Basilica San Giorgio Maggiore Tour with Water Transport
Active
3h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the best of Venice on land, in water, and in the sky on a guided tour of the iconic St. Mark’s Square and San Giorgio Maggiore. Visit the Bell Tower and Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore. Extended option: visit also the Doge’s Palace.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
3-hour: San Giorgio Maggiore
Choose this tour to see highlights of St. Mark's Square and San Giorgio Maggiore. Visit the Basilica and Bell Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore. Includes two-way transfer.
5-hour: San Giorgio Maggiore & Doge's Palace
Choose this tour to see St. Mark's Square and San Giorgio Maggiore. Visit the Doge's Palace and the Basilica and Bell Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore. Includes two-way transfer.
Most people see the famous San Giorgio Maggiore only from far away when strolling through St. Mark’s Square, but on this exclusive tour, you can visit the island and see its landmark basilica up close!
Available options
3-hour: San Giorgio Maggiore
Duration: 3 hours: Tour to see highlights of St. Mark's Square and San Giorgio Maggiore. Visit the Basilica and Bell Tower of San Giorgio.<br/>,: Includes two-way transfer. <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE016
5H:San Giorgio Maggiore & Doge
Duration: 5 hours: Choose this tour to see St. Mark's Square and San Giorgio Maggiore. Visit the Doge's Palace and the Basilica and<br/>,: Bell Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore. Includes two-way transfer. <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. ITVE016
What's included
(number of attractions depends on the selected option)
Two-way water bus tickets to San Giorgio Maggiore island
Tickets to the Bell Tower and free admission to the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore
Private Walking Tour of St. Mark Square and San Giorgio Maggiore
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace (5-hour option only)
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
Stop 2
Your private walking tour will begin with a stroll in Piazza San Marco, the beating heart of Venice. This historic square boasts the most beautiful Venetian Gothic architecture and amazing views of the Venetian Lagoon.
3
Your Private Guide will share interesting facts about this world heritage site and you admire the stunning facades of the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge's Palace, which for many centuries was a government seat and prison.
4
Stop 4
The main highlight of this tour will be a cruise from San Marco to San Giorgio Maggiore by Vaporetto, i.e. the public water bus (two-way tickets are included).
Vaporetto is the most romantic and convenient way to reach the island, and you can enjoy live commentary along the way. The island, or more specifically its 16th-century Palladian church, is one of the most photographed landmarks of Venice, gleaming above the blue water of the lagoon. Inside the classical Renaissance-style interiors, you will find works by Jacopo Tintoretto, Jacopo Bassano, Sebastiano Ricci, and other amazing Venetian artists. As part of the tour, you will also climb up to the viewing terrace of the basilica’s Bell Tower, which offers amazing views of the lagoon and the Riva Degli Schiavoni.
5
Stop 5
Enrich your guided tour with a visit to the Doge’s Palace. It is one of the most visited attractions in Venice but with skip-the-line tickets you can save time and go right inside. The palace delights with spectacular sculptural decoration and paintings by famous artists such as Titian, Veronese, Tintoretto, A.Vittoria and Tiepolo. Your Expert Guide will explain how for centuries the palace served as the political center of the Republic, and how Casanova escaped the palace prison. You will see the vast council chambers, luxurious residential apartments, and austere prison cells, and hear the story behind the name of the Bridge of Sighs.
What's not included
Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace (in 3-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 to receive important information.
Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. Tickets to the Doge’s Palace are not included in the basic 3-hour option.
This tour includes transfers by vaporetto, the Venetian water bus (public transport). For your convenience, two-way tickets are included.
Guided tours inside the basilica during masses and scheduled events are limited. If entry is not possible, the guide will provide all information outside. At such times, you will only visit the Bell Tower (Campanile). Please cover your shoulders and knees inside the church.
Skip-the-line tickets to Doge’s Palace grant you immediate entry at your booked time, without waiting in line at the ticket office. There are mandatory security checks. Headsets will be provided for groups larger than 10.
For the comfort of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are 26-50 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
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
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
Know before you go:
-Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
- Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. Tickets to the Doge’s Palace are not included in the basic 3-hour option.
- This tour includes transfers by vaporetto, the Venetian water bus (public transport). For your convenience, two-way tickets are included.
- Guided tours inside the basilica during masses and scheduled events are limited. If entry is not possible, the guide will provide all information outside. At such times, you will only visit the Bell Tower (Campanile). Please cover your shoulders and knees inside the church.
- Skip-the-line tickets to Doge’s Palace grant you immediate entry at your booked time, without waiting in line at the ticket office. There are mandatory security checks. Headsets will be provided for groups larger than 10.
- For the comfort of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are 26-50 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
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
Instant confirmation
