Ratings & Reviews
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended by 95% of travellers: 4695 four- and five-star reviews
Guidekin's take
Sights plus gondola? in our Gondola Rides comparison. Choose Venice in a Day at €115 per person: both sights with tickets and a shared gondola; English only, closures not refunded. 4.79, 4,931 reviews.
Trade-off: Express tier excludes the gondola; closures not refunded.
Last checked: September 22, 2026. Commissions never affect our verdicts.
Overview
Guidekin summaryA first timer's full day: the Rialto fish market and back streets on foot, a gondola on the Grand Canal, then guided entries to St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace with the palace ticket pre reserved. The express tier drops the gondola; bad weather can swap the ride and closures are not refunded. 4.79 from 4,931 reviews for 4h–6h.
From the guide
First time in Venice? Maximize your time in the city with a full-day itinerary that ticks off all the most memorable attractions. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge and browse the lively Rialto fish market, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal. Next, access St. Mark’s Basilica and gaze in awe at the stunning gold mosaics. Finally, enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge’s Palace. The 8:30am tour is limited to 20 people and includes a lunch break on your own, while the 8:15am tour does not include a lunch break (shorter duration of 4 hours) and a maximum of 25 people in your group. If you're short on time, you can also select our Venice Express Half Day Option at time of booking for a 4-hour expertly guided tour of Venice's highlights including St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
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.
Venice in a Day
from €115 / person
Guide: English
Including GONDOLA Ride: 8:15 AM - 4 hours guided tour Including GONDOLA Ride: 8:30 AM - Extended 6 hours version with lunch break
What this option includes
Duration: 6 hours
Venice In a Day Express
from €129 / person
Guide: English
Duration: 4 hours
What this option includes
Gondola NOT included: See Venice’s top sights in just 4 hours with skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
Private - Venice in a Day
from €580 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: English
Explore Venice from top to bottom in just one day, visit St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace & a picturesque gondola ride
What this option includes
Duration: 6 hours
Compared with other Walking Tours
Ranked #9 of 22 in Walking Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €14 to €450, median €90; typical length 2h 30m. 9 of 22 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 22 Walking Tours
Schedule & Availability
Runs daily
Departures: 08:15, 08:30, 08:45, 09:30, 10:00, 11:00
Scheduled through September 2027
This tour runs daily, departing at 08:15, 08:30, 08:45, 09:30, 10:00, 11:00. Scheduled through September 2027. 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
Rialto Fish Market
Gondola Ride (Venice Express Half Day Option excluded)
Local English-speaking guide
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25€)
New Prisons
Rialto Bridge
Guided Walk of the back streets of Venice
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (12€)
Bridge of Sighs
House of Marco Polo ( exterior)
What's Not Included
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Gratuities
Itinerary
Your tour starts at ground level with a guided walking tour of the city's most famous and most interesting sights. See the Rialto Bridge and learn about Venice's food culture at the Rialto Fish Market. Along the way hear tales of famous Venetians like Marco Polo as well as how Venice came to be—and how it survived against the odds.
(1 hour if Express option selected)
1h 45m
Admission included
Sightseeing & Photo Stop
Pass by
As your walking tour ends, take a gondola ride and cruise along the Grand Canal and into the quieter back canals of the city with a maximum of 5 people per vessel. Note: The gondola ride is not included in the Express option.
30 min
Admission included
Pause for a break. While it's not included in the tour, your guide will share plenty of great recommendations on where to grab a coffee and a snack. Note: No break will be provided if 8:15am Venice In a Day option or Express option selected.
45 min
After a short break for a snack on your own, reconvene at St. Mark's Square. Your tour includes pre-reserved skip-the-line tickets to enter St. Mark's Basilica to explore its stunning history, architecture, and art with your guide. Get up close to the beautiful gold mosaics with special first-floor access.
1h
Admission included
Then it's on to Venice's other top sight—the Doge's Palace. Skip the line with pre-reserved tickets and enjoy the benefit of having an expert local guide as you navigate council rooms, audience halls, and masterpieces by Veronese and Tintoretto.
2h
Admission included
Sightseeing & Photo Stop
Pass by
Departure & Return
Start pointPlease arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets outside the entrance of the Church of San Giacometto at Campo San Giacomo di Rialto 255, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy.
End pointSt. Mark's Square
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
- In case of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather (heavy rain, strong wind, high tide) conditions that prevent the gondola ride from taking place or any operational or safety reasons beyond our control it may be substituted for another experience, but no refund will be provided.
- Due to the religious nature of sites on this tour, all individuals (regardless of gender) must cover their shoulders and knees. It is acceptable to bring extra coverings to put on just before entering a holy site. Walks cannot be responsible for anyone denied entry.
- All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Venice Express Option: Gondola is not included.
- Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
- 8:30am tour is limited to 20 people and includes a lunch break on your own, while the 8:15am tour does not include a lunch break (shorter duration of 4 hours) and a maximum of 25 people in your group.
- St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
- Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
Cancellation Policy
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.
| 3+ days | Full refund |
| 0-3 days | No refund |