Exploring the captivating charm of Venice has never been easier. This 2-hour walking tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s iconic landmarks, from the grandeur of St. Mark’s Square to the architectural wonders that line the canals. Visitors will discover the highlights of this historic destination, including the stunning Basilica, the Clock Tower, and the Correr Museum. While ongoing restoration work may prevent direct access to the Basilica’s interior, the tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in the city’s rich cultural heritage. Prepare to be enchanted by the timeless beauty of Classic Venice.
This experience made our list of the 20 Best 2 Hour Tours and Experiences in Venice.
Key Points
- This 2-hour walking tour of classic Venice showcases iconic landmarks, including an entry to St. Mark’s Basilica.
- Explore St. Mark’s Square and its 15th-century architecture, as well as the Clock Tower, Bell Tower, and Correr Museum.
- Due to ongoing restoration, visitors can explore the Basilica’s Terrace and Museum instead of the interior.
- The tour provides access to the Doge’s Palace and other landmarks that highlight Venice’s history and architecture.
- The group price for this tour starts from $270.31 for up to 9 participants.
Tour Details
This 2-hour walking tour of classic Venice allows visitors to discover the city’s iconic landmarks, including an entry to the renowned St. Mark’s Basilica, for a group price starting from $270.31 up to 9 participants.
Guests will explore St. Mark’s Square, surrounded by stunning 15th-century architecture, and admire the Clock Tower, Bell Tower, and Correr Museum.
The tour also includes a visit to the interior of St. Mark’s Basilica, where travelers can marvel at the church’s treasures like the Pala d’Oro. Due to ongoing restoration work, the tour will visit the Basilica’s Terrace and Museum instead of the main interior space.
This guided tour operates daily, except on national and religious holidays, with standard start times at 9:00 AM.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice.
Highlights
On this classic Venice tour, guests discover St. Mark’s Square, surrounded by stunning 15th-century structures. They’ll explore the interior of the renowned St. Mark’s Basilica, admiring its precious treasures like the Pala d’Oro. Plus, the tour visits the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
Highlight | Description |
---|---|
St. Mark’s Square | Discover the heart of Venice, surrounded by captivating 15th-century architecture. |
St. Mark’s Basilica | Explore the interior of this iconic cathedral, marveling at its exquisite Byzantine mosaics and Pala d’Oro. |
Bridge of Sighs | Cross the renowned Bridge of Sighs, which connects the Doge’s Palace to the prison. |
Correr Museum | Visit the Correr Museum, housed in a beautiful neoclassical building on St. Mark’s Square. |
Tour Description
The tour begins in St. Mark’s Square, where guests discover the captivating 15th-century structures that surround this historic heart of Venice.
Travelers will explore the interior of the renowned St. Mark’s Basilica, marveling at its exquisite Byzantine mosaics and the Pala d’Oro, a stunning gold altarpiece. They’ll also visit the iconic Bridge of Sighs, which connects the Doge’s Palace to the prison.
During the tour, you will:
- View the Clock Tower and Bell Tower
- Admire the Correr Museum
- Learn about the Basilica’s treasures
- Explore the Basilica’s Terrace and Museum
Inclusions
The tour includes an entrance ticket to St. Mark’s Basilica, except on Sunday mornings and religious feast days, as well as an entrance ticket to the Doge’s Palace. These inclusions provide access to the iconic landmarks that showcase the rich history and architectural wonders of Venice.
Included | Not Included |
---|---|
St. Mark’s Basilica | Entry on Sundays/Holidays |
Doge’s Palace | Guide Services on Holidays |
The guided tour takes visitors through these remarkable sites, allowing them to fully enjoy the grandeur of Venice’s past. With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive and enriching experience for those seeking to explore the cultural heart of this remarkable city.
More Great Tours NearbyBasilica Restoration
Ongoing restoration work at St. Mark’s Basilica currently prevents visitors from entering the interior of the cathedral, as the tour description indicates.
Instead, tours now visit the Basilica’s Terrace and Museum.
The restoration project aims to preserve the stunning Byzantine mosaics and other treasures housed within this iconic landmark.
While the interior is off-limits, visitors can still explore the Basilica’s exterior and learn about its rich history.
The restoration work is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
During this time, tour operators have adjusted their itineraries to provide travelers with an engaging experience, including:
- Exploring the Basilica’s Terrace
- Visiting the Basilica Museum
- Discovering St. Mark’s Square and surroundings
- Learning about the cathedral’s architectural and artistic significance
- Tour of The Real Hidden Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica After-Hours Tour With Optional Doges Palace
- Murano Glass Experience With a Visit to a Burano Lace Island
- Venice Sightseeing Walking Tour With a Local Guide
- Eat, Drink and Repeat: Wine Tasting Tour in Venice
- I Musici Veneziani Concert: Vivaldi Four Seasons
Tour Schedule
According to the information provided, standard tours of the classic Venice walking tour and basilica entry run daily, except on national and religious holidays.
