Venice in a Day Combo Tour with Gondola Ride

• - Skip the line St. Mark’s Basilica tickets
• - Venice walking tour
• - Venice gondola ride
• - English-speaking guide

Meet in St. Mark's Square

Kick off your Venice in a Day Tour in one of the most famous piazzas in all of Italy - St. Mark's Square. After meeting your guide, learn the history of the iconic piazza. Dominating the square is St. Mark's Basilica, also known as the “Church of Gold." Learn all about the importance of Basilica di San Marco, when it was built and the impressive historical events it witnessed. 

In busy summer months, skip the line with your guide. During November through March, St. Mark's Basilica does not offer skip the line entry to tour groups. This is because the lines are generally non-existent.

St. Mark's is a sacred place, both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be refused entry to a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Venice are hot - a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

Walk to Rialto Bridge

After visiting St. Mark's Basilica, follow your local guide through the back streets that line some of Venice's most romantic canals towards your next tour stop, the iconic Rialto Bridge. Learn about the stories behind the gorgeous and historic bridge before crossing it and entering one of the best neighborhoods in Venice - the Rialto District. Remember to ask your guide where the best bacari (wine bars) and restaurants are so you can return later.

Hidden Gems of Venice

While visiting the best Venice Attractions is important, so is getting away from the crowds and experiencing Venice off the beaten path. Instead of taking well-trodden routes, our guides know how to navigate the smaller back streets. Tucked away in these streets are secret places you’d never think to look for, or simply pass by without noticing. This is the authentic side of Venice.

Gondola Ride in Venice

One thing you must do in the magical city of Venice is take a gondola. So, of course we included one on this tour. As the first part of your tour ends, your friendly English-speaking guide leaves you with a trusted gondolier for a scenic cruise down Venice's grand canal and other hidden canals. The gondola ride lasts for 30 minutes and is included in the price of the tour. After checking off this experience from your travel bucket list, it’s time to break for lunch.

Break for Lunch

After your gondola ride, grab a panino, a slice of pizza or enjoy some typical Venetian cicchetti with a glass of delicious vino (cost of lunch is not included in tour) near St. Mark’s Square. After lunch, wait for your guide at the original meeting spot in preparation for one of Venice’s most sought-after experiences - Doge’s Palace.

Doge's Palace History

Skip the line and go behind the scenes to see the best parts of this incredible Venetian Gothic palace. This is where powerful Doges (chief magistrate) ruled the Venetian Empire until 1797. Just think, this is the first thing that ships arriving in Venice saw upon arriving in the Floating City. Now, the palace stands a reminder of how law and order was carried out in Venice.