St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour in Venice with Access to Terraces
Skip-the-line, admire the opulent interior, take in the view from above, and explore the museum!
Searching for the best way to visit St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and its Terraces, skipping the long lines? With secured, skip-the-line tickets, and an expert guide to lead you through the world-famous cathedral, this is the ultimate way to experience Venice’s captivating St. Mark’s Basilica! From the first floor, meander through the Basilica’s Museum, followed by a visit to the cathedral’s Terrace, where you’ll admire a panoramic view of St. Mark’s Square.
- St. Mark's Basilica guided tour
- Meet your guide
- Basilica’s ornate exterior
- Skip-the-line tickets
- 1-hour guided visit
- Byzantine art and architecture
- The Church of gold
- Basilica’s Terrace
To begin exploring the enchanting St. Mark’s Basilica, head to your designated meeting point in Campo San Zaccaria, right in front of San Zaccaria Church. Your friendly guide will be waiting to meet you, along with your group of fellow travelers. Once everyone has gathered, your guide will provide you with personal headsets so that you don’t miss out on any key information during the tour!
After admiring the Basilica’s magnificent exterior and learning more about its unique architecture, it will be time to head inside. With your skip-the-line tickets in hand, breeze past the long line of tourists as you swiftly enter the world-famous church. With your knowledgeable guide leading the way, roam through the incredibly ornate cathedral, learning about its rich history along the way. Marvel at the shimmering, golden mosaics and marble inlays that line its interior, before following your guide to the first floor of the Basilica.
From here, wander through the cathedral’s fascinating museum. Finally, your guide will lead you to the Basilica’s Terrace, where you’ll take in an unparalleled view of St. Mark’s Square.
Your tour ends here, though you’re free to continue exploring the lively St. Mark’s Square at your leisure!
St. Mark’s Basilica Tour Description
Your 1-hour tour includes:
Professional tour guide
Skip-the-line entrance tickets
Personal headsets so you don’t miss any information!
Explore the Basilica’s interior and learn about its history
Visit the Basilica’s Terrace and Museum
Marvel at the light created by the Basilica’s golden mosaics
Meet Your Guide
Your immersive journey through one of the world’s most captivating cathedrals begins at Campo San Zaccaria, just a 2-minute stroll from Saint Mark’s Square, where St. Mark’s Basilica is located. Here, your professional guide will be waiting to greet you, along with your lively group of fellow travelers. Before heading into the stunning church, your helpful guide will hand out headsets so that you don’t miss out on any fun facts about the cathedral. Once your group members are ready and everyone has their personal headsets, it’s time for you adventure to begin!
Admire the Basilica’s Exterior
Your tour begins outside, where you’ll admire the Basilica’s ornate exterior and intricate design. As your guide will point out, both Eastern and Western influences are evident in the cathedral’s unique architecture. This fusion reflects the historical confluence of cultures that has shaped Venice over the centuries.
After taking in the Basilica’s magnificent exterior, use your skip-the-line tickets to cruise right past the long line of tourists waiting to make their way inside the breathtaking church.
Explore St. Mark’s Basilica
Once inside the opulent cathedral, your expert guide will tell fascinating tales of Venice’s rich history. You’ll also hear stories about Saint Mark himself, whose remains are held within the Basilica. As you learn about the Basilica’s fascinating past, you’ll be mesmerized by the golden mosaics and marble inlays that encompass its interior.
St. Mark's Basilica is a living testament to the artistic prowess of the Byzantine era, and is revered as a masterpiece of Byzantine art.
Visit the Terrace and Museum
For the final leg of your tour, follow your guide to the Basilica’s first floor. Take in a majestic view of the Basilica’s glimmering, golden mosaics, before moving on to the cathedral’s museum. As you wander through the alluring St. Mark’s Museum, your knowledgeable guide will continue to detail the incredible stories behind this world-famous cathedral.
Finally, your guide will lead you to the Terrace, where you’ll be met with an awe-inspiring view of St. Mark’s Square. Capture the spectacular view with your camera as your local guide points out key landmarks and iconic sights in the distance.
Your tour ends inside the Basilica, following your visit to the Terrace, though you’re free to continue exploring the vibrant square at your leisure!
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
7 total reviews
Leave a reviewDonald Durand
Good care of guests. Worked to make this a positive experience.
Lizzette Delarosa
Fast and Quiet, but still good
Adam Hukill
Ourr tour guide was fast, and a little too quiet (even with the headsets), from the meeting spot we zoomed through the streets of Venice to the Basilica - barely keeping sight of our guide at times. Once inside though, she was very informative, and the tour in general was enjoyable, I just wish she'd been a little louder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
We suggest wearing comfortable clothes, appropriate to the season. Please keep in mind that the Basilica is a religious site, so knees and shoulders should be covered during the visit.
What to bring?
We suggest wearing comfortable clothes, appropriate to the season. Please keep in mind that the Basilica is a religious site, so knees and shoulders should be covered during the visit.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Venice.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
In case you have doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand, and we will do our best to assist you. Unfortunately, the Basilica is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
What happens if it rains?
We run our Basilica tours rain or shine.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
On the rare occasion the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible. We will work with you to reschedule your tour when possible or provide a full refund.
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise the Basilica might refuse entry. We understand the summers in Venice can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
Are Pala d’Oro tickets included?
No, Pala d’Oro tickets are not included in this tour.
How comprehensive is this tour?
This one hour tour of the Basilica will be quite thorough, as your expert guide will by your side the entire time to explain the history and stories behind each area of the Basilica. However, while this tour visits the Museum and Terrace, it does not include the Pala D’Oro. In case you want to combine this tour with a visit of the Doge's Palace, check out our St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride.
Does the Basilica ever experience sudden closures?
In case of force majeure of unexpected events, the Basilica might undergo unexpected closures. If this happens, we will inform you immediately and work together on a refund or reschedule the tour.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, but your guide will be happy to recommend their favorite spots for after your tour.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Kids are welcome on this tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, and children aged 5 and younger may join for free.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You’ll meet your guide at the designated meeting point outside of the Basilica.
Where does this tour end?
This tour ends at the Basilica, following your visit to the Terrace and Museum. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like or explore the lively area surrounding St. Mark’s Basilica.
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