Ratings & Reviews
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended by 89% of travellers: 175 four- and five-star reviews
Guidekin's take
Palace with a boat choice in our Gondola Rides comparison.
Trade-off: Base tier English only, no gondola; arrive early.
Last checked: September 22, 2026. Commissions never affect our verdicts.
Overview
Guidekin summarySkip the line tickets and a guide for the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the old prisons, with Correr Museum entry to use on your own. Add a shared or private gondola as an option, arrive early for the timed entry and note the afternoon slot leaves Correr for the next day. 4.61 from 196 reviews for 2h 30m.
From the guide
Visit the iconic Doge's Palace in Venice on a small group guided tour.
Head in faster with pre-reserved tickets and bypass the lines.
Delve into Venetian history on a tour that showcases the highlights of the city.
See the opulent apartments and the Hall of the Great Council at Doge's Palace.
Take a walk over the Bridge of Sighs and see the Old Prisons.
Choose to include an optional 30-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal.
Discover the charming canals and picturesque spots of Venice by traditional gondola.
Tour options
The operator sells this tour in 3 versions. Prices are the operator's current list for two travellers; the calendar shows the exact figure for your date and party.
Doges Palace - NO Gondola
from €99 / person
Guide: English
Group Tour - NO Gondola: Choose this option if you are only planning to visit Doge's palace. This option does not include a gondola ride.
What this option includes
Tour in English
Doges Palace & Shared Gondola
from €119 / person
Guide: English
Group Tour & Shared Gondola: Choose this option for a 30-minute shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal.
What this option includes
Tour in English
Doges Palace & Private Gondola
from €219 / person
Guide: German, English
Group Tour – Private Gondola: Choose this option for a 30-minute private gondola ride along the Grand Canal after the Doge's Palace visit.
Compared with other Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours
Ranked #16 of 26 in Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €12 to €580, median €105; typical length 3h. 3 of 26 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 26 Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours
Schedule & Availability
Runs daily
Departures: 09:00, 10:00, 14:00
Available year-round
This tour runs daily, departing at 09:00, 10:00, 14:00. It runs year-round. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked September 25, 2026.
What's Included
Skip the line tickets for Doge's Palace
Expert local guides for insider knowledge
Admission to Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana
30-minute Grand Canal gondola ride (if option selected)
2 hours guided tour at a relaxed pace
What's Not Included
Transport to the meeting spot
Guided Tour of the Correr Museum
Itinerary
Meet your expert guide at the famous St. Mark’s Square and start getting to know the city and its origins. See the most renowned public space in the city and, learn about its historical, social, and political importance.
Learn about the Clock Tower and the Marble Lions which are all part of St Mark’s history.
10 min
Admission included
Follow your guide at a relaxed pace to visit the Doge’s Palace with pre-reserved tickets straight into this opulent palazzo. Bypass the long lines to explore the political heart of an Empire.
Learn about the supreme authority and wealth of the ruling Venetian Doges in the Gothic architecture of the palace.
Ask about the talented 14th-century sculptors that worked on the palace and enjoy stunning views across the Lagoon as you explore this world-famous landmark.
1h 30m
Admission included
Learn why the New Prisons were built, and understand the significance of the Bridge of Sighs, another highlight of Venice. Listen to the extraordinary story of the famous Casanova and his life in Venice. Leave your guide with enough knowledge to enjoy the rest of your stay in Venice on your own.
10 min
Admission included
Your admission ticket also includes entry to the Correr Museum on St. Mark's Square. The building was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy. Enjoy the Correr Museum at your own leisure after the guided tour has ended.
10 min
Admission included
Depending on your selected option, complete your tour of the Doge’s Palace with an enchanting gondola ride, the perfect end to your day in Venice. After exploring the palace's rich history, your local guide will take you to the nearby pier where you will board a traditional gondola. Step aboard a traditional gondola for a 30-minute journey through Venice's picturesque canals, passing hidden corners and magnificent palaces. This relaxing ride is a must-do experience to conclude your visit to Venice.
30 min
Departure & Return
Start pointWe meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.”
Open in Google Maps End pointWe meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.”
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that if you take the 14:00 (2 pm) tour, Correr Museum will be closed before your tour finishes. Therefore, you will have Correr tickets for the next day.
- Please note that carrying any type of weapon or sharp objects, such as a knife, is not allowed for this tour.
- Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
- Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
- If you choose the optional gondola ride, your guide will lead you to the pier at the end of the Doge’s Palace tour.
- Please note that the gondola ride is shared with other participants from your tour, just like it’s always been in Venetian tradition.
- Each gondola accommodates up to 5 guests. If your group is larger, you’ll be placed on separate gondolas.
- Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, you will be contacted before your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| 1+ days | Full refund |
| 0-1 days | No refund |