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
What's included
Skip the line tickets to St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace
Doges Prison
Hall of the Great Council
Private Expert Local Guide
Marco Polo’s house
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
Bridge of Sighs
30 minute private gondola ride
Rialto bridge
Food and drinks
Gratuities (optional)
What to expect
Piazza San Marco
15m
Your experience of Venice begins in the iconic St Mark's square where you will also meet your guide.
Basilica di San Marco
1h · Admission ticket included
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.
Palazzo Ducale
2h 30m · Admission ticket included
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.
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
30m · Admission ticket included
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.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
In front of Chiesa di San Giacomo in Campo San Giacomo di Rialto. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign.
End point
Additional information
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.
The itinerary described above is a suggested order of the various experiences. These may vary according to your personal requests or preferred starting time.
An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
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.
The ticket includes a cost to enter St. Mark’s Basilica valued at 30 EUR per person.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
