Byzantine Venice Walking tour with St Mark's Basilica and Gondola ride

Venice , Italy

Byzantine Venice Walking tour with St Mark's Basilica and Gondola ride

Active

2h - 3h

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This combined guided tour is divided into three parts.

The tour starts at 9.00am with a historical introduction of St. Marks’s Square, and its architectural delights.
Leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its labyrinth of narrow alleys - “calli”, many bridges, winding canals and wide picturesque squares - “campi”.

At 10.45 am you will proceed with the visit of the Saint Mark's Basilica, once the private chapel of the Doge of Venice, and the only one of its kind in Italy, thanks to the sumptous golden mosaics and impressive marble inlay flooring.

The last part is the gondola ride at 3 pm. Relax aboard this historic vessel, enjoying the thrills of both the Grand Canal and minor canals.

PROGRAM
09.00 am Walking tour of Venice (1 h 30 min)
10.45 am Saint Marks Basica tour (1 hour)
03.00 pm Gondola ride (30 min)

Available options

FRENCH

Departure at 9:00 am
Meeting point at 8.45 am

French

Spanish

GERMAN

Departure at 9:00 am
Meeting point at 8.45 am

German

ENGLISH

Departure at 9:00 am
Meeting point at 8.45 am

English

SPANISH

Departure at 9:00 am
Meeting point at 8.45 am

What's included

Guided tour of Saint Mark's Basilica with skip the line ticket

Guided walking tour covering the areas of Saint Mark's Square and Castello;

Personal audio system and headset for tour commentary;

Gondola ride along the Grand Canal and minor canals.

Live tour commentary provided in English, French, Spanish, German

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The tour starts with a historical introduction of St. Marks’s Square, and its architectural delights, allowing you to discover the history of the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, the illustrious Doge’s Palace, once the seat of the power of the Republic of Venice, and the extraordinary, renaissance clock tower.

Stop 2

Leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its labyrinth of narrow alleys - “calli”, many bridges, winding canals and wide picturesque squares - “campi”.

You can expect to see campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the largest squares in Venice with its church, named after its visitation of the Holy Virgin.

Stop 3

You will also see Campo Santi Giovanni and Paolo where you will be able to admire the famous church, the resting place of several Doges; and the equestrian monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an Italian mercenary Captain.

Stop 4

The former residence of Marco Polo, probably the most famous Venetian merchant, and the Malibran theatre are also part of the itinerary.

Stop 5

You will then make your way back to the Saint Marks square, to then be accompanied to the Saint Mark's Basilica, once the private chapel of the Doge of Venice, and the only one of its kind in Italy, thanks to the sumptous golden mosaics and impressive marble inlay flooring. Visit Saint Mark's Basilica first floor museum and see the famous horses and admire Saint Mark's Square from the Basilica's terrace.

The last appointment is at 3.00 pm with the gondola ride!
Relax aboard this historic vessel, enjoying the thrills of both the Grand Canal and minor canals.
Admire Venice from this amazing point of view, witness its magnificent architecture, and whilst gliding under its bridges, discover secret entrances to the elegant palaces and hidden corners. The gondola ride is not a guided tour.

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off;

Food and drink;

Optional gratuities;

Pala d'oro

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Check-in is 15 minutes prior to booked tour start time

This activity is not wheelchair accessible

Shoulders and knees must be covered inside the Basilica

Backpacks are not allowed inside the Basilica

This tour operates rain or shine

Tour maybe affected in the case of high tides

Shared gondola with max. 5 people per gondola

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Meeting point

15 min before in Calle larga de l’Ascension - 30124 (behind the Correr museum on the opposite side of the Saint Marks Basilica).
Look for the TURIVE assistant next to the post office San Marco.

-> Walking tour + St Marks Basilica departure at 9.00 am
-> Gondola ride departure at 3.00 pm

Important notes

MEETING POINT:
15 min before in Calle larga de l’Ascension 1258 - 30124 next to the post office San Marco (opposite side of the Saint Marks Basilica).
Look for the yellow sign "Meeting point" on the wooden kiosk and the Turive assistant.

09.00 am Walking tour of Venice (1 h 30 min)
10.45 am Saint Marks Basica tour (1 hour)
03.00 pm Gondola ride (30 min)

PLEASE PRINT OR SHOW TWICE YOUR VOUCHER FOR BOTH TOURS!

• Check-in is 15 minutes prior to booked tour start time
• This activity is not wheelchair accessible
• Shoulders and knees must be covered inside the Basilica
• Backpacks are not allowed
• Children are free until 5 years, from 6 they pay the full ticket (document required).

Emergency Number:
Office: +39 041 5239979
Mobile: +39 349 3054767

It is your responsibility to be at the meeting point punctually.
Late arrivals, no shows, NO REFUND!

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