Venice Guided Tour of St. Mark's Basilica

Active

(108 reviews)

If you cancel at least 7 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel within 7 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

You will delve into the rich, enduring history of Venice, uncovering the story of St. Mark and the journey of his remains to this sacred place. This experience offers more than just a view of Venice; it immerses you in the city's historical and illustrious past, which continues to sparkle through its historic sites and legendary figures. Amidst the Basilica's dazzling golden mosaics and intricate marble inlays, our expert guide will lead you through the history and distinctive characteristics of this unparalleled Byzantine art treasure.

During this tour, the guide will take you through the first floor of the Basilica.
According to the option selected, you can also visit the Museum with Terrace or the magnificent Pala d'Oro.

Available options

ENG - St. Mark’s Essentials

1-hour St. Mark’s Essentials: 1-hour only exteriors guided tour of St. Mark's Square: the Basilica, the Doge's Palace & the Bell Tower

Eng Ground Floor tour - 9:30am

Duration: 45 minutes St. Mark's Basilica Main Floor: You will visit only St. Mark's Basilica Ground Floor

English 2:00pm with Pala d'Oro

Tour with Pala d'Oro: This tour includes visit to the ground floor of St. Mark's Basilica and access to the Pala d'Oro

German 11:00am with Terrace

Tour with Terrace: This tour includes visit to the ground floor of St. Mark's Basilica and access to the Museum and Terrace

Eng Ground Floor tour -12:30pm

Duration: 45 minutes St. Mark's Basilica Main Floor: You will visit only St. Mark's Basilica Ground Floor

Spanish 11:00am with Terrace

Tour with Terrace: This tour includes visit to the ground floor of St. Mark's Basilica and access to the Museum and Terrace

Italian 2:45pm with Terrace

Tour with Terrace

English 11:00am with Terrace

Tour with Terrace: This tour includes visit to the ground floor of St. Mark's Basilica and access to the Museum and Terrace

Spa Ground Floor tour -10:00am

St. Mark's Basilica Main Floor: You will visit only St. Mark's Basilica Ground Floor

SPA - St. Mark's Essentials

1-hour St. Mark's Essentials: 1-hour only exteriors guided tour of St. Mark's Square: the Basilica, the Doge's Palace & the Bell Tower

Eng Ground Floor tour -11:30am

Duration: 45 minutes St. Mark's Basilica Main Floor: You will visit only St. Mark's Basilica Ground Floor

French 11:00am with Terrace

Tour with Terrace: This tour includes visit to the ground floor of St. Mark's Basilica and access to the Museum and Terrace

Eng Ground Floor tour - 4:00pm

Duration: 45 minutes St. Mark's Basilica Main Floor: You will visit only St. Mark's Basilica Ground Floor

Spanish 2:00pm with Pala d'Oro

Tour with Pala d'Oro: This tour includes visit to the ground floor of St. Mark's Basilica and access to the Pala d'Oro

English 2:45pm with Terrace

Tour with Terrace: This tour includes visit to the ground floor of St. Mark's Basilica and access to the Museum and Terrace

Spanish 2:45pm with Terrace

Tour with Terrace: This tour includes visit to the ground floor of St. Mark's Basilica and access to the Museum and Terrace

French 2:45pm with Terrace

Tour with Terrace: This tour includes visit to the ground floor of St. Mark's Basilica and access to the Museum and Terrace

Eng Ground Floor tour -10:30am

Duration: 45 minutes St. Mark's Basilica Main Floor: You will visit only St. Mark's Basilica Ground Floor

Italian 11:00am with Terrace

Tour with Terrace: This tour includes visit to the ground floor of St. Mark's Basilica and access to the Museum and Terrace

Fre Ground Floor tour - 9:30am

Duration: 45 minutes St. Mark's Basilica Main Floor: You will visit only St. Mark's Basilica Ground Floor

What's included

Terrace and Museum of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)

Basilica Skip the line ticket (if option selected)

1-hour guided tour with local guide

Pala d'Oro ticket (if option selected)

Personal headsets

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

During this tour, the guide will take you through the first floor of the Basilica. According to the option selected, you can also visit the Museum with Terrace or the magnificent Pala d'Oro.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Entrances if you book the "St. Mark's Essentials" option

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.5

89 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.0

19 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please arrive at your designated meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to the tour

No refunds are given for no show or late arrivals. Tours take place rain or shine, though may be cancelled if tides are exceptionally high. In this case we provide full refunds

Please dress appropriately to enter the Basilica (no bare legs or shoulders)

Please be aware that on certain dates, registration and payment of an access contribution will be necessary to visit the city of Venice. We encourage you to check all the information and procedures for registration or payment on the dedicated website of Comune di Venezia.

Remember to bring with you Passport or ID card

If you book the "St. Mark's Essentials" option, please note that it is a walking tour with no access to the interiors of the monuments.

Meeting point

Meet our staff at Campo San Zaccaria, in front of the shop opposite to the Church.

Important notes

• Remember to bring with you Passport or ID card
• Please be sure to get to the meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to tour starting time.
• No refund will be accepted for no shows or late arrivals. The tour will take place also with rain, in the event of exceptional high tide it might be cancelled and refund will be provided.
• Please note that it is not a private tour, the number of people attending the tour might be substantial particularly during peak season and bank holidays.
• Visitors are kindly requested to wear appropriate clothes to enter the Basilica (no bare knees or shoulders).
• Because of safety measures large backpacks are not allowed inside the Basilica.
• If you booked the "St. Mark's Essentials" option, please note that the 1-hour tour will take place completely outside with no access to the interiors of the monuments.

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly