from
$140
Skip-the-Line Doge's Palace Tour with Gondola Ride
Cross the Bridge of Sighs & follow in Casanova's footsteps (but not all the way to a rooftop escape)
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!
Sat, 17 Oct 2026
Meeting and drop-off point
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
168 verified ratings
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What reviewers sayPowered by Cicero AIBETA
Reviewers frequently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides who bring the Doge's Palace history to life, enhancing the overall experience. Many also describe the gondola ride as peaceful and magical, providing a charming and relaxing conclusion to the tour, though some note the gondolier offers no commentary and can be less engaging.
Rose H.
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September 28, 2026
Awesome Tour
David D.
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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.
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July 05, 2026
Venice experience
Joseph P.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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October 28, 2025
Waiting on resolution. Gondola ride was not included and tour operator was rude and non-responsive.
Classic Venice Dream
James M.
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October 10, 2025
Couldn’t ask for more: palace, Bridge of Sighs, gondola ride. All perfect.
Royal Escape
Willie C.
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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.
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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.
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October 03, 2025
Pure joy throughout — skipping lines, hearing stories, gliding past Venice’s charm.
Beautiful Experience
David W.
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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.
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September 23, 2025
Sunlight made the palace shine. Gondola ride was warm, slow, and relaxing.
Bridge To Bliss
Juan K.
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September 19, 2025
Walked historic halls, crossed the Bridge of Sighs, and found pure bliss gliding through canals.
Casanova Tales
Matthew W.
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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.
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September 15, 2025
Quiet gondola past bridges felt even better after the lively palace walkthrough.
Grand Views
Eric M.
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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.
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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.
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September 09, 2025
Loved how the tour revealed history, beauty, and hidden corners. Gondola ride was icing on the cake.
Worth It
Sandra S.
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September 07, 2025
Great guide, great pace, and zero stress. The palace was breathtaking, and that gondola ride? Just magical.
Gondola Bliss
Russell H.
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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.
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September 03, 2025
Both palace and gondola ride gave amazing pictures. Will treasure them forever.
Story And Scenery
Gregory P.
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September 01, 2025
Guide mixed history with lovely views. Gondola gave us calm waters after exciting palace tour.
Palace Romance Waters
Corey R.
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August 30, 2025
The palace and gondola ride felt romantic. Perfect way to see Venice.