Venice: St. Mark's, Doge's Palace, Murano & Burano Day Tour｜Italy

You can see the best of Venice in a single day, if you’re up for the adventure! This action-packed, expertly guided tour covers all the highlights. Enjoy timed entry to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, take a classic gondola ride, and venture out on a private boat to the islands of Murano and Burano for glassblowing and lacemaking demonstrations.

Begin in St. Mark’s Square, where your guide sets the stage beside Venice’s most important landmarks. Enter St. Mark’s Basilica, often called the “Church of Gold” with timed entry tickets. Dating back to the 11th century, this extraordinary landmark is even more impressive up close, especially as your guide brings its history and symbolism to life. Look up at golden mosaics that reflect centuries of faith, trade, and Byzantine influence in the city.

Continue into the Doge’s Palace, once the seat of Venice’s political power. The impressive palace sits next to the basilica and has its own incredible history filled with tyranny and tragedy. Walk through grand halls lined with Renaissance art, climb the Golden Staircase, and cross the Bridge of Sighs as your guide explains how rulers, prisoners, and merchants shaped the republic.

After exploring on foot, step into a shared gondola for a 30-minute ride through Venice’s canals. This 30-minute ride might become your most memorable activity in Venice as you sit in a historic old gondola powered by a true Venetian gondolier. Glide past historic bridges and waterside palaces before pausing near St. Mark’s Square for a quick lunch break on your own.

In the afternoon, meet your tour leader and board a private boat across the Venetian Lagoon to the island of Murano. Murano is famed for its 1,200-year-old history of intricate glassblowing techniques. Visit an authentic glassblowing shop and learn about the tradition that’s been handed down for generations.

Next take a trip over to the island of Burano to see a lacemaking demonstration by women who have been taught this historic craft for generations. Lacemaking is a lost art in the modern world, so this is a rare opportunity to see an intricately beautiful skill. Then enjoy some free time to explore and take pictures among the colorful fishermen's houses.

Finally, board the private boat for a return to Venice. Say goodbye to your guide and fellow travelers, having seen the very best of Venice in one day.