The tours start at 9:00 AM and last for 2 hours, allowing visitors to thoroughly explore St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica’s Terrace and Museum, and other highlights.
Due to ongoing restoration work, the tours currently don’t include entry inside the St. Mark’s Basilica itself. Instead, visitors can explore the Basilica’s Terrace and Museum as part of the tour.
The guide services are available every day, ensuring travelers can enjoy this immersive experience regardless of their schedule.
Pricing Information
Pricing for the 2-hour classic Venice walking tour with Basilica entry starts from $270.31 per group of up to 9 people.
This covers the cost of entrance tickets to both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, as well as the services of a private guide to lead the tour.
The key pricing details are:
- Tour price is $270.31 per group (up to 9 people)
- Includes admission to St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace
- Private guide service for the 2-hour walking tour
- Standard tours start at 9:00 AM
Given the significant value offered, this walking tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore the highlights of classic Venice with an expert guide at a reasonable price point.
Contact Details
Customers can book this classic Venice walking tour with Basilica entry by contacting the tour provider through their website or by phone.
The tour can be reserved through the provider’s online booking system, where customers can view available tour dates and times, and complete their booking and payment.
Customers can also contact the tour provider directly by phone to inquire about tour availability and make a reservation.
The tour provider’s contact information, including their website address and phone number, is readily available on the tour listing.
With convenient booking options, customers can easily secure their spot on this immersive 2-hour exploration of Venice’s iconic sights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, participants are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour focuses on sightseeing, and outside food and drinks are generally prohibited to maintain the tour’s structure and flow.
Are Photography and Video Allowed Inside the Basilica?
Photography and video are generally allowed inside St. Mark’s Basilica, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting services or other visitors. Flash photography may be restricted in some areas.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tour may not be suitable for people with mobility issues, as it involves walking for 2 hours and exploring the interior of St. Mark’s Basilica, which may have limited accessibility. Guests should consider their mobility needs before booking.
Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your interests. The tour provider generally offers flexibility to accommodate specific requests, such as focusing on certain sights or adjusting the itinerary. Just let them know your preferences when booking.
Do the Tour Guides Speak Multiple Languages?
The tour guides typically speak multiple languages to accommodate a diverse range of visitors. They’ll likely offer the tour in English, as well as other common languages like Italian, Spanish, and French, depending on the group’s needs.
Recap
This 2-hour walking tour of classic Venice is a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Visitors will discover the highlights of St. Mark’s Square, including the Basilica, Clock Tower, and Correr Museum.
While the Basilica’s interior is closed for restoration, the tour provides access to the Bridge of Sighs and other architectural wonders, showcasing Venice’s rich history and captivating beauty.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Walking Tours in Venice
- Venice: Cicchetti Street Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Venice on Foot and Water: Walking Tour with Gondola Ride
- Venice: Saint Mark’s Basilica and Guided City Walking Tour
- Venice: Spritz Walking Tour with 4 Spritzes and Local Tapas
- Venice: Small Group Walking Tour of Most-Famous Sites
- Explore Venice: Walking Tour and Gondola
More Tours in Venice
- Venice: Cicchetti Street Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
- Doge’s Palace & St. Marks Basilica Guided Tour in Venice
- Venice: Rialto Market Food Tour with 3 Tastings
- Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour and Terrace Option
- Venice: Murano & Burano Guided Glass Tour by Private Boat
More Tour Reviews in Venice
- Museum of Leonardo da Vinci’s working machines
- Venice: Cicchetti Street Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s & Gondola Ride + Optional Add-Ons
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
- Sunset in Venice: Private Boat Aperitif
- Doge’s Palace & St. Marks Basilica Guided Tour in Venice
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Venice we have reviewed
- Museum of Leonardo da Vinci’s working machines
- Venice: Cicchetti Street Food and Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s & Gondola Ride + Optional Add-Ons
- Venice: Guided Boat Tour to Murano and Glass Blowing
- Sunset in Venice: Private Boat Aperitif
- Doge’s Palace & St. Marks Basilica Guided Tour in Venice
- Venice: “Titizé – A Venetian Dream” Show Ticket
- Venice: Rialto Market Food Tour with 3 Tastings
- Venice: Private Evening Stroll with VIP Entry to St. Mark’s
- Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour and Terrace Option
- Venice: Murano & Burano Guided Glass Tour by Private Boat
- Venice: Opera Concert at Casanova Prisons in St. Mark Square