Skip-the-Line St. Mark's Basilica Venice Private Guided Tour
Active
2h - 4h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the history, architecture and art of the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica with an Expert Guide ans Skip-the-Line Tickets. Optional: see the Basilica's hidden treasures - Pala d'Oro, Museum and the Loggia of the Horses.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2-hour: Old Town & St. Mark's Basilica
Admire St.Mark's Basilica inside and out with skip-the-line tickets and see other highlights of St. Mark's Square, such as Campanile and Doge's Palace.
4-hour: Old Town, St. Mark's Basilica & Museums
Discover the treasures of St.Mark's Basilica, Pala d'Oro, the Museum and the Loggia of the Horses with skip-the-line tickets and see other highlights of St. Mark's Square.
The Basilica of S. Marco is the former political and religious center of the Venetian Republic. On this private tour we will unravel its rich history and heritage like never before, introducing you to fascinating lores and legends.
Available options
2H: Old Town & St. Mark's
Duration: 2 hours: Admire St.Mark's Basilica inside and out with skip-the-line tickets and see other highlights of St. Mark's Square.<br/>,: such as Campanile and Doge's Palace. <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - ITVE020.
4H: Old Town, Mark's & Museums
Duration: 4 hours: Discover the treasures of St.Mark's Basilica, Pala d'Oro, the Museum and the Loggia of the Horses with skip-the-line tickets.<br/>,: and see other highlights of St. Mark's Square.<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - ITVE020.
What's included
Skip-the-line tickets to Pala d'Oro, the Museum and the Loggia of the Horses (4-hour option only)
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language selected when booking
Great knowledge and personalized tips on the best things to see and do in Venice
Private Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Pala d'Oro, the Museum and the Loggia of the Horses -
Skip-the-line tickets to the Basilica of St. Mark (all options)
- (number of attractions depends on the selected option)
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your guide in front of Hotel Londra Palace (opposite Monument to Victor Emmanuel II), Riva degli Schiavoni, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy. Please do not enter the building, as the staff are not informed about the tour.
2
Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice. With a history that stretches way back to the 9th century A.D., this church is a treasure trove of Venice's heritage. You will find out how the Church of the Holy Apostle in Constantinople inspired the basilica's architecture and how its design and purpose has changed over the centuries. With timed tickets, you will enter the cathedral at your reserved time slot and enjoy a private tour of its nave, high altar, chancel, chapels, baptistry, and more.
3
Together with your Private Guide you will discover St. Mark's Square and its most important monuments, such as the Doge's Palace and the Campanile. From the outside, the basilica adjacent to the palace impresses with its ornate elements of Gothic, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Renaissance architecture. The guide will show you all its interesting features such as the soaring domes and luminous mosaics that depict Biblical figures and events.
4
With additional tickets to the Pala d'Oro, the Museum and the Loggia of the Horses. This is your chance to discover the basilica’s best kept secrets, such as the hidden Pala d’Oro, which is the world's only surviving example of Gothic goldsmithing of significant size.
5
Inside the basilica’s museum you will see sumptuous Flemish and Medicean tapestries, altar frontals, Persian rugs, and the original four Horses of St. Mark.
What's not included
Admission to St. Mark’s Campanile
Skip-the-line tickets to Pala d'Oro, the Museum and the Loggia of the Horses (in 2-hour option)
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
EN
IT
PL
FR
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.
Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. You will not visit Pala d'Oro, the Museum and the Loggia of the Horses on a 2-hour tour.
With skip-the-line tickets, you will have a pre-booked time slot to enter so you can skip the line at the ticket office but not at the entrance, where there may be a line for security checks.
Admission to St. Mark’s Basilica during mass and special events (such as scheduled concerts) are limited, so parts of the church may be closed to the public.
For the best experience, we will limit the group size to 25 guests per guide, so that everyone can enjoy the guide’s attention, ask questions and hear commentary clearly. The price will be higher if you need more than 1 guide.
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of Colonna di San Todaro, P.za San Marco 3, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy (next to Caffè Gelateria Al Todaro Dal 1948).
Important notes
Information for the customer (Know before you go)
• Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.
• Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. You will not visit Pala d'Oro, the Museum and the Loggia of the Horses on a 2-hour tour.
• With skip-the-line tickets, you will have a pre-booked time slot to enter so you can skip the line at the ticket office but not at the entrance, where there may be a line for security checks.
• Admission to St. Mark’s Basilica during mass and special events (such as scheduled concerts) are limited, so parts of the church may be closed to the public.
• For the best experience, we will limit the group size to 25 guests per guide, so that everyone can enjoy the guide’s attention, ask questions and hear commentary clearly. The price will be higher if you need more than 1 guide.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
