Venice in a Day Combo Tour with Gondola Ride

• Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark’s Basilica

• Skip-the-line tickets to Doge's Palace

• Walking tour of Venice's quieter areas

• Venetian gondola ride

• An English-speaking tour guide

Meet in St. Mark's Square

Kick off your Venice in a Day Combo Tour in one of the most famous piazzas in all of Italy: St. Mark's Square or Piazza San Marco. You'll enjoy the view of St. Mark's Basilica that's also known as the "Church of Gold." Learn all about the importance of the basilica, when it was built, and the impressive historical events it witnessed. 

If you're here during the busy summer months, you'll appreciate skipping the line with your guide. If you're here from November through March, St. Mark's Basilica does not offer skip-the-line entry to any tour groups since there are almost no lines at all.

St. Mark's is a sacred place, which means both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be refused entry during this portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Venice are hot, so 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 along Venice's canals towards your next tour stop, the iconic Rialto Bridge. Learn about the stories behind the gorgeous and historic bridge before crossing over to 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 Venice's most popular 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 for an experience most tourists don't get.

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. Here your guide will leave you with a trusted gondolier for a short, scenic cruise down Venice's Grand Canal and other hidden canals.

Break for Lunch

After your gondola ride, your guide will lead you back to St. Mark's Square and mention several great spots for you to enjoy lunch on your own. Enjoy a panino, a slice of pizza, or enjoy some typical Venetian cicchetti (small plates of food) with a glass of delicious wine. (Lunch not included.)

Be sure to head back to your original meeting point so your guide can prepare you to see 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 palace. This is where powerful doges (chief magistrates) 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.