Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas in Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy

Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas

Outty Ranking 42 3.5 · 4 traveler reviews2.8 hoursFrom $163
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Outty Ranking

42/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.5/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas worth booking?

Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas is a 2.8-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $163 per person. It scores 42 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.5/5 rating across 4 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
42 / 100
Rating
3.5/5 (4)
Duration
2.8 hours
From
$163 per person

Enjoy a visit to the Doge’s Palace, the seat of Venetian political power. Admire its marvelous rooms full of history and masterpieces of paintings. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the most majestic cathedrals in the world. Enjoy the visit of this masterpiece of Byzantine art, unique of its kind in Italy. Have the pleasure to savor beautiful gold mosaics and marble inlays of the floors, your guide will show you the represented biblical scenes, the history and the particularities of this ancient basilica. Have a gondola tour along the Grand Canal and minor canals.

What you get

    About this experience

    Enjoy a visit to the Doge’s Palace, the seat of Venetian political power. Admire its marvelous rooms full of history and masterpieces of paintings. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the most majestic cathedrals in the world. Enjoy the visit of this masterpiece of Byzantine art, unique of its kind in Italy. Have the pleasure to savor beautiful gold mosaics and marble inlays of the floors, your guide will show you the represented biblical scenes, the history and the particularities of this ancient basilica. Have a gondola tour along the Grand Canal and minor canals.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local guide
    • Skip the line ticket
    • 30 minutes Gondola ride

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Transportation to/from attractions

    What you'll see and do

    1. Palazzo Ducale

      The Doge’s Palace represented for centuries the seat of the Venetian political power. In his splendid rooms, plastered and immersed in hundreds of masterpieces of painting, the Duke and his Council controlled the fate of a thousand-year history republic. The halls of power, plunging visitors in a very particular historical context: the European Middle Ages and the immediately following centuries. Be surprised of the rich details of the gold staircase, of the realism of the scenes depicted by many artists who have decorated this building, relive the anguish of the prisoners crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, and entering the Venetian prisons, famous for hosting Giacomo Casanova.

      75 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Basilica di San Marco

      Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the most majestic cathedrals in the world. Enjoy the visit of this masterpiece of Byzantine art, unique of its kind in Italy. Have the pleasure to savor beautiful gold mosaics and marble inlays of the floors, sitting comfortably while your guide will show you the represented biblical scenes, the history and the particularities of this ancient basilica. Enjoy the view of the treasury, a splendor of religious art collected along the centuries.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Board a gondola for a tour along the Grand Canal and minor canals

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Venice

    Calle Larga Ascensione in front of the Post office in St. Mark’s square, look for a guy with a sign with TOUR written on it.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Calle Larga Ascensione in front of the Post office in St. Mark’s square, look for a guy with a sign with TOUR written on it.

    Options you can book

    • Spanish tour

    • English tour

    • French tour

    • German tour

    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 between 1 and 3 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 1 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 25 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Destination Venice

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The gondola tour does not include language services
    • Please note that this tour is not guaranteed and subject to adverse weather conditions
    • Proper clothing (no shorts or tank tops) will be required while visiting the basilica
    • For security reasons, backpacks will not be allowed
    • 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
    • Basilica tickets official price is 12€ per person for Tour Operators
    • AM: 9:15am Gondola ride + 10:45 Basilica and Doge's Palace visits
    • PM: 2:45pm Basilica and Doge's Palace visits + 5:15pm Gondola ride

    Photos

    St. Mark's Basilica, Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas in VenicePalazzo Ducale, Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas in VeniceSt. Mark's Basilica, Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas in VeniceSala del Maggior Consiglio - Palazzo Ducale, Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas in VeniceMosaics on St. Mark's Basilica, Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas in VenicePalazzo Ducale, Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas in Venice

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    1 mention

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    1 mention

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    1 mention

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Physical effort

    1 mention

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Linda_W · June 2026

    All three were nice but...

    All three were nice but not worth the money I feel. Depends on when you go, would just buy ticket there and go see on your own, especially if you have limited time there.

    via Viator

    Jessica_C · June 2025

    Great but hot and humid

    It was great tour but it was just too hot and humid. Lots of information. There should be a water break after the church. The palace was very humid. The gondola ride felt rushed but was refreshing. Lots of walking.

    via Viator

    Jane_R · May 2024

    Great Tour and guide

    Easy to find meeting place. Tour guide was prompt, very knowledgeable, easy to understand and very likeable.

    via Viator

    Jennifer C · October 2019

    Waste of money for the gondola

    Palace tour was great. Great but wished i didnt waste my money for the gondola part. Extremely disappointed. Crammed 6 strangets in one gondola and didny even get to sit next to my husband who was on the othet side of the gondola. Had a small chair on the side and my back hurt the while time. Extremely uncomfortable and i was next to people i didnt know. The description shoulf have stated i wouldnt get a ptivate gondola with my husband.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2.8 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
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Destination Venice, who run 18 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 41.9.

    See everything Destination Venice runs

    Why this scores 42

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)54
    Review evidence (18% weight)22
    Booking momentum (14% weight)11
    Value for money (12% weight)84
    Listing quality (10% weight)78
    Local standing (8% weight)29
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.

    How much does Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas cost?

    +

    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 Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas take?

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    Plan for about 2.8 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 Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 42 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.5/5 across 4 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 Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas?

    +

    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 Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas?

    +

    Around 1 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?

    +

    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 2.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas?

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    Included: Local guide; Skip the line ticket; and 30 minutes Gondola ride. Not included: Gratuities; and Transportation to/from attractions. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas?

    +

    Calle Larga Ascensione in front of the Post office in St. Mark’s square, look for a guy with a sign with TOUR written on it. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas offered in?

    +

    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 Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas?

    +

    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.

    What happens to Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas?

    +

    Across 4 reviews averaging 3.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    What booking options are available for Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas?

    +

    There are 4 options to choose from, including Spanish tour, English tour, French tour, German tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Public tour: Doge's Palace with St. Mark's Basilica & Gondolas.

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