St. Mark's, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride with Murano and Burano

About this experience

This full-day Venice tour brings together the city’s greatest hits and lagoon islands in one carefully planned route. Start with timed-entry tickets and guided visits to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, where golden mosaics, grand halls, the Golden Staircase, and the Bridge of Sighs reveal the power of the Venetian Republic. Then shift from footpaths to canals with a shared gondola ride before a quick lunch break near St. Mark’s Square. In the afternoon, board a private boat to Murano and Burano, where artisan traditions take center stage through glassblowing and lacemaking demonstrations. With expert guiding in the morning, a tour leader for the islands, and transport arranged between major experiences, this tour covers Venice by land, canal, and lagoon in one seamless experience.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 30min

   Enter St. Mark’s Basilica with a timed-entry ticket and follow your guide inside one of Venice’s most important churches. See golden mosaics and learn how relics, art, and politics shaped this Byzantine landmark.

2. Stop 2 · 1h 30min

   Continue into the Doge’s Palace with a timed-entry ticket and guided tour. Walk through grand halls filled with Renaissance art, climb the Golden Staircase, and cross the Bridge of Sighs as your guide explains Venice’s former seat of political power.

3. Stop 3 · 30min

   Next, board a shared gondola for a 30-minute sightseeing ride through Venice’s canals. Pass under historic bridges and along centuries-old buildings while a professional gondolier operates the boat.

4. Stop 4 · 1h

   Then, enjoy a quick lunch break near St. Mark’s Square. Lunch is at your own expense, and your guide can offer a local recommendation in the area.

5. Stop 5 · 1h 45min

   Meet your afternoon tour leader and board a private boat reserved for the group. Cross the Venetian Lagoon toward Murano, with views of the Venice skyline as the city drifts behind you. Arrive on Murano, an island known for its glassmaking heritage. Visit a working studio for a glassblowing demonstration, then enjoy free time to shop for Murano glass or walk through town before your next stop.

6. Stop 6 · 1h 45min

   Continue by boat to Burano, known for painted houses and lacemaking traditions. Watch a lacemaking demonstration with local artisans, then enjoy free time for photos and exploring the island streets. Ride the private boat back to Venice as your full-day tour winds down. The tour ends near St. Mark’s Square, about two blocks from the Doge’s Palace, at the same place where the Murano and Burano boat departs.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early. Between the two big columns in St. Mark’s Square (columns of San Marco & San Teodoro) located on the south side of the square, near the canal. Your guide will be holding a "The Tour Guy" sign.

End point

• Please Arrive 15 Minutes Early. Between the two big columns in St. Mark’s Square (columns of San Marco & San Teodoro) located on the south side of the square, near the canal. Your guide will be holding a "The Tour Guy" sign.

• This tour runs in two parts. After the morning session, meet your guide at the same location for the afternoon — confirm the time with your guide or reach us at +1 888 290 5595 / info@thetourguy.com • Entrance into any religious site requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. Not respecting the dress code may lead to disqualification from the tour • Large bags, backpacks, luggage, tripods, and glass bottles cannot be brought inside. There is no coat check or space on-site to leave your belongings • Please read the meeting point directions thoroughly in advance. It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, and missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded • Mandatory: Everyone is required to carry a copy of the identification page of their passports on all tours. A photo of the first page of your passport saved on your smartphone works as well • On specific dates, most day visitors to Venice will need to pay a €5 access fee. For details, including exemptions and applicable dates, visit: https://cda.ve.it

Before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please refrain from bringing big back packs or bags, because they are not allowed inside.
• A valid government-issued ID is required for entrance to St. Mark's Basilica. The name on your ticket (entered at check-out) must match the name on your ID, or you may be refused entry.
• Please note that depending on the start time the itinerary order can vary.
• This tour consists of two parts and includes free time for lunch (at your own expense)

Cancellation policy

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