from

$142

Venice

Skip-the-Line Doge's Palace Tour with Gondola Ride

Trusted PartnerSkip the Line

Cross the Bridge of Sighs & follow in Casanova's footsteps (but not all the way to a rooftop escape)

Trusted PartnerSkip the Line

2 h 30 min


Max 12 Guests

reserve now, pay later logo
The lines for Doge's Palace Tours are notorious, and trying to book a great gondola tour on the same day is a recipe for vacation stress. Stop worrying! We have the expert-approved solution: a small-group Doges Palace Tour with guaranteed skip-the-line access, led by an English-speaking guide who brings its epic history, including the iconic Bridge of Sighs, to life. This Venice tour also includes a shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal to check off your Venice bucket list.

What's included

Expert English-speaking guide

Skip-the-line tickets to Doge's Palace

Bridge of Sighs

Hall of the Great Council

Entrance to Correr Museum

New prisons

Hotel Pickup/ Drop Off

Gratuities

Itinerary

Meet your guide

Your tour begins at the meeting point in St. Mark's Square. You will explore the city's most famous public space and learn about its rich historical and political importance.

The Doge's Palace

Follow your guide directly into the opulent Doge's Palace using your skip-the-line tickets to bypass the long lines. You will explore the political heart of an empire and see the wealth and power of the Venetian Doges.

The Bridge of Sighs & Prisons

You will cross the unmissable Bridge of Sighs and continue to the Old and New Prisons.Here, you will discover the history behind the bridge's name and hear the extraordinary tale of Casanova's life in Venice.

Gondola Ride

The tour concludes with a classic Venetian gondola ride. Your guide will lead you to the nearby pier for a 30-minute journey through Venice’s picturesque canals and past hidden corners.

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!

Sun, 27 Sep 2026

Meeting and drop-off point

Meet your guide in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe”.

Important Details

Doge's Palace and Gondola Full Tour Description

Your 2.5-hour tour includes:

  • Expert English-speaking guide

  • Skip-the-line tickets and guided tour of Doge’s Palace

  • Guided visit to St. Mark's Square

  • A walk over the Bridge of Sighs

  • A shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal

  • Admission to the Correr Museum (to be explored on your own)

  • Max group size of 15

St. Mark’s Square: The Heart of Venice

Begin your journey in the most famous public space in Venice, St. Mark’s Square. As your local expert guide leads you through the square, you will learn about its historical, social, and political importance. Take in the grand architecture of the Clock Tower and the Marble Lions, all part of St. Mark’s rich history.

The Opulent Doge’s Palace

Next, follow your guide directly into the Doge’s Palace using your skip-the-line tickets to bypass those waiting in general admission. At a relaxed pace, you will explore the political heart of an empire and see the supreme authority and wealth of the Venetian Doges. Admire the Gothic architecture of this palazzo and enjoy stunning views across the Lagoon.

The Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs

After touring the palace, you will continue to New Prisons. Understand the significance of the unmissable Bridge of Sighs as you cross it. You will also listen to the extraordinary tale of Casanova and his life in Venice.

Your Gondola Grand Finale

Your tour concludes with a classic Venetian gondola ride. Your guide will lead you to the nearby pier where you will board a traditional gondola for a 30-minute journey. Glide past hidden corners and magnificent palaces on this relaxing ride, a must-do experience to end your day in Venice.

Your admission ticket also grants entry to the Correr Museum on St. Mark’s Square. Napoleon originally commissioned the building as a residence, and later it served as the Venetian home of the King of Italy. After the tour, explore the Correr Museum at your own pace with your pre-reserved ticket. This ticket can also be used at the National Archeological Museum and Biblioteca Marciana.

Please note: The gondola ride is shared with other participants from your tour, just like it’s always been in Venetian tradition. Each gondola accommodates up to 5 guests. If your group is larger, you’ll be placed on separate gondolas.

Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, you will be contacted before your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.

See what people are saying

4.88

167 Ratings

5

154

4

6

3

7

2

0

1

0

Awesome Tour

David D.

Verified Review

July 06, 2026

Very well planned tour, we met easily and was escorted in without any wait. The tour was well guided and they showed us everything and explained the history very well. Highly recommend!

Alissa F.

Verified Review

July 05, 2026

Venice experience

Joseph P.

Verified Review

June 29, 2026

A rather fantastic tour. As a multiple/ repeat client I have never had anything less an excellent tour experience. Keep up the good work!

Guide was Good

Claudia L.

Verified Review

April 30, 2026

Our guide was good but the hearing devices were terrible. If you can’t hear your guide then you lose the value of the guide. We saw many parts of the Doge Palace and the bridge of Sighs. The gondola ride is just that and nothing more. There is no commentary from the gondolier.

Tour and gondola

Desiree L.

