St. Mark’s Basilica Hosted Entry and Tour Options
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step inside Venice’s most iconic landmark with skip-the-line hosted audio tours of St. Mark’s Basilica. From arrival to departure, you’ll be accompanied for a smooth visit while listening to a curated audioguide. Admire glittering mosaics, sacred relics, and centuries of history at a comfortable pace, with gentle guidance so you never miss the highlights.
Choose the option that includes the Museum and panoramic Terrace, where sweeping views of Piazza San Marco await. For the most complete hosted audio tour, select Full Access to also admire the dazzling Pala d’Oro, a golden masterpiece of Byzantine devotion.
If you prefer a richer storytelling experience, join a Terrace Guided Tour. Led by a licensed, professional guide, this visit reveals how the Basilica grew from a chapel into a symbol of faith and power, with stories behind its mosaics, marble floors, and unique blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.
Available options
English Terrace Guided Tour
Service: Guided tour of Basilica, Museum & Loggia dei Cavalli Terrace in English with licensed guide<br/>Access: Skip-the-line entry to Basilica, Museum & panoramic Terrace of the Loggia dei Cavalli<br/>Not Included: Pala d’Oro, other areas not listed
Main Area Hosted Audio Tour
Service: Hosted visit of St. Mark’s Basilica main area with audioguide<br/>Access: Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica<br/>Duration: 25 minutes<br/>Not Included: Museum, Terrace, Pala d’Oro, other areas not listed
Terrace Hosted Audio Tour
Service: Hosted visit of St. Mark’s Basilica, Museum & Loggia dei Cavalli Terrace with audioguide<br/>Access: Skip-the-line hosted entry to Basilica, Museum & panoramic Terrace of the Loggia dei Cavalli<br/>Duration: 50 minutes<br/>Included: Host, skip-the-line entry, audioguide app with highlights<br/>Not suitable for: Wheelchair users, limited mobility, pets, large luggage<br/>Not Included: Pala d’Oro, other areas not listed
What's included
Complementary access (no transport): Torcello Cathedral, Salute Sacristy & Manfrediniana Pinacoteca
Audioguide via smartphone app with curated content (hosted entry options only)
Audio receiver & headphones for clear guide commentary (guided tour options only)
Professional licensed tour guide (guided tour options only)
Assistance and free Wi-Fi provided by staff at the meeting point
Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica (always with host or guide, depending on chosen option)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your journey begins as you meet your guide in the heart of the stunning Piazza San Marco known as “drawing room of Europe,” a grand stage of history and elegance.
2
Stop 2
Marvel at the intricate marble floors and the seamless blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, as your expert guide shares the stories of how this sacred site grew into a magnificent symbol of faith and power. Learn about its gleaming golden altarpiece, rare treasures, and the artistry and devotion that shaped this masterpiece, one of Venice’s most extraordinary treasures.
What's not included
Skip-the-line entry without a host or guide (unaccompanied access not included)
Headphones and smartphone not included (required to use audioguide app on hosted visits)
Access to Museum & Terrace not included (unless “Full Access” or “Terrace” is in option title)
Access to Pala d’Oro not included (unless “Full Access” or “Pala d’Oro” is in option title)
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tickets are nominative; bring a valid ID matching the booking name. Entry may be refused without it.
For skip-the-line hosted tickets, you will meet your group at the designated meeting point and must remain with your assigned host for the entire visit; access does not bypass security checks.
Basilica time limits apply: 20 minutes for the main area, plus 10 minutes for the Pala d’Oro. Museum and Terrace visit duration depends on the service booked.
Visitors aged 11+ (Basilica-only) or 6+ (Doge’s Palace) must book an adult ticket.
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, 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
