
Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice
Traveler rating
3.8/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice worth booking?
Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice is a 2.5-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $163 per person. It scores 41 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 19 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 41 / 100
- Rating
- 3.8/5 (19)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $163 per person
Enjoy an afternoon in Venice discovering Saint Mark's masterpieces and wonders. Visit the Doge's palace and the Saint Marks Basilica and then enjoy a traditional gondola ride through the venetian canals. • See the iconic sights of Venice from the land and the water • Save with this experience that includes 3 of the best-selling tours in Venice • Skip the line and waste your time on holiday!
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy an afternoon in Venice discovering Saint Mark's masterpieces and wonders. Visit the Doge's palace and the Saint Marks Basilica and then enjoy a traditional gondola ride through the venetian canals. • See the iconic sights of Venice from the land and the water • Save with this experience that includes 3 of the best-selling tours in Venice • Skip the line and waste your time on holiday!
What's included
Included
- S.Luca, S. Maria del Giglio, S. Maria del Rosario vulgo Gesuati, S. Maria Formosa
- Access to the National Archaeological Museum, the monumental rooms of Marciana National Library
- Pinacoteca Manfrediniana, Madonna dell'orto - S. Alvise, S. Andrea de la Zirada, S. Antonin
- S. Giovanni in Bragora, S. Marcuola, S. Maria dei Miracoli, S. Maria del Carmelo vulgo Carmini
- Live tour commentary provided in English, French, Spanish or German
- The tickets for the Basilica allow you to visit (within 6 months) the following sites
- Santuario di Lucia - SS. Redentore, The Human Safety Net
- S. Simeon Piccolo, S. Sofia, S. Stae, S. Stefano, S. Trovaso
- Personal audio system and headset for tour commentary
- Professional local guide
- S. Beneto, S. Fantin, S. Felice, S. Giacomo dell’Orio, S. Giobbe, S. Giovanni elemosinario
- The tickets for the Doge's Palace allow you to visit: Bridge of Sighs, Armory, Correr Museum
- Classic 30 min gondola ride
- Skip the line entrance and guided tour to the Saint Marks Basilica and Doge's Palace
- S. Martino di Castello, S. Marziale, S. Pietro di Castello, S. Polo, S. Samuele, S. Sebastiano
- Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (Torcello), Sacrestia della Basilica della Salute
- Pre-reserved tickets for St. Mark's basilica (€12) and Doge's Palace (€35)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Gondola ride is not guided
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Pala d'oro
- Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli on the 1st floor
- Secret itineraries
- The Hidden Treasures of the Doge
What you'll see and do
Meet your guide 15 min before the departure time in calle larga the l'ascension at the wooden kiosk next the post office. Look for the Turive assistant.
Pass by without stopping
Piazza San Marco
Your guide will provide you with a wealth of information regarding Saint Mark's Square and then accompany you on a detailed tour of the Golden Basilica from Saint Mark's square, once the private chapel of the Doge of Venice, the only one of its kind in Italy, thanks to the sumptuous golden mosaics and impressive marble inlay flooring.
20 minutes here
Basilica di San Marco
During the tour you will be able absorb the atmosphere whilst listening to your guide who will describe the biblical scenes represented throughout the building, together with history and particularities of this ancient Basilica.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Palazzo Ducale
Our guide will accompany you to the Doge’s Palace, which dominates Saint Mark's Square, the heart of Venice. Once inside the Palace, you will visit the halls where the Duke (Doge) and his Council controlled the fate of the Serene Republic, whilst surrounded by hundreds of artistic masterpieces and discover the political history of Venice and its people. You will be able to admire the paintings realised by some of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance, amongst them, the world's largest oil painting by Tintoretto. Passing through the famous Bridge of Sighs, you will reach the new prisons. The bridge was given its name by the English poet Lord Byron, probably referring to the last breath of the prisoners, who had their last view of the lagoon and of Venice from the window of this bridge, before they were to be imprisoned.
60 minutes here · Admission included
After a small break return the the meeting point and show your voucher for the gondola ride. Relax aboard this historic vessel, enjoying the thrills of both the Grand Canal and minor canals. Admire Venice from this amazing point of view, witness its magnificent architecture and whilst gliding under its bridges, discover secret entrances to the elegant palaces and hidden corners. APRIL - OCTOBER 14.45 - 15.45 Saint Mark's Basilica tour 17.15 - 17.45 Gondola tour NOVEMBER - MARCH 13.45 - 14.45 Saint Mark's Basilica tour 15.00 - 15.30 Gondola tour
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
15 min before in Calle larga de l’Ascension - 30124 (behind the Correr museum on the opposite side of the Saint Marks Basilica). Look for the TURIVE assistant next to the post office San Marco.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends with the gondola ride in campo San Moisè.
