Exploring the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice is a must-do for any visitor. This guided tour provides priority access, allowing you to skip the lines and explore the basilica’s stunning architecture and rich history. With a professional guide, you’ll uncover the intricate mosaics and gain valuable insights into the site’s significance. But the highlight? The panoramic views from the Loggia dei Cavalli Terrace, where you’ll savor the breathtaking vistas of the city.
Key Points
- This tour offers priority access to St. Mark’s Basilica, allowing you to skip the long lines.
- The guided 1-hour experience includes a 10-minute visit to the Basilica, 30-minute exploration of the museum, and 20-minute stop focused on architectural styles.
- Highlights of the tour include intricate mosaics and panoramic views from the Loggia dei Cavalli Terrace.
- The tour is led by a professional licensed guide and includes an audio-receiver device and headphones.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The "Priority Access St Marks Basilica Tour with Terrace" offers visitors the opportunity to explore the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and its hidden treasures.
Priced at $47.49 per person, the tour provides priority access, allowing guests to skip the lines. The 1-hour experience includes a guided tour of the Basilica, St. Mark’s Museum, and the main stop.
Priced at $47.49 per person, the tour provides priority access and a guided 1-hour experience of St. Mark’s Basilica and its museum.
Highlights include marveling at the intricate golden mosaics, ascending to the Loggia dei Cavalli Terrace for panoramic views, and discovering the Basilica’s architectural evolution.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking, this tour provides an immersive and convenient way to explore the iconic landmark.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Venice.
Itinerary and Highlights
According to the tour itinerary, the experience starts at the Colonna di San Marco in Piazza San Marco, where guests meet their guide. The tour includes a 10-minute guided visit of St. Mark’s Basilica, a 30-minute exploration of the St. Mark’s Museum, and a 20-minute main stop. Highlights include:
| Feature | Duration |
| — | — |
| Marvel at intricate golden mosaics | – |
| Skip the line with reserved entry | – |
| Explore hidden treasures and lesser-known gems | – |
| Discover Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles | – |
| Ascend to Loggia dei Cavalli Terrace for panoramic views | – |
The tour provides an in-depth look at the Basilica’s history and evolution.
Tour Experience
Guests meet their guide at St. Mark’s Square, where they’ll learn about the iconic piazza’s history.
The group then steps inside the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, where they’re captivated by the intricate golden mosaics adorning the walls and ceilings. The guide’s engaging stories reveal the Basilica’s evolution from a humble chapel to the grand religious and cultural site it’s today.
Captivated by the intricate golden mosaics, guests learn of the Basilica’s transformation from humble chapel to grand religious and cultural site.
After exploring the main level, the tour continues to the St. Mark’s Museum, where guests discover the Basilica’s hidden treasures and lesser-known gems.
The experience culminates with a guided tour of the Loggia dei Cavalli Terrace, offering panoramic views of Venice.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes a reserved skip-the-line entry ticket, as well as a professional licensed guide who’ll provide an audio-receiver device and headphones for the duration of the experience.
Visitors will also have access to the Terrace. However, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Certain items are prohibited, such as pets, weapons, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, flash photography, alcohol, and drugs. A modest dress code is required.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
The meeting point for this tour is St. Mark’s Square near the waterfront, by two large columns.
Visitors should bring their passport or ID, as well as wear comfortable shoes. Certain items aren’t allowed on the tour, including pets, weapons, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, flash photography, alcohol, and drugs. A modest dress code is required.
Visitors should bring their ID and wear comfortable shoes. Certain items are prohibited, and a modest dress code is required.
The tour has received an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 257 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and entertaining guides, though some expressed concerns about audio guides replacing live tours.
Participants can expect stunning views and a well-paced experience.
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Customer Feedback
According to the feedback, reviewers have largely praised the tour guides for their knowledge and ability to entertain participants.
Guests remarked that the guides brought the history and significance of St. Mark’s Basilica to life through engaging storytelling.
However, some customers expressed concerns about the use of audio guides, feeling it detracted from the live tour experience.
Meeting Point and What to Bring
Visitors meet their guide at St. Mark’s Square near the waterfront, by two large columns. The meeting point is easy to find and provides a convenient starting location for the tour.
Guests should bring a few essential items:
-
Passport or ID for entry to the basilica.
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Comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves extensive exploration.
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Modest clothing, as the basilica has a dress code that prohibits short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and other revealing attire.
Equipped with these necessary items, visitors can look forward to an immersive journey through the wonders of St. Mark’s Basilica and its stunning terrace.
Dress Code and Restrictions
Modest clothing is required when visiting St. Mark’s Basilica. Visitors can’t wear short skirts, sleeveless shirts, or anything too revealing. This dress code ensures everyone is respectfully dressed while exploring the sacred site.
Plus, pets, weapons, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited. Flash photography is also not allowed inside the basilica, as it can damage the delicate mosaics.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their passport or ID, as well as comfortable shoes for the tour. Following these simple rules will ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience at this iconic Venetian landmark.
Ask Away
Can I Visit the Tour With My Pet?
According to the information provided, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour has a strict "no pets" policy, so bringing your pet along would not be permitted.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
There’s no minimum age requirement for the tour. Children of all ages are welcome, but the tour may not be suitable for very young kids who may have difficulty keeping up with the pace and staying engaged throughout the 1-hour experience.
Are Audio Guides Available in Multiple Languages?
Audio guides are available in multiple languages for this tour. Participants can choose from options like English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German to enhance their experience and understanding of the historical and architectural details provided during the guided tour.
Can I Take Photos Inside the Basilica?
Photography with flash is not allowed inside the Basilica, but visitors can take non-flash photos to capture the intricate golden mosaics and other architectural details during the guided tour.
Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?
Yes, the tour offers discounts for seniors and students. Seniors can save up to 20% on the regular price, while students can get a discounted rate as well. You’ll need to provide valid ID to claim these savings.
Final Words
The "Priority Access St. Mark’s Basilica Tour with Terrace" offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the grandeur of Venice’s iconic landmark. With skip-the-line entry, a knowledgeable guide, and access to the stunning Loggia dei Cavalli Terrace, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the Basilica’s intricate mosaics and rich history. At $47.49 per person, it’s an exceptional value for visitors seeking a comprehensive and hassle-free exploration of one of Italy’s architectural masterpieces.
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