Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Explore Venice’s rich heritage with a skip-the-line guided tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica, famous for its breathtaking golden mosaics and Byzantine art.
Your expert guide will reveal the history behind the biblical scenes, marble inlays, and unique architecture. After the tour, enjoy a peaceful 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s hidden canals and onto the Grand Canal.
Admire landmarks like the Rialto Bridge, Mozart’s home, and the elegant palaces lining the waterways.
This combo offers the perfect mix of art, history, and classic Venetian charm.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
Itinerary
-
1
Begin your journey with skip-the-line access to Saint Mark’s Basilica, Venice’s most iconic cathedral. As you step inside the “Golden Church,” your expert guide will introduce you to its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, covering over 8,000 square meters. These stunning artworks, unique in Italy, bring to life scenes from the Old Testament with vibrant color and intricate detail. As you walk through the atrium and along the intricately inlaid marble floors, the guide will explain the basilica’s deep religious and historical significance. Learn about the architectural evolution, hidden symbols, and centuries of devotion that shaped this sacred space. The tour concludes at the St. Mark’s Museum, where you are welcome to stay and explore more at your own pace, making it a relaxed and enriching experience.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
2
After your basilica visit, unwind with a tranquil 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s enchanting canals. Your journey begins on quiet waterways, passing charming sights like Mozart’s home along Rio dei Barcaroli and the scenic Rio dell’Ovo. Soon, you’ll glide onto the majestic Grand Canal, where you’ll see the iconic Rialto Bridge to your right—a marvel of Renaissance engineering. On the left, admire historic buildings such as Ca' Farsetti and Palazzo Grimani, each steeped in Venetian history. Continue through Rio San Luca, passing under the Ponte del Teatro and Ponte di San Paternian, and catch a glimpse of Palazzo Manin, once home to the last Doge of Venice. The ride ends back at your starting point—a peaceful, picture-perfect way to see Venice from the water.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Photography is not allowed only inside the Cathedral.
- 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.
Show 11 more
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Photography is not allowed only inside the Cathedral.
- 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.
- 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).
- Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- In the event of adverse weather conditions, the Gondola Ride tour may vary in duration or itinerary.
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved.
- Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of two 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.
- 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.
- Note that smoking is not allowed on the boat.
- It is not possible to bring bulky baggage of more than 16 liters in size onto the boat.
- Please note that the 10:45AM tour includes the guided Saint Mark's Basilica tour. The Gondola Ride tour will take place at 15:00 from the same meeting point. Make sure to return to the meeting location on time for the Gondola Ride tour.
- Unfortunately, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour. All customers must be able to autonomously walk, climb and get off the steps.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Get our app
