Best of Venice Private Tour: St. Mark's Doge Palace Gondola Ride

Enjoy an exclusive tour of Venice with a private expert guide, and make the most of this incredible city and see all of the highlights. Begin in Saint Mark's Square for a perfect view of Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, the private chapel of the dukes of Venice until the 19th century. Get privileged access, and skip the long lines to enter the grand basilica and enjoy up-close views of the golden mosaics. Then skip the lines to the Doge's Palace to travel through 7 centuries of history as you see the palace prisons and court rooms, and stop on the Bridge of Sighs to see the last view of Venice that prisoners saw before they were locked in their cells. Your guide will then give recommendations for lunch, and after a short break continue your tour. Walk to the covered Rialto Bridge and discover the house where Marco Polo once lived. Go to the Renaissance church of the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, where you will end your perfect day true Venetian style in a private gondola ride

1. 1

   Piazza San Marco

   15 min

   Your experience of Venice begins in the iconic St Mark's square where you will also meet your guide.

2. 2

   Basilica di San Marco

   1 hour

   Next, skip the long lines and enter this beautiful and ornate basilica as your guide provides you with anecdotes of its history. An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.

3. 3

   Palazzo Ducale

   2.5 hours

   Next make your way to the Doge's Palace again with VIP entry, the political center of Venice. Your expert guide will share the secrets of the private hidden apartments, and you will see impressive halls such as the Hall of Great Council. The tour takes a more sinister turn as you visit the prison, as well as an extensive private weapons collection. Upon exiting, you will stop at the notorious Bridge of Sighs. After this visit, your guide will provide you with some great recommendations to stop to eat and have refreshments before continuing on your tour. The rest of the day will be spent on foot exploring the narrow winding streets to unexpected squares and bridges. Visit the Rialto bridge and see Marco Polo's house before stopping in Campo Santa Maria Formosa for your private gondola ride.

4. 4

   Campo Santa Maria Formosa

   30 min

   Your guide will escort you to your very own private gondola ride - the best way to complete a day in Venice! They will ensure you will have everything you need before embarking on a relaxing journey through the canals on your gondola.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• 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
• Offered in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Please specify under “Additional notes” if you wish to book the tour in a language other than English.
• Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
• There is no photography allowed in St Marks basilica.

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