Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 3,505 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery worth booking?
Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery is a 3.5-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $113 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 3,505 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (3,505)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $113 per person
Discover the enchanting history and art of Venice in this immersive 3-hour experience! Join an expert guide as you explore the stunning Doge’s Palace and the magnificent Saint Mark’s Basilica located in the heart of Piazza San Marco. Marvel at the artwork and dive into the rich history of the Venetian Republic. You’ll also stroll across the iconic Bridge of Sighs, a symbol of romance and intrigue! Next, indulge in a romantic gondola ride through the Grand Canal and its charming waterways. As you glide along, take in Venice's must-see highlights, including the famed Fenice Opera House, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the stunning Santa Maria della Salute Church, among others. Finally, immerse yourself in a unique virtual reality experience as you float over the serene waters of the Grand Canal at sunset, witnessing centuries of history unfold. You’ll also get an insider’s view of the craftsmanship behind Venice's iconic gondolas with a close-up look at a detailed model.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the enchanting history and art of Venice in this immersive 3-hour experience! Join an expert guide as you explore the stunning Doge’s Palace and the magnificent Saint Mark’s Basilica located in the heart of Piazza San Marco. Marvel at the artwork and dive into the rich history of the Venetian Republic. You’ll also stroll across the iconic Bridge of Sighs, a symbol of romance and intrigue! Next, indulge in a romantic gondola ride through the Grand Canal and its charming waterways. As you glide along, take in Venice's must-see highlights, including the famed Fenice Opera House, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the stunning Santa Maria della Salute Church, among others. Finally, immerse yourself in a unique virtual reality experience as you float over the serene waters of the Grand Canal at sunset, witnessing centuries of history unfold. You’ll also get an insider’s view of the craftsmanship behind Venice's iconic gondolas with a close-up look at a detailed model.
What's included
Included
- Shared 30-minute gondola ride
- Guided tour of the Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica
- Skip-the-line ticket to St. Mark's Basilica
- Access to Museums in Saint Mark's Square (Correr Museum, Archeological Museum, and Marciana Library)
- Skip-the-line ticket to Doge's Palace
- History Gallery: a unique Vr experience of Venice in the past
- 20-minute gondola introductory experience
Not included
- Hotel pick-up
- Food and drinks
- Guided tour of Museo Correr, Museo Nazionale Archologico, and Biblioteca Marciana
What you'll see and do
Piazza San Marco
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the heart of Venice and one of the most iconic squares in the world. Surrounded by historic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile, it’s a stunning open space that reflects the grandeur of the Venetian Republic. A must-see for every visitor to Venice.
Pass by without stopping
Basilica di San Marco
Then, you will enjoy an amazing guided tour to the historical and famous Golden Basilica. You will admire stunning gold mosaics and marble inlays of the floors, sitting comfortably while our guide will show you the represented biblical scenes, the history and the particularities of this ancient basilica.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Palazzo Ducale
A guided tour in the Doge’s Palace the old seat of the Venetian political power. In his splendid rooms, immersed in hundreds of masterpieces of painting, the Doge and his Council controlled the ancient Republic of Venice. A professional guide will escort you in the halls of power and the bridge of Sighs to reach to the old prisons. You may visit by yourself the other magnificent palaces around St. Mark’s Square under the name of Procuratie with the same ticket!
90 minutes here · Admission included
Canal Grande
Enjoy a charming gondola ride through the most romantic waterways, passing under small bridges and along part of the Grand Canal! During your pleasant gondola ride you will admire the Mozart House, the famous La Fenice Theatre, Rio (Canal) “De le Ostreghe” and part of the spectacular Grand Canal where you will see the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Ca’ Dario Palace the Santa Maria de la Salute Church and other magnificent palaces. The only gondola tour with commentary: a mobile-guide which will explain the magnificent palaces and attractions around you! Venice Goes App is an innovative mobile app (included in the price) that you can download easily on your mobile, click here to know how to get it.
50 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.
Options you can book
Premium English Tour +Gondola
English Guided Tour: Enjoy a classic English-guided tour of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, followed by a gondola ride.
Classic Tour+Gondola Ride-Spa
Spanish Guided Tour: Enjoy a classic Spanish-guided tour of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, followed by a gondola ride.
Classic Tour+Gondola Ride - Fr
French Guided Tour: Enjoy a classic French-guided tour of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, followed by a gondola ride.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- CITY TOURS CO. LTD
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
- A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
- Each gondola can host maximum 5 people; the seat aboard cannot be chosen but will be assigned by the gondolier depending of guests weight.
- The gondola ride does not operate in case of exceptionally bad weather, high/low tide or local gondoliers strike (in these cases it can be postponed the days after otherwise it will be refunded)
- The itinerary of gondola ride may change in the event of wind or bad weather
- For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
- 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
- Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed to the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
- Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica and Doge Palace
- 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.
- Please note: The St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace visit is followed by the gondola ride. Depending on the schedule, there may be a break between these two parts of the experience.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,471 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.
Traveler reviews
3,471 verified traveler reviews for Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Brilliant
Valentina was amazing, I really enjoyed her tour. Very interesting and informative.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour guide!
Loved Michela as my guide! She is very knowledgeable and super nice! I took her walking tour and she also filled in for the San Marco Basilica tour! Highly recommend her!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
Excellent tour with Valentina!!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
via Tripadvisor
See a lot in a few hours - excellent experience
We had an amazing guide from the area who provided insight into the people, culture and global sites we visited. She kept the tour moving and was sensitive to the needs of everyone. The complete tour was an excellent choice to see a lot in a few hours.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
via Viator
Great information
Enjoyed tour Informative Liked small group
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, We appreciate your feedback. Thank you and we hope to see you in Venice again. Regards, Customer Care Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $113 to $149
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,227
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by CITY TOURS CO. LTD, who run 38 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.8.
See everything CITY TOURS CO. LTD runsWhy this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery 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 Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery 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 Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 3,505 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Venice, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery?
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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 Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery 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 Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery?
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Around 1,227 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 Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery 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 Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery?
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Included: Shared 30-minute gondola ride; Guided tour of the Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica; Skip-the-line ticket to St. Mark's Basilica; Access to Museums in Saint Mark's Square (Correr Museum, Archeological Museum, and Marcian; and Skip-the-line ticket to Doge's Palace. Not included: Hotel pick-up; Food and drinks; and Guided tour of Museo Correr, Museo Nazionale Archologico, and Biblioteca Marciana. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery?
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From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery offered in?
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It is offered in 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 Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery?
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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 Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery 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 Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery?
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Across 3,505 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Premium English Tour +Gondola, Classic Tour+Gondola Ride-Spa, Classic Tour+Gondola Ride - Fr. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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