escape story.
Take a quick break before your gondola ride
After the touring the Doge's Palace, take a 20-minute break to sit down, use the restroom, or grab a quick snack nearby.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
Select participants and date
Start times are in the product’s local time
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
Thu, 16 Apr 2026
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4.96
737 Ratings
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Laura H.
Verified Review
April 13, 2026
Ana was AMAZING!!! Thank you!
Awesome experience!
Michael F.
Verified Review
April 11, 2026
Tour Guys provide a well organized half day tour of St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace and Gondola ride. Most importantly, I received immediate confirmation when purchasing the tickets online and follow up reminder emails regarding meeting time and location.
I highly recommend utilizing The Tour Guys!!
Great snapshot of Venice
John K.
Verified Review
April 11, 2026
laura S.
Verified Review
April 09, 2026
Marc H.
Verified Review
April 09, 2026
An Unforgettable Tour of Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Grazia
Amanda W.
Verified Review
April 08, 2026
Grazia was an exceptional tour guide who truly elevated our experience visiting the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. She was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to pause in each room—of which there are many—so we could fully appreciate the history, art, and significance of what we were seeing.
Despite visiting during one of the busiest holidays, Grazia expertly navigated the crowds and kept our tour moving smoothly and efficiently without ever feeling rushed. Her ability to balance timing with meaningful storytelling made the entire experience both enjoyable and memorable.
We felt very well taken care of throughout the tour and came away with a much deeper appreciation for these iconic sites. Highly recommend Grazia to anyone looking for a thoughtful, engaging, and well-paced tour!
Venice
Monica B.
Verified Review
April 06, 2026
Our tour guide “ aka Grace” was fantastic, very informative and just so nice! Def recommend!!
Fabulous tour
Preeti K.
Verified Review
April 02, 2026
We took the half day Doge palace and St Mark’s Basilica tour, our guide Marco was really good in talking about the history of Venice. He even took pictures of each group members at the Doge’s palace and Basilica. He had a great sense of humor.
Tour
Peggy H.
Verified Review
April 01, 2026
Great tour very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide
Leonard P.
Verified Review
March 30, 2026
Great tour
Richard H.
Verified Review
March 28, 2026
Tour Guys and Annachiara have proven why Tour Guys have been our family’s go to for tours in Europe. Quality tour guides like Annachiara are not common and if you’re going to tour an artistic and historical site - then who better to have as your guide than an Art major from the local university. She did a great job telling then story and important details of the sites and the art work - in a way that both teens and the adults appreciated. Thank you Annachiara
Great Tour!
Fernando O.
Verified Review
March 28, 2026
Very attentive, detail oriented and answered many questions. Thank you!
Great guide! Funny. Lots of information!
Ashlyn B.
Verified Review
March 27, 2026
We had a great tour with Marco. Would recommend!
One our best tours
Sharon F.
Verified Review
March 27, 2026
The guide was fantastic. He was entertaining and very informative. One of our best tours we have had. Highly recommended.
Venice Tour
Donna S.
Verified Review
March 23, 2026
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, professional, with timely, historical information. It was a remarkable tour.
We had a fabulous tour with Marco!!!
Layne A.
Verified Review
March 22, 2026
Marco was a wonderful tour guide
We had 3 teenagers and 2 tweens with us on our tour and he kept them all engaged the entire time. That is not easy to do! Marco was very informative and had a wonderful sense of humor. Would highly recommend!
Timothy M.
Verified Review
March 21, 2026
Marco was EXCELLENT!
Fun and well paced tour
Girish S.
Verified Review
March 16, 2026
We had a great and enjoyable walking tour with a very friendly tour guide. It is a half day tour that ends with a relaxing gondola ride. Would recommend for an easy going walking tour
Sunkyu K.
Verified Review
March 15, 2026
Best Tour
Lillie M.
Verified Review
March 07, 2026
Had an excellent experience with Roberta. She spoke perfect English and was personable and very knowledgeable about St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge Palace, and even recommended authentic restaurants. I highly recommend Roberta and this tour company.
Great experience!
SCOTT S.
Verified Review
March 06, 2026
Philipo was amazing and informative!
Great tour!
Peter C.
Verified Review
February 26, 2026
Our guide, Filippo, made this tour both informative and enjoyable. Both the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica are amazing landmarks to visit and admire. The gondola ride was a cool experience!
Venice guided tour.
Paul C.
Verified Review
February 06, 2026
Tour was excellent. Good paces The English speaking guide, Fillipe,was so knowledgeable about Venetian history, culture and art and humorous too. I would recommend this tour.
Great tour
Kirsten E.
Verified Review
January 12, 2026
Marco was a wonderful guide.
Highlights of Venice
Marie G.
Verified Review
January 09, 2026
Grazia is a warm and knowledgeable tour guide. We enjoyed the tour of Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica with her. She shared the history of these remarkable sites. We learned so much!