Options you can book
Spanish
English
French
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- de, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Venice Events srl
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- -> APRIL-OCTOBER Doge's Palace & Basilica departure at 14:45 (2 H 15 MIN) ->NOVEMBER-MARCH Doge's Palace at 11.45 (1 H 15 MIN) Basilica at 13.45 (1 H)
- -> APRIL-OCTOBER Gondola ride departure at 17:15 (30 MIN) -> NOVEMBER-MARCH Gondola ride departure at 15.00 (30 MIN)
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
- Each traveler must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the name provided at the time of booking for successful entry to St. Mark’s Basilica.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
18 verified traveler reviews for Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An afternoon in Venice
We ended up having a private tour due to the timing of our tour. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, friendly, and outgoing. So much information and little known facts were shared for both the Basilica and Doge Palace. The end of the tour ended with the gondola ride which was the best way to end our day! The whole family recommends this tour/excursion.
Response from the operator: Hello Donna, Thank you for your feedback. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you again in the future.
via Viator
Easy, no frills experience
Combined tour with gondola ride. Smooth admission and knowledgeable guide. No frills experience.
Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for your feedback. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you again in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Not worth it I would’ve been better to go on our own
Well, our guide was a very sweet woman. She didn’t really interact with us as guests and she acted like an art history, major just pointing at the obvious and throwing dates and basic historical facts at us. There were no stories nothing to make the tour interesting or come alive. And it was very hard to understand her.
Response from the operator: Hello Hesha, Thank you for your kind feedback and for joining our tour. Your keen insights help us improve the experience we are dedicated to improve everyday. Thank you and sending kind regards, Team Venice Events
via Viator
Amazing Venice
Fantastic guided tour, Our tour guide was brilliant, her English outstanding, her knowledge was amazing, friendly & helpful. The visit to the Doges Palace & Brisciaic was superb. Gondala ride wonderful, saw parts of Venice we had not been to. Would recommend this to everyone. Thanks for a wonderful day.
Response from the operator: Hello Jeff, Thank you for your feedback. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you again in the future.
via Viator
Perfecto!
Rosanna was fabulous. I’m not sure that I spelled her name correctly. She gave very informative and fun to listen to facts about Saint Marks as well as Doge Palace. We also got to walk across the Bridge of Sighs, which was an important part of visiting the Doge Palace for me. She let us spend whatever time we needed to take pictures or ask questions. She was very personable and friendly. We really enjoyed her! When we got done, we went back to the original meeting place as per instructions and no one was there, but within about five minutes, one of our guys showed up and took us to the gondola ride, which was again amazing! The highlight of coming to Venice! I can’t say enough wonderful things about this tour. I felt like we had a fabulous experience and the price was very reasonable.
Response from the operator: Hello Debbie, Thank you for your feedback. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to welcome you again in the future.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Venice Events srl, who run 18 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.8.
See everything Venice Events srl runsWhy this scores 41
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice cost?
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Prices start at $163 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Venice usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Venice is not rushed.
Is Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 41 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Venice, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Venice can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Venice and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Venice within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Venice?
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On Outty we rank every Venice experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Venice Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with wine by Cooking Italy, Eating Venice Small Group Food & Drinks Tour, Tour of The Real Hidden Venice. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Venice?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice?
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Included: S.Luca, S. Maria del Giglio, S. Maria del Rosario vulgo Gesuati, S. Maria Formosa; Access to the National Archaeological Museum, the monumental rooms of Marciana National Li; Pinacoteca Manfrediniana, Madonna dell'orto - S. Alvise, S. Andrea de la Zirada, S. Antoni; S. Giovanni in Bragora, S. Marcuola, S. Maria dei Miracoli, S. Maria del Carmelo vulgo Car; and Live tour commentary provided in English, French, Spanish or German. Not included: Gratuities; Gondola ride is not guided; Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Pala d'oro. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice?
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15 min before in Calle larga de l’Ascension - 30124 (behind the Correr museum on the opposite side of the Saint Marks Basilica). Look for the TURIVE assistant next to the post office San Marco. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Venice. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice?
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Across 19 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, organization. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Afternoon Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola Ride in Venice?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Spanish, English, French. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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