Venice: St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour and Gondola Ride

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ID: GYG927907-1450108
Category:
Country: Italy

Duration: 01:30 hours


Description

Skip the lines at St. Mark’s Basilica and admire its mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Then, enjoy a gondola ride, gliding through Venice’s canals and passing beneath the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
Step inside St. Mark’s Basilica, one of Venice’s most treasured landmarks, and immerse yourself in its rich history and breathtaking beauty. With reserved access, you’ll skip the long lines and enter directly into this masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Admire the shimmering gold mosaics that adorn the ceilings and walls, telling centuries-old stories through intricate detail. Marvel at the basilica’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, from its domed roof to the ornate marble floors. Your guide will bring the history of this extraordinary cathedral to life, explaining its religious and cultural significance, as well as the fascinating relics and treasures housed inside.

After exploring St. Mark’s Basilica, experience Venice from a different perspective with a classic gondola ride through the city’s picturesque canals. Glide past historic palaces and under elegant bridges, discovering the quieter, hidden corners of Venice that can only be reached by water. One of the highlights of this journey is passing beneath the famous Bridge of Sighs, one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. This beautifully carved limestone bridge, which once led prisoners from the Doge’s Palace to their cells, is steeped in history and legend. According to tradition, those who kiss beneath it at sunset will be granted eternal love.

Whether beginning with the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica or the romance of a gondola ride, this tour offers a perfect introduction to Venice’s history, art, and charm. From its sacred landmarks to its iconic waterways, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.

Highlights

  • Feel like a VIP with skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica
  • Admire the shimmering gold mosaics that adorn the ceilings and walls
  • Learn about the basilica's religious and cultural significance from your guide
  • Experience Venice from a different perspective with the gondola ride
  • Glide past historic palaces and under elegant bridges on the gondola ride

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- A dress code is required to enter St Mark's Basilica. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women.
- Only small bags are allowed in St Mark's Basilica.
- Please note that the Gondola ride cannot operate during heavy rain or adverse weather conditions. In this case either an alternate date or a partial refund will be provided to clients.
Please meet your guide under the Arches of the Clock Tower on Piazza San Marco. The guide will have a City Wonders flag for easy recognition.
INCLUDED
  • Reserved access to St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Gondola ride through Venice’s canals
  • Pass beneath the Bridge of Sighs
NOT INCLUDED
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.