Saint Mark’s Basilica:"Guided Journey into Venice’s Golden Heart"

Venice , Italy

Saint Mark’s Basilica:"Guided Journey into Venice’s Golden Heart"

Active

(3 reviews)

50m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy Skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica with a professional guide. You’ll discover the art & architecture of the magnificent cathedral in Venice, which is full of gold and art masterpieces.

Available options

Basilica Tour in French

Basilica Tour in Italian

Basilica Tour in Spanish

Basilica Tour in German

Basilica Tour in English

What's included

Radio system to hear the guide

Official certified guide

Tickets to the Museum of St Mark's Bascilica

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Walk your way to the entrance of the Cathedral, and skip the line at the entrance to the cathedral. Inside this Golden Basilica, the guide with explain to you the famous facts about the incredible golden mosaics and the masterpieces of Byzantine art which you’ll be awed by!

Byzantine art is a unique artwork in Italy and mosaics are found in the church’s atrium, you’ll have the pleasure of savoring beautiful gold mosaics and marble inlays of the floors, while the guide will show you the represented biblical scenes from the Old Testaments, the history and the particularities of this ancient basilica.

This tour will end at the museum, it’ll be a hassle-free and not overwhelming tour. Our professional guides will guide you through, a perfect balance between art, architecture, and history.

However, you are also welcome to stay back after the tour ends to visit the museum on yours.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transportation to/from attractions

Food and drinks

Entrance tickets to the attractions not mentioned in inclusions

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 1.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Unfortunately, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour. All customers must be able to autonomously walk, climb and get off the steps

Photography is not allowed only inside the Cathedral

The tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of religious functions (in these cases it can be rearranged or refunded)

Please wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved

Please wear clothes that cover your shoulders and are knee-length to access St Mark’s Basilica, otherwise you might not be allowed in.

For security reasons sacks, bags or knapsacks are not allowed inside the Basilica

The storage service is free of charge but please allow sufficient time to do so

Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of guests to run

Please note that if you arrive after the tour start time you will not be able to join and will not be refunded or have your tour rescheduled

Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.

There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements, in the event of this occurring you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Meeting point

Please meet your guide in front of the wooden souvenir kiosk, just behind the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, next to the entrance to the post office.

Important notes

The entrance tickets will be delivered by the guide or our representative at the meeting point prior to the start of the tour.

Please follow the instructions to the meeting point as on the voucher.

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