Venice: St Marks Highlights Lunch & Gondola

Unravel the captivating essence of Venice through this comprehensive tour that showcases the city’s iconic highlights. Explore the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, marvel at the historic Doge’s Palace, savor a delectable Venetian lunch, and glide along the enchanting canals on a traditional gondola ride. This 5-hour experience blends cultural exploration, culinary delight, and quintessential Venetian experiences, catering to travelers with flexible schedules. Discover why Venice is renowned as one of the world’s most enchanting destinations, where every turn unveils a new layer of wonder and enchantment.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Lunch Experiences In Venice.

Key Points

1. A guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, exploring its Byzantine mosaics, the Pala d’Oro, and the loggia with panoramic views.

2. A tour of the opulent Doge’s Palace, including the lavish chambers, the Golden Staircase, and insights into Venetian history and culture.

3. A traditional Venetian lunch at the acclaimed Noemi restaurant, featuring regional specialties such as creamy risotto, braised beef, and handmade pasta.

4. A 30-minute gondola ride through the city’s enchanting canals, offering a serene and intimate glimpse into Venice’s iconic waterways.

5. Convenient tour start and end point at Calle larga de l’Ascension, with easy access to St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and local eateries.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Duration and Cancellation

This Venice tour offers a convenient 5-hour duration and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.

Whether your plans change or you need to adjust your itinerary, you can easily cancel without penalty. This is particularly useful if unexpected circumstances arise or the weather takes an unfavorable turn.

The tour’s short but efficient length ensures you can experience the highlights of St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and a gondola ride without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

With the reserve now, pay later option, you can secure your spot today and handle the payment later, making it a hassle-free booking process.

Tour Highlights

Travelers embarking on this Venice tour can look forward to a guided exploration of the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace, followed by a traditional Venetian lunch and a serene 30-minute gondola ride through the city’s enchanting canals.

The tour highlights the very best of Venetian culture and architecture, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s rich history.

At St. Mark’s Basilica, they’ll marvel at the stunning Byzantine mosaics and opulent interiors, while the Doge’s Palace offers a glimpse into the seat of Venetian power.

The included lunch promises a delectable taste of local cuisine, and the gondola ride provides a peaceful respite, gliding along the picturesque waterways.

Guided Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica

The guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, the iconic centerpiece of Venice’s Piazza San Marco, takes visitors on a captivating journey through the church’s remarkable Byzantine architecture and awe-inspiring mosaics.

Highlights of the tour include:

• Exploring the Basilica’s exquisite gold mosaics that cover the walls and ceilings, telling stories from the Bible and Byzantine history
• Admiring the Pala d’Oro, a stunning 12th-century altarpiece made of gold, silver, and precious gems
• Climbing to the loggia for panoramic views of the Piazza and the Adriatic Sea

The tour also includes:

• Learning about the Basilica’s history as the private chapel of the Venetian Doge and its role in the city’s maritime power
• Discovering the Basilica’s impressive collection of relics, including the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist.

Guided Tour of Doge’s Palace

After exploring the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, the guided tour continues to the Doge’s Palace, the historic seat of Venetian political power and a magnificent example of Venetian Gothic architecture.

Visitors will be captivated by the opulent interiors, adorned with intricate carvings, gilded details, and priceless works of art. The tour takes guests through the lavish chambers where the Doge and the Senate once deliberated, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the Venetian government.

Highlights include the Golden Staircase, the Chamber of the Great Council, and the impressive armory collection. Throughout the tour, the guide provides fascinating insights into the palace’s rich history and significance in Venetian culture.

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Traditional Venetian Lunch

Following a captivating exploration of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, the tour treats participants to a delightful traditional Venetian lunch at the acclaimed Noemi restaurant.

Nestled in the heart of the city, the restaurant offers an authentic culinary experience, showcasing the rich flavors and time-honored recipes that have defined Venetian cuisine for generations.

The menu features:

• Creamy risotto infused with the briny essence of the Adriatic
• Tender braised beef in a robust red wine reduction
• Locally caught seafood delicately prepared and served with fresh citrus
• Handmade pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato and basil sauce
• An array of decadent Venetian desserts to satisfy the sweet tooth

This leisurely lunch allows travelers to enjoy the rich gastronomic heritage of the Floating City.

30-Minute Gondola Ride

A tranquil gondola ride caps off the enriching tour, offering participants a serene and intimate glimpse into Venice’s enchanting waterways. Gliding effortlessly along the canals, the traditional Venetian gondola provides a truly immersive experience, allowing visitors to admire the city’s stunning architecture and picturesque scenery from a unique vantage point. The 30-minute gondola tour is a highlight of the day, as guests savor the gentle rocking motion and the serenity of the experience. With its rich history and cultural significance, this iconic mode of transportation offers a quintessential Venetian adventure, leaving lasting memories of the city’s charm and beauty.

Duration	Route	Capacity	Cost
30 minutes	Canals of Venice	1-6 people	€31 per person

Tour Start and End Point

The tour commences and concludes at Calle larga de l’Ascension, a strategic starting and ending point that allows participants to conveniently access the various highlights of the excursion.

This central location facilitates a seamless transition between the guided visits, traditional Venetian lunch, and the captivating gondola ride.

The tour’s start and end point offers several advantages:

• Proximity to the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace
• Easy access to the charming canals for the gondola experience
• Convenient access to local restaurants and eateries for the included lunch
• Centralized meeting point for the group to gather and depart together
• Straightforward navigation for both first-time and returning visitors to Venice

Important Tour Information

This tour features several important details that participants should be aware of prior to their experience.

First, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 275 lbs (125 kg). Guests are also expected to follow a dress code, avoiding shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts. These requirements ensure everyone can fully enjoy the tour’s highlights.

Flexibility is also key, as the tour operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This gives travelers peace of mind, as they can reserve now and pay later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, it mentions restrictions for wheelchair users and people over 275 lbs, which suggests the group size may be limited to accommodate accessibility needs.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may not be appropriate for young children due to the duration and activities involved.

Can I Take Photos Inside the St. Mark’s Basilica?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside St. Mark’s Basilica, though flash photography is typically prohibited to preserve the delicate interior. Check with tour guides for any specific restrictions during the scheduled visit.

Does the Tour Include Entry Fees to the Sites?

The tour includes entry fees to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Visitors can explore these iconic Venetian sites with a guided tour as part of the package, allowing them to make the most of their time in the city.

Is There a Meeting Point for the Tour or Do I Need to Find My Own Way There?

The tour has a designated meeting point at Calle larga de l’Ascension. Participants don’t need to find their own way there, as they’ll be guided to the starting location by the tour operator.

Recap

This comprehensive Venice tour offers an immersive cultural experience, from the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica to the opulence of the Doge’s Palace.

The traditional Venetian lunch and gondola ride provide a delightful respite, while the flexible cancellation policy and reserve now, pay later option make planning hassle-free.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour captures the essence of Venice’s captivating highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here: