St. Mark’s Basilica Hosted Audio Tour with Upgrade Options
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Begin with skip-the-line hosted entry to St. Mark’s Basilica, accompanied throughout and supported by a curated audioguide. Inside, golden mosaics shimmer across domes and arches, surrounding you with centuries of history and devotion.
Want more? Choose the Terrace Audio Tour to add the Museum and panoramic Terrace, with sweeping views over Piazza San Marco.
For the most complete hosted visit, select the Full Basilica Audio Tour, including the dazzling Pala d’Oro, a golden Byzantine masterpiece of gems and devotion.
Looking beyond the Basilica? Combine your visit with the Doge’s Palace. The Basilica Hosted + Doge Ticket pairs Basilica entry with Palace admission and a curated audioguide, so you can explore gilded halls, Tintoretto’s masterpieces & the Bridge of Sighs.
For the ultimate experience, upgrade to the Basilica + Doge Guided Tour, where a licensed expert connects the sacred splendor of St. Mark’s with the intrigue of the Doge’s Palace in one unforgettable journey.
Available options
Hosted Audio Tour with Terrace
Description: Hosted visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, Museum & Loggia dei Cavalli Terrace with a curated audioguide<br/>Included Ticket/s: Skip-the-line hosted entry to Basilica with Museum & Terrace Access<br/>Duration: 50 minutes<br/>Exclusions: Personal headphones, Access to Pala d’Oro & all other areas not listed
Hosted Basilica + Doge Ticket
Description: Hosted Audio Tour of St. Mark's Basilica (main area) with self-led audioguided visit of Doge's Palace <br/>Included Tickets: Skip-the-line Hosted Entry of St. Mark Basilica (main area) + Skip-the-line Doge's Palace Entry <br/>Duration: 2 hours<br/>Exclusions: Access to Terrace & Pala d'Oro and all other sites/areas not listed
St. Mark’s Basilica Hosted Audio Tour
Description: Hosted Audio Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica (main area)<br/>Included Ticket/s: Skip-the-line hosted entry to St. Mark’s Basilica (main area)<br/>Duration: 25 minutes<br/>Exclusions : Access to Pala d'Oro, Museum, Terrace & All Other sites/areas not listed
English Combo Guided Tour
Description: English Guided Tour of St. Mark's Basilica, Museum & Terrace + Guided Tour of Doge's Palace <br/>Included Tickets: Skip-the-line Hosted Entry of St. Mark Basilica, Museum & Terrace + Skip-the-line Doge's Palace Entry <br/>Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes<br/>Exclusions: Access to Pala d'Oro and all other sites/areas not listed
Hosted Terrace + Doge Ticket
Description: Hosted Audio Tour of St. Mark's Basilica, Museum & Terrace with self-led audioguided visit of Doge's Palace <br/>Included Tickets: Skip-the-line Hosted Entry of St. Mark Basilica, Museum & Terrace + Skip-the-line Doge's Palace Entry <br/>Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes<br/>Exclusions: Access to Pala d'Oro and all other sites/areas not listed
What's included
Personal audio system with earpieces for clear listening (Only on Guided Tours)
Expert commentary from a licensed guide (Only on Guided Tours)
Audioguide via smartphone app with curated content (hosted entry options...
Friendly Assistance and free Wi-Fi provided by staff at the meeting point
Skip-the-line admission to Saint Mark’s Basilica
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Begin your guided journey in the heart of Venice at magnificent Piazza San Marco. Surrounded by grand arcades and historic landmarks, this lively square has been the city’s social and political hub for centuries. Your guide will set the scene with stories that bring its timeless beauty to life.
2
Step inside one of the world’s most celebrated churches and marvel at the golden glow of its intricate mosaics. Every panel tells a chapter of Venice’s spiritual and artistic history, from biblical scenes to tales of Saint Mark himself. Your guide will point out details and symbols often missed by casual visitors.
What's not included
Fast-track entry without a host or guide (unaccompanied access not...
Headphones and smartphone not included (required to use audioguide app on hosted visits)
Access to Museum & Terrace (unless “Terrace” is in option title)
Access to Pala d’Oro unless (“Pala d’Oro” is in option inclusions)
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tickets are nominative; access is granted only with valid ID matching the reservation name.
With skip-the-line hosted tickets, you will meet your group at the designated meeting point and stay with your assigned host throughout the visit. Please note that security checks are still required.
A modest dress code is strictly enforced inside Saint Mark’s Basilica. Knees and shoulders must be covered at all times.
Basilica time limits apply: 20 minutes for the main area, plus 10 minutes for the Pala d’Oro.
Audioguides are provided via App; download in advance (500 MB) and bring a fully charged smartphone with personal headphones.
The Basilica may close or restrict access due to religious events or high tides.
From July 1, 2025: Basilica €12; Museum or Pala d’Oro €24; both €36; Campanile €18; Doge’s Palace €30; Museum Pass €40. Remaining value covers operational costs, including the audioguide and hosting or certified guiding services.
Meeting point
Meet us in St. Mark’s Square near Caffè Florian. Just steps away, you’ll see the Leo Pizzo jewelry store. Our team will be in front of the arches outside Leo Pizzo, wearing purple t-shirts, ready to welcome you.
Important notes
Meet us in St. Mark’s Square near Caffè Florian. Just steps away, you’ll see the Leo Pizzo jewelry store. Our team will be in front of the arches outside Leo Pizzo, wearing purple t-shirts, ready to welcome you.
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
