Byzantine Venice Walking tour & Saint Mark's Basilica: Discover Historical Venice

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Immerse yourself in the rich history of Venice with a guided walking tour and a visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica. Explore the iconic landmarks and learn about the Byzantine influence on the city. Book now!

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Piazza San Marco - The tour starts with a historical introduction of St. Marks’s Square, and its architectural delights, allowing you to discover the history of the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, the illustrious Doge’s Palace, once the seat of the power of the Republic of Venice, and the extraordinary, renaissance clock tower.
Campo Santa Maria Formosa - Leaving the square, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance, through its labyrinth of narrow alleys - “calli”, many bridges, winding canals and wide picturesque squares - “campi”.

You can expect to see campo Santa Maria Formosa, one of the largest squares in Venice with its church, named after its visitation of the Holy Virgin.

Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) - You will also see Campo Santi Giovanni and Paolo where you will be able to admire the famous church, the resting place of several Doges; and the equestrian monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an Italian mercenary Captain.
Casa di Marco Polo - The former residence of Marco Polo, probably the most famous Venetian merchant, and the Malibran theatre are also part of the itinerary.
Basilica di San Marco - After returning to Saint Mark’s Square at 10:45 am, an official guide will provide you with a detailed tour of the Golden Basilica, once the private chapel of the Doge of Venice, the only one of its kind in Italy, thanks to the sumptuous golden mosaics and impressive marble inlay flooring.

This 2 hour and 30 minute combined tour concludes outside the Basilica, in Saint Mark’s Square.

What's Included

Guided walking tour covering Saint Mark’s Square and Castello
Personal audio system and headset for tour commentary
Admission to the upper floor of the Basilica
Guided tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica
Live tour commentary in English, French, Spanish, German, or Italian

What's Not Included

Food and drink,
Hotel pickup and drop-off,
Optional gratuities,
Pala d’oro

Additional Information

Experience the key historical sites and structures of Venice in one comprehensive tour. The tour, consisting of two parts, is guided and begins at 9.00am from a convenient central location. A seasoned guide will take you around the distinctive spots surrounding Saint Mark’s Square and Castello regions, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. Reconvening at 10.45 am, our journey continues with an exploration of the inner beauty of Saint Mark’s Basilica, where you will uncover its Byzantine past and radiant mosaics.

Check-in is 15 minutes prior to booked tour start time;
Shoulders and knees must be covered inside the Basilica;
Backpacks are not allowed inside the Basilica;
This tour operates rain or shine;
Tour maybe affected in the case of high tides;
On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Location

TU.RI.VE. Meeting Point

Calle larga de l'Ascension

15 min before in Calle larga de l’Ascension - 30124 next to the post office San Marco (opposite side of the Saint Marks Basilica). Look for the yellow sign "Meeting point" on the wooden kiosk and the Turive assistant.

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

3.6

(133 Ratings)

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Aprill328

Jan 10, 2020

San Marco visit - our guide was knowledgeable, and handled an unexpected situation well. We were to go up to a certain area with access, but the person granting the access was absent. Our guide was able to adjust, we waited in line, and she continued her commentary and answered questions. She was gracious and informative.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Lynnvivian

Nov 7, 2016

Our guide was excellent. Learned so... - Our guide was excellent. Learned so much about the history, architecture, and art in the church and in the square.

Review provided by Viator

Mireille

Oct 23, 2016

Informative, animated, engaging tour... - Informative, animated, engaging tour guide who really shared her passion for Venice and it's history. You must ask when you book to stay in the Basilica at the end of the tour to go upstairs and visit the horses an extra 5. If you have more time you can always visit them at another time.

Review provided by Viator

David

May 19, 2016

The title of this tour should be... - The title of this tour should be changed to St. Marks Cathedral tour as this is what the tour was about...and very good at it too. Unfortunately we did not tour or discuss the square which has a different history and story. I will use this tour company again as the tour and ease of signing up is easy but would call ahead when possible to confirm the content.

Review provided by Viator

Gretchen

Sep 9, 2016

This was our 4th tour with Viator, and... - This was our 4th tour with Viator, and they did not disappoint! I can't remember our guides name it was a very unique name but do remember that he was very knowledgeable and made the tour a lot of fun! I was only disappointed with the tour b/c I didn't see the 2 hour tour option and my friend and I had to leave the tour after an hour so we didn't get to see the castle. I know to look a bit more in the future, but this was a great little tour and would totally recommend it!

Review provided by Viator

Terry

Sep 30, 2015

When we were trying to skip the line... - When we were trying to skip the line, another tour guide spoke to us about not skipping the line, so not sure what that meant. Also, wondering why after paying for the tour on-line, they asked for more money to see one more feature. It would be better if it was all inclusive. The guide was knowledgeable and easy to listen to. I enjoyed the tour very much.

Review provided by Viator

Iveyk1

Oct 24, 2015

The tour was only of St Mark's and... - The tour was only of St Mark's and started an hour late. The tour company was incredibly disorganized. That said the guide did an excellent job in St Marks and gave a greater understanding of the Basilica's history and art.

Review provided by Viator

Jane

Aug 20, 2015

Was good to skip the queues. Our guide... - Was good to skip the queues. Our guide was very hard to understand with a very strong accent. We were moved along at a rapid pace and he did say to us this was a new rule and before he had been allowed time to stand and describe everything in more detail.

Review provided by Viator

Adrian.selinapearce