Verified Review

March 27, 2026

Had a great time at the dodge palace tour and learned a lot with the guide. Also, had access to the corredor museum. Now, the gondola ride was another story and I know this is not the tour guide fault (reason i gave full starts). During the gondola ride, the gondola man was very serious almost too bother to take us. No info provided during the trip. I ask some questions and he replied very dry. I try to take a picture from far and was told to sit down. My husband notice that the gondola was lower on one side so he shift a little to the opposite side to level it up and he was scolded…gondola ride experience was not as expected.

From Venice with Love!

Amber B.

Verified Review

March 19, 2026

Great tour guide and tour of the Doge Palace! We learned a lot of information from her and the palace was stunning. The gondola ride was magical for our entire party!! I highly recommend The Tour Guy!

Silvana D.

Verified Review

October 28, 2025

Waiting on resolution. Gondola ride was not included and tour operator was rude and non-responsive.

Classic Venice Dream

James M.

Verified Review

October 10, 2025

Couldn’t ask for more: palace, Bridge of Sighs, gondola ride. All perfect.

Royal Escape

Willie C.

Verified Review

October 07, 2025

Loved skipping the long lines! The Doge's Palace was so grand, and the guide was super funny. Ending with a gondola ride was pure magic.

Canal Serenity

Donna G.

Verified Review

October 05, 2025

Perfect mix of culture and relaxation! We felt special skipping lines, hearing real stories, and gliding through the canals. Highly worth it.

Smile Through Venice

Matthew L.

Verified Review

October 03, 2025

Pure joy throughout — skipping lines, hearing stories, gliding past Venice’s charm.

Beautiful Experience

David W.

Verified Review

September 26, 2025

So glad we booked this! Small group, friendly guide, and that gondola ride across quiet waters was everything we imagined.

Bright Venice Afternoon

Alexander C.

Verified Review

September 23, 2025

Sunlight made the palace shine. Gondola ride was warm, slow, and relaxing.

Bridge To Bliss

Juan K.

Verified Review

September 19, 2025

Walked historic halls, crossed the Bridge of Sighs, and found pure bliss gliding through canals.

Casanova Tales

Matthew W.

Verified Review

September 17, 2025

Hearing stories of Casanova while standing in the old prison was chilling! Great guide, small group, and smooth gondola experience.

Peace After Grandeur

Kayla O.

Verified Review

September 15, 2025

Quiet gondola past bridges felt even better after the lively palace walkthrough.

Grand Views

Eric M.

Verified Review

September 13, 2025

From golden ceilings to dreamy canals, every moment was wonderful. Guides were warm and funny, and we skipped all the long lines!

Hidden Corners

Maria E.

Verified Review

September 11, 2025

Our guide showed us places we would’ve missed alone. Peaceful gondola finish was the perfect ending to a fun afternoon.

Venice In Layers

Denise H.

Verified Review

September 09, 2025

Loved how the tour revealed history, beauty, and hidden corners. Gondola ride was icing on the cake.

Worth It

Sandra S.

Verified Review

September 07, 2025

Great guide, great pace, and zero stress. The palace was breathtaking, and that gondola ride? Just magical.

Gondola Bliss

Russell H.

Verified Review

September 05, 2025

The mix of history and romance was perfect. Learned so much about Venice while enjoying calm canal views.

Endless Photo Spots

Theresa A.

Verified Review

September 03, 2025

Both palace and gondola ride gave amazing pictures. Will treasure them forever.

Story And Scenery

Gregory P.

Verified Review

September 01, 2025

Guide mixed history with lovely views. Gondola gave us calm waters after exciting palace tour.

Palace Romance Waters

Corey R.

Verified Review

August 30, 2025

The palace and gondola ride felt romantic. Perfect way to see Venice.

Palace Perfection

Karen O.

Verified Review

August 28, 2025

The skip-the-line access made everything easy. The guide’s stories made the palace come alive. Ended with relaxing gondola vibes.

FAQs

Where to meet?

Meet your guide in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe”.

What to bring?

Please bring a government issued ID to check in for the tour. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as this tour involves walking. You can also consider wearing a rain coat as Venetian weather can be unpredictable.

Is this tour mobility accessible?

Unfortunately, this tour is not mobility accessible as it includes an ancient monument with narrow passage ways, stairs, and cobblestone.

Does this tour include entry into St. Marks Basilica?

No, St. Marks Basilica is not included on the tour. Consider our St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride.

Will the gondola ride be private?

The gondola ride follows traditional Venetian practices and is shared with other participants from your tour. Each gondola carries up to five guests. If your group is larger, we will place you in separate gondolas.

What if it rains?

Acqua Alta (High Tide) in Venice can cause delays in entering the Doge’s Palace. Additionally, the palace authority may decide to suspend skip-the-line priority, especially around the months of October, November, and December. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, you will be contacted before your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.

Does this tour included a guided visit to the Correr Museum?

No, your admission ticket grants entry into the Correr Museum on St. Mark’s Square. After the tour, explore the Correr Museum at your own pace with your pre-reserved ticket. This ticket can also be used at the National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana.