Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 139 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola worth booking?
Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola is a 3.5-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $204 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 139 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (139)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $204 per person
Venice in a day tour is a combination city tour, of 4 of our most popular tours taken in Venice and the best way to spend your time in Venice. Starting in Saint Mark’s square, this atmospheric walking tour will then whisk you away from the crowded streets into the treasure filled pockets of the Castello area. A qualified guide will walk you through the hidden squares, winding canals and historical buildings providing you with a perfect introduction to the origins, symbols, traditions, architecture, and life in current day Venice. The tour then continues with the guided visit inside the Doge's Palace and the Saint Marks Basilica. The walking tour ends in Saint Mark's square at 1.00 pm At this time you will have approx 2 hours free to stroll around the area or to have lunch (not included) The last appointment of your package is the 30 min classic gondola ride at 3:00 pm or 5.15 pm (verify the availability on your date).
What you get
About this experience
Venice in a day tour is a combination city tour, of 4 of our most popular tours taken in Venice and the best way to spend your time in Venice. Starting in Saint Mark’s square, this atmospheric walking tour will then whisk you away from the crowded streets into the treasure filled pockets of the Castello area. A qualified guide will walk you through the hidden squares, winding canals and historical buildings providing you with a perfect introduction to the origins, symbols, traditions, architecture, and life in current day Venice. The tour then continues with the guided visit inside the Doge's Palace and the Saint Marks Basilica. The walking tour ends in Saint Mark's square at 1.00 pm At this time you will have approx 2 hours free to stroll around the area or to have lunch (not included) The last appointment of your package is the 30 min classic gondola ride at 3:00 pm or 5.15 pm (verify the availability on your date).
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
- 30-minute shared gondola ride (not guided)
- 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
- 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)
- 1-hour 30 min external walking tour from St Marks square to Castello area
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Food and drink
- Entrance fees
- Museum and Loggia dei Cavalli on the 1st floor
- Secret itineraries
- The Hidden Treasures of the Doge
What you'll see and do
Torre dell'Orologio
Meet your guide in front of the Clock tower (not the bell tower!). Starting in Saint Mark’s square, this atmospheric walking tour will then whisk you away from the crowded streets into the treasure filled pockets of the Castello area. A qualified guide will walk you through the hidden squares, winding canals and historical buildings providing you with a perfect introduction to the origins, symbols, traditions, architecture, and life in current day Venice. The tour starts with a historical introduction of St. Marks’s Square, and its architectural delights.
30 minutes here
Castello
Leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its labyrinth of narrow alleys - “calli”, many bridges, winding canals and wide picturesque squares - “campi”. Discover campo Santa Maria Formosa and campo San Giovanni & Paolo with its Basilica the place where the doges of Venice were buried. The former residence of Marco Polo, probably the most famous Venetian merchant, and the Malibran theatre are also part of the itinerary. At the end of your walking tour, come back with your local guide in Saint Mark's square passing through the Mercerie, the shopping connection street between Rialto and San Marco.
60 minutes here
Palazzo Ducale
The tour then continues with the guided visit inside the Doge's Palace. Be intrigued by the fascinating history of La Serenissima and enter with your skip the line ticket into the Doge’s Palace, crossing the Bridge of Sighs and visiting its prisons cells. The Palace is a magnificent combination of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, in the heart of Venice. Once the residence of the Doge, the elected ruler of the city, and his counsellors, it became the centre of the Venetian Empire and the seat of the Government. The Doge's Palace was opened as a museum in 1923.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Basilica di San Marco
Follow your guide visiting the Saint Marks Basilica, which majestically symbolizes the lagoon and enshrines the city’s history and Saints relics. With its awe – inspiring gold mosaics our talented guide will walk you through the church. The walking tour ends in Saint Mark's square at 1.00 pm At this time you will have approx 2 hours free to stroll around the area or to have lunch (not included)
60 minutes here · Admission included
The last appointment of your package is the gondola ride at 3:00 pm or 5.15 (please verify the availability on your date). Meet the assistant in front of the Saint Mark's post office (behind the Correr musuem) Your shared 30 minutes round trip starts on the Grand Canal and then through the smaller canals. It is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty, charm and colour of this unique city built on water. Feel part of an ancient Venetian tradition and experience Venice as the locals have for more than a thousand years.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Museo Correr
At the end of the tour, keep your Doge's Palace ticket to visit on your own (the same day or the following day) the Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Saint Mark's square, opposite side of the Saint Mark's Basilica.
60 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. Walking tour from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Gondola ride at 3:00 pm
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This combination tour ends in the afternoon with the 30 min gondola ride in campo San Moisè at the gondola station in front of Bauer hotel.
Options you can book
German
Spanish
French
English
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
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- 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
- Please arrive at each meeting point 15 minutes before the departure of the tour
- Large bags and rucksacks are NOT allowed inside the Basilica or Doge's Palace
- Knees and shoulders MUST be covered inside the Basilica
- On occasion, Saint Mark's Basilica may be closed due to public holidays, religious ceremonies, private events or high water and the local service provider is not always informed in advance
- For children document required
- All the late arrivals or no show are NO REFUND!
- 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 139 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
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
139 verified traveler reviews for Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Still Keep Many Traditions Alive
I truly feel this is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Everywhere you look, there’s beautiful architecture, and they still keep many traditions alive — even horse riding in the town center. There are many museums and statues, and you can learn something special in every corner of the city. I highly recommend visiting this place.
Response from the operator: Hello, We thank you for the wonderful review and are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the activity. Thank you for choosing one of our tours, and we hope to welcome you again in Venice in the future. Kindest regards, Venice Events team
via Tripadvisor
Disappointing
The itinerary was great but there were not enough breaks. The guide was knowledgeable but unfriendly. The organizers were unorganized. Most of them knew nothing about the gondola ride. We were supposed to get lunch recommendations. We did not get any. I would not do this tour with you again.
Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for your kind review and feedback. Your feedback helps us improve our services for dear guests. Our Team works with local suppliers to make sure they offer the best experiences. However, sometimes those suppliers can be random with which guide or gondolier we will have. We will speak with our supplier. Thank you for you kind understanding. Sending kind regards, Team Venice Events
via Tripadvisor
Ideal tour to see Venice
Such a good tour! If you are limited on time in Venice, this is the tour for you. Slip the line at the dove's Palace and St Mark's Basillica plus a wander around the hidden parts.of Venice. Our guide Roberta was knowledgeable and funny, as well as really interesting and passionate about her city. All topped off with a fab gondola ride. Well worth the money and highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Venice is the 'City of Architecture & Romance'
it’s only after visiting Venice, one realises as to why it is called as 'City of Architecture & Romance'. Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, it has no roads, just lanes, canals – including the Grand Canal thorough-out, with No noise of Cars & Mainly Ferry & Gandolas as source of Travel! Just a Peaceful Romantic Atmosphere all along.......
via Tripadvisor
Learned so much.
Our guide was ver knowledgeable and shared a lot of information. The pace was fast and covered a lot of ground. Would have been better with a few rest stops during the first 3.5 hours.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 49
- 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 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola cost?
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Prices start at $204 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 in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola take?
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Plan for about 3.5 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 in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 139 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 Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola?
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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 Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola?
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Around 49 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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & 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 in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola?
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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; Hotel pick up and drop off; Food and drink; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola?
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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 Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola 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 Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & 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.
Is Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola 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 Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & 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.
What do travelers say about Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola?
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Across 139 reviews averaging 4.2 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: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
What booking options are available for Venice in a Day: Walking tour, Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including German, Spanish, French, English. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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