
Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 199 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola worth booking?
Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola is a 2.5-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $113 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 199 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (199)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $113 per person
Visit the iconic Doge's Palace in Venice on a small group guided tour. Head in faster with pre-reserved tickets and bypass the lines. Delve into Venetian history on a tour that showcases the highlights of the city. See the opulent apartments and the Hall of the Great Council at Doge's Palace. Take a walk over the Bridge of Sighs and see the Old Prisons. Choose to include an optional 30-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Discover the charming canals and picturesque spots of Venice by traditional gondola.
What you get
About this experience
Visit the iconic Doge's Palace in Venice on a small group guided tour. Head in faster with pre-reserved tickets and bypass the lines. Delve into Venetian history on a tour that showcases the highlights of the city. See the opulent apartments and the Hall of the Great Council at Doge's Palace. Take a walk over the Bridge of Sighs and see the Old Prisons. Choose to include an optional 30-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Discover the charming canals and picturesque spots of Venice by traditional gondola.
What's included
Included
- Skip the line tickets for Doge's Palace
- Expert local guides for insider knowledge
- Admission to Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana
- 30-minute Grand Canal gondola ride (if option selected)
- 2 hours guided tour at a relaxed pace
Not included
- Transport to the meeting spot
- Guided Tour of the Correr Museum
What you'll see and do
Piazza San Marco
Meet your expert guide at the famous St. Mark’s Square and start getting to know the city and its origins. See the most renowned public space in the city and, learn about its historical, social, and political importance. Learn about the Clock Tower and the Marble Lions which are all part of St Mark’s history.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Palazzo Ducale
Follow your guide at a relaxed pace to visit the Doge’s Palace with pre-reserved tickets straight into this opulent palazzo. Bypass the long lines to explore the political heart of an Empire. Learn about the supreme authority and wealth of the ruling Venetian Doges in the Gothic architecture of the palace. Ask about the talented 14th-century sculptors that worked on the palace and enjoy stunning views across the Lagoon as you explore this world-famous landmark.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Learn why the New Prisons were built, and understand the significance of the Bridge of Sighs, another highlight of Venice. Listen to the extraordinary story of the famous Casanova and his life in Venice. Leave your guide with enough knowledge to enjoy the rest of your stay in Venice on your own.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Museo Correr
Your admission ticket also includes entry to the Correr Museum on St. Mark's Square. The building was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy. Enjoy the Correr Museum at your own leisure after the guided tour has ended.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Choose to Include a Gondola Ride along the Grand Canal. Depending on your selected option, complete your tour of the Doge’s Palace with an enchanting gondola ride, the perfect end to your day in Venice. After exploring the palace's rich history, your local guide will take you to the nearby pier where you will board a traditional gondola. Step aboard a traditional gondola for a 30-minute journey through Venice's picturesque canals, passing hidden corners and magnificent palaces. This relaxing ride is a must-do experience to conclude your visit to Venice.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
We meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.”
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.”
Options you can book
Doges Palace & Private Gondola
Group Tour – Private Gondola: Choose this option for a 30-minute private gondola ride along the Grand Canal after the Doge's Palace visit.
Doges Palace - NO Gondola
Group Tour - NO Gondola: Choose this option if you are only planning to visit Doge's palace. This option does not include a gondola ride. Tour in English
Doges Palace & Shared Gondola
Group Tour & Shared Gondola: Choose this option for a 30-minute shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Tour in English
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 16 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Walks In Europe
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that if you take the 14:00 (2 pm) tour, Correr Museum will be closed before your tour finishes. Therefore, you will have Correr tickets for the next day.
- Please note that carrying any type of weapon or sharp objects, such as a knife, is not allowed for this tour.
- Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
- Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
- If you choose the optional gondola ride, your guide will lead you to the pier at the end of the Doge’s Palace tour.
- Please note that the gondola ride is shared with other participants from your tour, just like it’s always been in Venetian tradition.
- Each gondola accommodates up to 5 guests. If your group is larger, you’ll be placed on separate gondolas.
- Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, you will be contacted before your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 199 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
199 verified traveler reviews for Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fast pace palace & relaxing gondola
This was okay. a guided tour was a good idea for this one. it's very large and the guides have lots of historical information to share. if doing a self-guide audio tour it's hard to find your way around or to hear your audio guide with all the people and other guides around talking. However the guide moves fairly quickly so not a lot of time to get good focused pictures. Our guide was very enthusiastic about the art galleries inside. He spent a little too much time talking about his favorite artist then rushed through the last part of a tour which was the second floor and only had about 12 minutes to do that. he was moving so quickly and I had a hurt knee so was walking slowly but he lost me I had to find my way to the exit, stand in a huge line to use the one bathroom at the entire place before rushing over to our joint gondola ride to end the tour. The Joint gondola ride addon is absolutely worth it. it's much cheaper to do as an add-on to your tour then to do a gondola ride by itself they are 70 to 100 euros per ride. It was shared with just one other couple so only four people in the gondola lasted 30 minutes was a beautiful ride.
via Tripadvisor
Terrible Gondola Experience
The gondola trip was terrible... none of the 4 in our party were seated together. Congestion during the trip was miserable and was not corrected. Approximately 15 - 20 gondola were backed up in the canals causing more stopping than traveling. No attempt was made to take an alternate route! Our gondolier didn't understand English and was constantly distracted by others. A Waste of Time and money. Do not use Viator for Venice experiences.
Response from the operator: Gondolas are traditionally used to transport people through Venice’s canals. Although they have become associated with romance, a shared gondola ride offers a different experience from a private excursion, with other passengers on board and canal traffic that can interrupt the journey. This experience includes a shared gondola ride with other guests. Seating is allocated on board, and seats together cannot be guaranteed. The gondolier navigates the boat; guided commentary is not included during the ride. Canal traffic may cause pauses along the route. For an exclusive experience for your party, please choose a private gondola option.
via Viator
Great value if looking...
Great value if looking for a last minute gondola ride. Expect to spend time in the Doge palace or basilica beforehand.
via Viator
Anna was very...
Anna was very knowledgeable and kind, was everything just perfect. We can recommended for everybody.
via Viator
Italy 🇮🇹
Excellent tour guide was knowledgeable and made everyone feel comfortable 😀
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $113 to $219
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 70
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Walks In Europe, who run 33 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.9.
See everything Walks In Europe runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola cost?
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Prices start at $113 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 Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola 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 Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 199 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 Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola?
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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 Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola 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 Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola?
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Around 70 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 Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola 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 Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola?
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Included: Skip the line tickets for Doge's Palace; Expert local guides for insider knowledge; Admission to Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana; 30-minute Grand Canal gondola ride (if option selected); and 2 hours guided tour at a relaxed pace. Not included: Transport to the meeting spot; and Guided Tour of the Correr Museum. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola?
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We meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.” Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola offered in?
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It is offered in German and English. 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 Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola?
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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.
What happens to Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola 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: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola?
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Across 199 reviews averaging 4.6 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.
What booking options are available for Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Doges Palace & Private Gondola, Doges Palace - NO Gondola, Doges Palace & Shared Gondola. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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