St Mark's Basilica Tour: Explore Byzantine Art and Mosaics in the Heart of Venice

Immerse yourself in the beauty of St Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Explore Byzantine art, marvel at the golden mosaics, and learn about the history and biblical scenes depicted in this majestic cathedral.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Piazza San Marco - An official guide will provide you with a wealth of information regarding Saint Mark’s Square and then accompany you on 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.
  • Basilica di San Marco - During the tour you will be able to absorb the atmosphere whilst listening to your guide who will describe the biblical scenes represented throughout the building, together with history and particularities of this ancient Basilica.

Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica first floor museum and see the famous horses and admire Saint Mark’s Square from the Basilica’s terrace.

The tour lasts one hour and concludes outside the Basilica in Saint Mark’s Square.

What's Included
  • Personal audio system and headset for tour commentary
  • Guided walking tour of Saint Mark’s Square and its Basilica
  • Saint Mark’s Basilica first floor museum and the terrace
  • Local guide in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish
  • Skip the line and entrance fee
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Pala d’oro (€ 5,00)
Additional Information

Explore one of the globe’s most spectacular cathedrals, a remarkable example of Byzantine art nestled in the center of Venice.

An authorized guide will fill you in with a rich cache of knowledge about St Mark’s Square, followed by an in-depth exploration of the Golden Basilica. This monument, once the personal chapel of the Doge of Venice, is unique in Italy for its opulent golden mosaics and striking marble inlay floors. As you wander through, your guide will elucidate the biblical depictions scattered across the edifice and delve into the history and specifics of this venerable Basilica.

Take a trip to the museum on the first floor of Saint Mark’s Basilica, witness the renowned horses, and take in the bird’s-eye view of Saint Mark’s Square from the Basilica’s terrace.

The tour spans one hour, culminating outside the Basilica in Saint Mark’s Square.

  • Check-in is 15 minutes before the tour start time
  • Backpacks and large bags are not allowed inside the church
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • On very few occasions the Basilica may be closed due to high water, the tour will not be cancelled but the explanation of the Basilica will take place from the outside
  • 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
3.9
(278 Ratings)
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Diana_s
Aug 5, 2024
Solidly-good Guide for Beautiful Place - It all worked so smoothly. I really appreciated that way that our guide, Mirco, was organized, funny, and knowledgeable. It made for a very memorable experience of seeing this phenomenal place.
Review provided by Viator
Jen_t
Aug 2, 2024
Great tour! - Great tour! Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly - shared lots of interesting history and stories about the basilica.
Review provided by Viator
Wendy_h
Jul 13, 2024
Great must tour in Venice! - We had a excellent guide and it was so amazing to skip the long line snd go roght into the basilica.
Review provided by Viator
Diane_w
Jun 30, 2024
Must see - Loved being able to walk right in. The directions about where to meet were very good. The cathedral was amazing.
Review provided by Viator
Kate_m
Jun 29, 2024
Excellent tour - Very knowledgeable tour guide. Tour left on time and we learned a lot. It was very enjoyable. The audio headset made it easy to hear everything.
Review provided by Viator
Barbara_r
Jun 25, 2024
Interesting - The guide was very good. It is just so crowded in there that it’s difficult to walk through. The skip the line tickets did work great getting us in without a long wait. Enjoyed the terrace view.
Review provided by Viator
Inspiration556049
Jul 12, 2024
Apartment in safe quiet area of Venice - Spacious apartment with kitchen and separate bedroom space. Safe and quiet area, large bathroom and helpful friendly host.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Blaithin_f
Jul 14, 2024
Beautiful but very hard to understand the guide! - The Basilica is obviously a must see but this tour wasn’t worth it. The guide Max - was very hard to understand. The parts I did get were interesting but his accent was so strong and his English just wasn’t clear. Everything he said was learned off and there was very little actual interaction with the group. The skip the line part was helpful.
Review provided by Viator
Alvin_g
Jul 8, 2024
Refund was prompt and courteous. - Tour was rescheduled for the day of our departure from Venice, so we could not attend. Refund through Viator was prompt and courteous.
Review provided by Viator
Jonathan_h
Jul 2, 2024
Not worth the money. - Just pay for the ticket at the regular line in front of the cathedral. Mark, the gentleman we had was hard to understand as his English was not that good. It's not a long tour & you can purchase audio guide beside the ticket entrance at St Mark basilicia.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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