The new generation of gold-vanadia catalysts supported on mesoporous titania and zirconia for complete benzene oxidation were explored. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray, TEM, SEM, N-2 adsorption analysis, TPR and ESR spectroscopy. The vanadia loading stabilized structure of the both mesoporous supports and this effect is stronger for zirconia comparing to titania. The presence of gold enhanced the V5+ --> V3+ reduction step and depending on the preparation method, differences in the reduction behavior were established. The catalytic activity of the catalysts also strongly depends on the preparation techniques. For the both series of the studied catalysts when the gold is loaded firstly the activity in complete benzene oxidation is higher than when the vanadia is deposited firstly (VAT > AVT and VAZ > AVZ). A strong synergistic effect between gold and vanadia supported on titania was observed and the catalysts on titania exhibit higher catalytic activity than the catalysts based on zirconia. Comparing the activity of the gold-vanadia/zirconia and gold/zirconia catalysts, it was established for the both catalysts high and equal activity in the reaction studied. The observed differences in the structural and catalytic properties of the both series of the studied catalysts were connected with the nature of the supports used.