Venice Full-Day Tour: Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Gondola

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Venice

   Discover the history, art and living traditions of Venice on a journey through its famous landmarks and atmospheric hidden corners. Explore the Rialto district, once the commercial heart of a powerful maritime republic. Walk through its historic market area and hear how merchants, trade and the iconic Rialto Bridge shaped the city’s fortunes. Follow winding lanes to the area traditionally associated with Marco Polo’s family home, where stories of his extraordinary journeys bring Venice’s connections with the East to life. Admire Santa Maria dei Miracoli, a Renaissance jewel box adorned with beautifully patterned marble. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica to marvel at its shimmering golden mosaics, then explore the t Doge’s Palace, where grand chambers reveal the wealth and authority of the Venetian Republic. Bridge of Sighs and discover the stories behind its historic prisons. Finish your experience with a traditional gondola ride, gliding along picturesque canals

   Pass by without stopping

2. Ponte di Rialto

   Discover Rialto, the historic trading heart of Venice, where merchants, bankers and sailors helped build the wealth of a maritime republic. For centuries, goods arriving from distant ports passed through this bustling district, connecting Venice with markets across Europe and the Mediterranean. Admire the Rialto Bridge, whose elegant stone arch has spanned the Grand Canal since 1591. Lined with shops, it remains one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and offers wonderful canal views. Explore the market area, where fish, seasonal vegetables and local produce reflect Venice’s close relationship with its lagoon. Learn how trade, banking and everyday shopping shaped this neighbourhood, and discover the stories behind its ancient commercial streets. Rialto offers a vivid glimpse into Venice’s past and its living traditions.

   60 minutes here

3. Through Venice’s Streets to St. Mark’s Continue on foot through lanes, bridges and small squares between Rialto and Piazza San Marco. Your guide will draw attention to details in the buildings and streets, giving you a sense of the city beyond its grand monuments. At St. Mark’s Square, take in the Basilica, Clock Tower, Campanile and Doge’s Palace together. Learn why the Republic placed its religious and political landmarks at the centre of Venetian public life.

   30 minutes here

4. St. Mark's Basilica

   Inside St. Mark’s Basilica During an approximately 40-minute guided visit, discover the golden mosaics, marble decoration and architectural influences that make St. Mark’s Basilica unlike other churches in Italy. Your guide will explain the Basilica’s historic connection to the Doge and help you read the stories told through its art. The visit also reveals how closely Venice was linked to the eastern Mediterranean through travel, trade and culture.

   40 minutes here · Admission included

5. Inside the Doge’s Palace Enter the Doge’s Palace to explore the rooms where Venice’s leaders met and the Republic’s affairs were conducted. As you move through its decorated chambers, your guide will explain the roles of its governing bodies and show how paintings and architecture communicated Venetian authority. Admire works by artists including Tintoretto and Veronese, then cross the Bridge of Sighs towards the New Prisons. The change from magnificent halls to prison corridors offers a striking final view of the Republic’s system of government and justice.

   120 minutes here · Admission included

6. Casa di Marco Polo

   Near the Church of San Giovanni Grisostomo, discover the area traditionally associated with Marco Polo’s family home. The original residence no longer survives, but Corte del Milion preserves the memory of Venice’s celebrated traveller. Born into a merchant family, Marco Polo journeyed across Asia along the trading routes connecting East and West. He reached the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler, and spent many years abroad. His account, known as Il Milione, introduced European readers to distant cities, cultures and customs. Its stories of magnificent palaces, thriving markets and unfamiliar traditions fascinated generations. This atmospheric corner of Venice offers a chance to reflect on the city’s remarkable connections with the wider world.

   30 minutes here

7. Admire Santa Maria dei Miracoli, one of Venice’s most enchanting Renaissance churches, tucked away beside a quiet canal. Built in the late 15th century by Pietro Lombardo and his workshop, it was created to house an image of the Virgin believed to perform miracles. Its façade is decorated with beautifully patterned marble, giving the church the appearance of a precious jewel box. Inside, coloured marble, delicate carvings and a richly decorated wooden ceiling create an intimate atmosphere. An elegant staircase leads to the raised chancel, where the revered image takes pride of place. Discover a masterpiece that reflects the devotion, artistry and generosity of Renaissance Venice.

   20 minutes here

8. Experience Venice from its most evocative viewpoint on a traditional gondola ride. Glide along picturesque canals, passing historic palaces, small bridges and hidden waterways. Admire the skill of your gondolier as you discover how these elegant boats became a symbol of Venice. Enjoy the gentle rhythm of the water and a fresh perspective on the city’s remarkable architecture. A memorable Venetian experience, offering time to relax and savour the beauty around you.

   30 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en, it

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 26 travelers per booking

Operated by

Venice Local Guide

Know before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos