St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour with Venice Canals Gondola Ride

Passing by at the start of the tour

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Saint Mark’s Basilica, Venice’s most iconic landmark, on a guided tour that brings its rich history and stunning architecture to life. Skip the lines and step inside this Byzantine masterpiece, famous for its glittering gold mosaics, intricate marble floors, and stunning domes. Learn about the church’s deep religious significance, its role in Venetian history, and the treasures it holds, including the Pala d’Oro, a dazzling gold altarpiece adorned with precious gems.

The Bacino di San Marco is the stunning Venetian lagoon basin in front of St. Mark’s Square, offering one of the most breathtaking views in Venice. This historic waterway has been the heart of the city's maritime trade for centuries, where gondolas, vaporettos, and majestic cruise ships glide past landmarks like the Doge’s Palace, San Giorgio Maggiore, and the iconic Ponte della Paglia. With its shimmering waters and dramatic skyline, the Bacino di San Marco is the perfect spot to soak in the magic of Venice, and to start your gondola tour!

The Rio del Palazzo is one of Venice’s most enchanting canals, flowing alongside the Doge’s Palace and beneath the famous Bridge of Sighs. This quiet, atmospheric waterway offers a glimpse into the city’s historic heart, where your gondola will glide past elegant palaces and hidden passageways. The canal’s most iconic view is from beneath the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners once took their final look at Venice before entering the palace’s dungeons.

The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks, connecting the Doge’s Palace to the historic prisons. Built in the 17th century, this enclosed white limestone bridge is named after the sighs of prisoners who, according to legend, took one last look at Venice through its stone-barred windows before their fate was sealed. Designed by Antonio Contino, its delicate beauty contrasts with its somber past. Today, the bridge is a symbol of Venetian romance and mystery, best admired from the Rio del Palazzo from your gondola.

The Rio di Santa Maria Formosa is a picturesque canal in the heart of Venice, flowing near the historic Campo Santa Maria Formosa and its stunning Renaissance church. Lined with elegant palaces and traditional Venetian homes, this quiet waterway offers a glimpse into the city's authentic charm, away from the bustling Grand Canal. Gondolas and small boats navigate its tranquil waters, passing beneath charming stone bridges. The canal provides beautiful reflections of Venice’s timeless architecture, making it a perfect spot for your scenic gondola ride.

The Rio di San Severo is a quiet and atmospheric canal in Venice, winding through the historic Castello district near St. Mark’s Basilica. Lined with elegant palaces and centuries-old buildings, this hidden waterway offers a more intimate and serene glimpse of the city, away from the crowded tourist routes. Your gondola will glide beneath charming stone bridges, reflecting the timeless beauty of Venetian architecture. With its tranquil setting and picturesque views, the Rio di San Severo is a perfect spot to experience the authentic charm of Venice before finishing your gondola ride.