Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica

Highlights

  • Get an insider’s perspective on the architectural wonders and historical legends of Venice. Meet your local guide near St. Mark’s Square for an introduction to the cultural and political forces that made Venice a medieval maritime force. Walk around the square as you learn the layout and history of highlights including the Doge’s Palace and the iconic bell tower. Stop in front of St. Mark’s Basilica to appreciate its ornate, Italo-Byzantine exterior. Skip the long line and head straight inside and marvel at the cathedral’s soaring domed ceiling and ornate altars. Nearly every surface glitters with the work of generations of Venetian goldsmiths, and even the marble floors are works of art, with intricate inlaid mosaics. Next, wander along Venice’s narrow canals and through picturesque squares to admire hidden gems like Santa Maria Formosa church, Calle Paradiso or San Zulian. Ogle the Gothic and Renaissance architecture of some of the city’s lesser-known palaces and learn about the daily lives of Venetian nobility. Explore the off-the-beaten track Castello district and Hidden Venice known only to the locals Your tour concludes in St Mark's Square—an ideal spot to admire the wares of local artisans, grab an authentic bite at a local café, or continue exploring the city on your own. Please note: St. Mark’s Basilica is occasionally closed to the public due to flooding or special events.

Summary

Get an insider’s perspective on the architectural wonders and historical legends of Venice. Meet your local guide near St. Mark’s Square for an introduction to the cultural and political forces that made Venice a medieval maritime force. Walk around the square as you learn the layout and history of highlights including the Doge’s Palace and the iconic bell tower. Stop in front of St. Mark’s Basilica to appreciate its ornate, Italo-Byzantine exterior. Skip the long line and head straight inside and marvel at the cathedral’s soaring domed ceiling and ornate altars. Nearly every surface glitters with the work of generations of Venetian goldsmiths, and even the marble floors are works of art, with intricate inlaid mosaics. Next, wander along Venice’s narrow canals and through picturesque squares to admire hidden gems like Santa Maria Formosa church, Calle Paradiso or San Zulian. Ogle the Gothic and Renaissance architecture of some of the city’s lesser-known palaces and learn about the daily lives of Venetian nobility. Explore the off-the-beaten track Castello district and Hidden Venice known only to the locals Your tour concludes in St Mark's Square—an ideal spot to admire the wares of local artisans, grab an authentic bite at a local café, or continue exploring the city on your own. Please note: St. Mark’s Basilica is occasionally closed to the public due to flooding or special events.

Tour info

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Skip the line at St Mark’s Basilica and explore St Mark’s Square and lesser-known Venice on this 2-hour walking tour. Stroll around St Mark’s Square as your guide explains its buildings and Venice’s history as a major maritime power during medieval times. Bypass the queues at St Mark’s Basilica to ogle its incredible interior and delve into the quieter, less-visited side of Hidden Venice. Walk along small canals past palaces, squares and bridges and learn about daily life in the city past and present.

What’s included?

  • Walking tour (maximum 20 people)

  • Local English-speaking Professional guide

  • Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark's Basilica

  • Radio Headsets when the group has more than 8 participants

  • Entry/Admission - Basilica di San Marco

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 2h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Avventure Bellissime

About operator:

Avventure Bellissime (Tours-Italy) is an Italy-based, Italian- and English-speaking tour operator offering world-class tours of Italy since 1999. Based in Venice, Tours-Italy offers an exciting selection of superior-quality city tours, day trips, and vacation packages across Italy to fit the needs of every type of travelers. So whether you’re looking for adventure, history, romance, or relaxation holidays - walking tours, private tours, group tours, and more - in Rome, Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Milan, Naples, Capri , Cinque Terre (just to name a few). We’re looking forward to helping you create an itinerary for the Italy trip of a lifetime.

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