Venice , Italy

Venice Saint Mark Basilica Express Tour

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your tour will start in Piazza San Marco where you will meet your guide and fellow travelers. you'll have the chance to visit the magnificent Basilica of San Marco and see the unique Byzantine mosaics that it holds.

Delight in the artistry of local artisans as they transform molten glass into exquisite works of art, showcasing the timeless tradition that has defined Murano for centuries.

Throughout the tour, enjoy seamless access with included entrance tickets and personalized insights from our knowledgeable guide, who will enrich your experience with captivating anecdotes and historical context. With a duration of one hour and thirty minutes, this immersive journey promises to leave you enchanted by the magic of Venice's cultural treasures.

Join us on this unforgettable adventure and discover the allure of Venice through the lens of its most iconic landmarks and artistic traditions.

Available options

Saint Mark Italian Guided Tour

Saint Mark Italian Guided Tour: Experience St. Mark's Basilica with a guide offering historical context and insights. This tour lasts about 1 hour.

Saint Mark English Guided Tour

Saint Mark English Guided Tour: Experience St. Mark's Basilica with a guide offering historical context and insights. This tour lasts about 1 hour.

Saint Mark Portuguese Tour

Saint Mark Portuguese Tour: Experience St. Mark's Basilica with a guide offering historical context and insights. This tour lasts about 1 hour.

Saint Mark French Guided Tour

Saint Mark French Guided Tour: Experience St. Mark's Basilica with a guide offering historical context and insights. This tour lasts about 1 hour.

Saint Mark Spanish Guided Tour

Saint Mark Spanish Guided Tour: Experience St. Mark's Basilica with a guide offering historical context and insights. This tour lasts about 1 hour.

Saint Mark Geman Guided Tour

What's included

Headset to hear the guide (Groups more than 8)

Access to Glass Demo Factory at St. Mark Square.

Professional guide for 1 hour

Skip the line ticket for St. Mark Basilica

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Visit the Basilica of San Marco with an Art History expert. Benefit from our Skip the Line tickets and don't worry about standing in line!

Stop 2

Witness the mesmerizing art of glassblowing during a captivating demostration in a factory at Piazza San Marco

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A minimum of 4 people is required for the tour to operate, if we do not reach this minimum there is a possibility the tour will be cancelled and customers refunded

Adult pricing applies to all travellers

A moderate amount of walking is involved, not suitable for those with limited mobility

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

The group is up to 20 people

If you arrive late you might loose the entrance or a part of the tour

The itinerary of the tour can change in the order depending on the tickets availability

Please note:Your tour includes a Murano Blowing glass demo held true venetian master in a Blowing Glass Factory.

Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person. All additional charges are considered administrative costs

The tour runs in all weather conditions. Please note that during certain times of the year, high tide may occur. In that case, raised walkways are set up to allow access and disposable shoe covers can be purchased in front of the entrance.

Meeting point

Your meeting point is under the blue Clock Tower at the corner of St. Mark’s Basilica, beside Bar Americano. Your host will be identifiable by a yellow vest and a blue flag.

Important notes

Your guide will be holding a blue flag and waiting for you under the San Marco Column in Saint Mark's Square, which is the one with the winged lion statue. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early. Unfortunately, late arrivals cannot be accommodated, and refunds will not be provided.

Your host will be standing under the Column with the Winged Lion holding a blue flag with the company logo, wearing a yellow vest.

The visit inside St.Mark' Basilica lasts about 15-20, according to local regulations.

The price for the St.Mark's Basilica entrance is 12 EUR per person, Doge's Palace tickets are priced at €30 per adult. All additional charges are considered administrative costs.

The tour runs in all weather conditions.
Please note that during certain times of the year, high tide may occur. In that case, raised walkways are set up to allow access and disposable shoe covers can be purchased in front of the entrance.

We kindly ask you to arrive on time, as late arrivals can’t be accommodated or refunded.

For security reasons, large bags and backpacks cannot be taken inside.

Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the Basilica.

Please dress appropriately for a place of worship: shoulders and knees should be covered.

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