2-Day Guided Tour Venice: Doge's Palace, Murano & Gondola4.6(16,904 Reviews)2 days
From€23.00per person
Listing ID : 52573
4.6(16,904 Reviews)
2-Day Guided Tour Venice: Doge's Palace, Murano & Gondola
2dDuration
Max 12 peopleGroup Size
EnglishSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration2 Days
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtSt. Mark's Square, Venice
LanguagesEnglish
Venice Grand Tour — 2 Days
St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Murano, Burano, Torcello and a Gondola Experience
Two days of history, craftsmanship, and island discovery across the most iconic landmarks of Venice.
This Venice Grand Tour brings together the city's most celebrated monuments, living craft traditions, and outlying lagoon islands into a single coherent two-day experience designed for travelers who want depth as well as breadth.
The first day focuses on the historic center, moving from the golden interior of St. Mark's Basilica through the ceremonial halls of the Doge's Palace, across the Bridge of Sighs, and finally onto the open waters of the San Marco Basin for a panoramic gondola ride.
The second day transitions to the lagoon, visiting Murano for a live glassblowing demonstration, Burano with its photogenic painted houses, and the ancient island of Torcello, where some of the oldest Byzantine mosaics in the region can still be seen at the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
Tour Highlights
Guided visit inside St. Mark's Basilica, including a close look at its gold mosaics and architectural details explained by a local expert.
Access to the Doge's Palace, the opulent seat of Venetian political power, with guided commentary on its artwork and historic rooms.
Crossing the Bridge of Sighs and viewing the historic prison cells that form one of Venice's most storied landmarks.
Live glassblowing demonstration on Murano, where master artisans shape molten glass into finished works in real time.
Exploration of Burano, known for its brightly painted houses and centuries-old lacemaking tradition along its quiet canals.
Visit to Torcello's Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and the legendary stone seat known as the Throne of Attila.
Panoramic gondola ride through the San Marco Basin with views of the Bridge of Sighs and San Giorgio Island.
Itinerary Overview
1
St. Mark's Basilica and St. Mark's Square
Begin at St. Mark's Square, one of Europe's most recognized public spaces. A local expert guide leads you through the interior of St. Mark's Basilica, explaining the history behind its Byzantine mosaics, marble inlays, and sacred relics.
2
Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
Move next door to the Doge's Palace for a guided tour of its state rooms, council chambers, and artwork by Venetian masters. The route continues across the enclosed Bridge of Sighs into the adjacent historic prisons.
3
Gondola Ride on the San Marco Basin
Conclude Day 1 with a gondola ride departing from the San Marco waterfront. The route passes beneath the Bridge of Sighs and around San Giorgio Island, offering open-water views of Venice's skyline.
4
Murano Glass Island
On Day 2, a semi-private water taxi transfers the group to Murano. Attend a live glassblowing demonstration and see how artisans use centuries-old techniques to produce the island's signature decorative and functional objects.
5
Burano and Torcello Islands
Sail onward to Burano, where a guided walk takes you past the island's distinctive multicolored facades and through its narrow streets. The day ends with a visit to Torcello, including the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and the open-air Throne of Attila stone.
What Is Included
Included
Professional licensed guide for both days
Entrance to St. Mark's Basilica
Entrance to the Doge's Palace
Semi-private water taxi to Murano, Burano, and Torcello
Live glassblowing demonstration on Murano
Panoramic gondola ride in the San Marco Basin
Small group experience for a more personal visit
Not Included
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Meals and beverages
Personal travel insurance
Gratuities for guides and gondoliers
Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
Please read the details below before booking to ensure a smooth experience on both days of the tour.
Duration
The full experience spans 2 days. Each day involves several hours of walking and boat travel across Venice and the lagoon islands.
Meeting Point
The tour begins at St. Mark's Square in Venice. Exact meeting coordinates are confirmed in the booking voucher sent after purchase.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobblestones and boat boarding. Bring a light layer for the water taxi, sun protection, and your booking confirmation.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of Day 1. Cancellations within 24 hours of the tour start are non-refundable.
Accessibility
Venice's historic center and the lagoon islands involve uneven surfaces, steps, and boat boarding. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility.
Age Range
The tour is open to participants of all ages. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout both days.
Reserve Your Spot on This Venice Grand Tour
Spaces are limited to maintain an intimate group size. Secure your place now for a well-structured two-day exploration of Venice and its lagoon islands.
The tour operates as a small group experience to allow for a more personal visit to each site. Exact group size limits are specified at the time of booking.
Is transportation between the islands included?▼
Yes. A semi-private water taxi is included for travel between Venice, Murano, Burano, and Torcello on Day 2 of the tour.
Do I need to purchase separate entrance tickets for the basilica and palace?▼
Entrance to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace is included in the tour price. No additional ticket purchase is required for these two sites.
What happens if the weather is poor on the lagoon day?▼
The tour operator monitors conditions and will advise guests if any modifications to the lagoon itinerary are necessary. In cases of severe weather affecting safety, alternative arrangements or rescheduling options will be communicated directly.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Venice?▼
Yes. The two-day structure is designed to cover the city's most significant landmarks and outlying islands in a logical sequence, making it well suited to first-time visitors who want a comprehensive introduction to Venice.
Are there any dress code requirements for the basilica visit?▼
St. Mark's Basilica enforces a dress code that requires covered shoulders and knees. Guests who do not meet the requirement at the time of entry may be refused access, so appropriate attire is strongly recommended.
Venice TourSt. Mark's BasilicaDoge's PalaceMurano GlassBurano IslandTorcelloGondola RideVenice LagoonItaly Cultural TourSmall Group TourVenice Islands2 Day Venice
This tour operates entirely within Venice, Italy, and the Venetian Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. Day 1 covers the historic center of Venice, specifically the San Marco district, which contains St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Doge's Palace — three of Italy's most visited cultural monuments. Day 2 extends into the lagoon, reaching the island of Murano (approximately 1.5 km north of Venice, known globally for its glassblowing heritage), Burano (approximately 7 km northeast, recognized for its brightly painted fishermen's houses), and Torcello (approximately 9 km northeast, one of the earliest settled islands in the lagoon and home to the 7th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta). Venice is served by Marco Polo International Airport, located on the lagoon's northern shore, and is connected to the mainland via the Ponte della Libertà causeway. The city attracts over 10 million visitors annually and ranks among Europe's top five cultural tourism destinations.
Location: Venice, Veneto, Italy | Region: Venetian Lagoon, Northeastern Italy | Landmarks: St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Murano, Burano, Torcello, San Marco Basin | Tour Type: Cultural, Historical, Island Hopping | Duration: 2 Days | Difficulty: Easy | Traveler Profile: First-time visitors, culture seekers, history enthusiasts, couples, families
Gift more than a trip
Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted
Give the joy of travel with a ToursXplorer Gift Card. Perfect for every occasion.
