Venice: St Mark's, Doge's Palace, Murano & Burano Day Tour
San Marco, Venice, Florence
Prepare for a day of sightseeing in Venice on a comprehensive day tour or choose to only go on a gondola ride. Visit St. Mark's, and Doge's Palace, see glass-blowing on Murano, lace-making on Burano, and take a gondola ride on the canals.
Venice Full-Day Guided Tour with Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Gondola, and Island Visits
This full-day guided tour in Venice is ideal for travelers who want to see the city’s main landmarks, experience a gondola ride, and visit Murano and Burano islands.
Description
Start at St. Mark’s Square with timed entry to St. Mark’s Basilica, a historic 11th-century church known for its golden mosaics and rich Byzantine heritage. Your expert guide will explain the basilica’s history and symbolism as you explore.
Next, visit the nearby Doge’s Palace, the former seat of political power in Venice. Walk through Renaissance art-filled halls, climb the Golden Staircase, and cross the Bridge of Sighs while learning about the city’s political history.
After the palace tour, take a 30-minute shared gondola ride through Venice’s canals with a professional gondolier, passing historical bridges and buildings. You’ll have a brief lunch break near St. Mark’s Square on your own.
In the afternoon, board a private boat to Murano, famous for over 1,000 years of glassmaking tradition. Visit an authentic glassblowing workshop and watch a demonstration by skilled artisans. Then continue to Burano island, where you will see a lacemaking demonstration by local women preserving this rare craft. Enjoy some free time to explore Burano’s colorful houses and take photographs.
Finally, return by private boat to Venice, concluding the tour with a comprehensive experience of the city and nearby islands.
Highlights
- Timed entry to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace with guided tours
- 30-minute shared gondola ride through Venice canals
- Private boat cruise to Murano and Burano islands
- Glassblowing demonstration in Murano
- Lacemaking demonstration in Burano
- Free time to explore both islands and lunch break near St. Mark’s Square
- Expert English-speaking guide sharing historical insights
Includes
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Timed-entry tickets and guided tours of St. Mark’s Basilica (valued at €12 per person) and Doge’s Palace
- 30-minute shared gondola ride
- Round-trip private boat transfers to Murano and Burano
- Glassblowing demonstration in Murano
- Lacemaking demonstration in Burano
- Free time to explore the islands and for lunch
Excludes
- Lunch
- Guide tips
Important Information
- Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women to enter St. Mark’s Basilica; avoid sandals, hats, shorts, skirts, or tops that expose shoulders
- A valid government-issued ID matching the ticket name is required for entry to St. Mark’s Basilica
- The duration of the basilica tour is typically around 20 minutes; schedules may change
- The gondola ride is shared, seating up to 5 guests, operated by a professional gondolier without a guide
- Strollers are not allowed on the tour
- Security checks at site entrances may cause short waits depending on visitor volume
- The tour itinerary order may vary depending on the start time
- The tour consists of two parts with free time allotted for lunch
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book early to secure your preferred date. Bring comfortable shoes and sun protection. The best time to visit is in the morning to avoid crowds at the basilica.
