Venice Basilica Doge Palace Gondola and History Gallery
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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.
Your experience
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
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.
Stop 3
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!
Stop 4
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.
What’s 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
Meeting and pickup
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.
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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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