Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 32 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride worth booking?
Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride is a 6-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $168 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 32 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (32)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $168 per person
Discover the very best of Venice on an exclusive 5h-hour private walking tour combined with a classic gondola ride. Enjoy skip-the-line access to the breathtaking St. Mark's Basilica and the magnificent Doge’s Palace, wh
What you get
About this experience
Discover the very best of Venice on an exclusive 5h-hour private walking tour combined with a classic gondola ride. Enjoy skip-the-line access to the breathtaking St. Mark's Basilica and the magnificent Doge’s Palace, where centuries of history, art, and power come to life. Stroll through the city’s most iconic sights, including the world-famous Rialto Bridge, while your private local guide reveals hidden stories, legends, and secrets of the floating city. End your experience in true Venetian style with a romantic private gondola ride along the canals, gliding beneath elegant bridges and past historic palaces. Entrance fees are included, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey through Venice’s timeless beauty.
What's included
Included
- Gondola Ride
- Local guide
- ADMISSION TICKETS FRO :Doge's Palace 35 EURO EACH and Basilica 12 EURO EACH
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch is not included but the local guide can give you great recommendations
- pick up /drop off from hotel
What you'll see and do
Piazza San Marco
Meet your private guide in St. Mark's Square at the appointed time to begin your walking tour.
60 minutes here
Basilica di San Marco
Your guide will point out how Eastern architecture and Western design came together to create this unique church. In a special extended tour of the Basilica you will hear how St. Mark’s remains arrived in Venice illegally, and see a myriad of treasures - some made in the city and others plundered during the crusades. Of particular interest are the 11th-century mosaics, some of the few treasures that have survived the Basilica’s floods and fires over the centuries. Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Palazzo Ducale
Begin with a skip-the-line tour of the Doge's Palace to admire the beautiful ceilings with frescoes by Tintoretto and walls adorned with paintings by Veronese. You will see the wooden slot where accusations of treason were passed to the Secret Police and of course the Bridge of Sighs. Did you know that Casanova, Venice’s famous lover and writer, was imprisoned in one of the palace's prison attics before managing to escape? Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Ponte di Rialto
Continue your walking tour of Venice to see sights such as Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Santa Maria Formosa, Fondamenta Nova, the Church of Holy Apostles, Marco Polo's House, and the Rialto Bridge. This famous marble bridge was a Venetian folly, running well over budget when built but now beloved and admired by Venice’s residents and visitors alike who like to watch as the sunlight dances on the smooth stone surface and the bridge is reflected in the river below. Your day ends with something only Venice can offer - a private gondola ride. As you wish a fond farewell to your guide you will begin a peaceful and intimate trip along Venice’s famous canals with your very own gondolier. Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
30 minutes here
San Polo
Continue your walking tour of Venice to see sights such as Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Santa Maria Formosa, Fondamenta Nova, the Church of Holy Apostles, Marco Polo's House, and the Rialto Bridge. This famous marble bridge was a Venetian folly, running well over budget when built but now beloved and admired by Venice’s residents and visitors alike who like to watch as the sunlight dances on the smooth stone surface and the bridge is reflected in the river below. Your day ends with something only Venice can offer - a private gondola ride. As you wish a fond farewell to your guide you will begin a peaceful and intimate trip along Venice’s famous canals with your very own gondolier. Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
30 minutes here
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
Continue your walking tour of Venice to see sights such as Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Santa Maria Formosa, Fondamenta Nova, the Church of Holy Apostles, Marco Polo's House, and the Rialto Bridge. This famous marble bridge was a Venetian folly, running well over budget when built but now beloved and admired by Venice’s residents and visitors alike who like to watch as the sunlight dances on the smooth stone surface and the bridge is reflected in the river below. Your day ends with something only Venice can offer - a private gondola ride. As you wish a fond farewell to your guide you will begin a peaceful and intimate trip along Venice’s famous canals with your very own gondolier. Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
30 minutes here
Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli
Continue your walking tour of Venice to see sights such as Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Santa Maria Formosa, Fondamenta Nova, the Church of Holy Apostles, Marco Polo's House, and the Rialto Bridge. This famous marble bridge was a Venetian folly, running well over budget when built but now beloved and admired by Venice’s residents and visitors alike who like to watch as the sunlight dances on the smooth stone surface and the bridge is reflected in the river below. Your day ends with something only Venice can offer - a private gondola ride. As you wish a fond farewell to your guide you will begin a peaceful and intimate trip along Venice’s famous canals with your very own gondolier. Enjoy privileged access to the attractions visited, and all entry tickets are included. Immerse yourself in Venetian culture during this private tour.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
The meeting point is next to the Lion Pillar
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting point is next to the Lion Pillar
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Raphael Tours & Events
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- 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
- BASILICA ENTRY TICKETS 12 EURO EACH INCLUDED IN THE PRICE DOGE'S PALACE ENTRY TICKETS 35 EURO EACH INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 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 32 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
32 verified traveler reviews for Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
In Denise we had a most...
In Denise we had a most womderful tour guide. The Doge Palace was the highlight of the tour. The gondola ride was a great way to end the day
via Viator
Private tour of Saint Marks and the Doge
A last minute snag with our credit card forced us to move up to a private tour. Our group of six was very happy with our private guide, Brankica. We learned much about the history and lore of the Doge and St Mark’s cathedral. She was efficient and focused in her presentations and very proud of her city. Our visit to the Rialto bridge and surrounding area and the gondola ride were also accompanied by great local insight. What a fun way to scoop up knowledge and great memories of Venice. Spending the additional money for a private tour is very well worth it particularly if you’re lucky enough to have Brankica as your guide.
via Viator
Great Venice experience
Denice has been our favorite guide ever! She was so knowledgeable & was able to answer all our questions. She hit all the highlights of Venice with ease and her joyful & bubbly personality made it a great time!! We highly recommend this tour & guide to everyone.
via Viator
Donata is the best!
Our guide, Donata, was fantastic and a great pleasure to work with. Would work with her every time friends or family come to Venice.
via Viator
Great walking tour
The walking tour with Denise was awesome. She was so informative and had great bits of information to add and make it enjoyable. We had a change of tour guides for Doge’s palace. Don’t need one for there. She just said what was on the walls signs. Her English was not easy to understand. They did not purchase Chapel tickets early enough to get us in so we did not get to see it. I booked 3 months ahead!!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $168 to $1210
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride cost?
+
Prices start at $168 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 Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride take?
+
Plan for about 6 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 Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 32 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Venice, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride?
+
Around 11 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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride 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 Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine in Venice, Eating Venice Small Group Food & Drinks Tour, Venice Bacaro Food Tour: Eat and Drink like a Venetian. 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.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Skip the Line: Best of Venice Private Tour Including San Marco Doges' Palace and Gondola Ride.
Pick your date
