St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour with Venice Canals Gondola Ride
Step inside St. Mark’s Basilica, one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, with reserved access to skip the long lines. Admire dazzling mosaics, intricate Byzantine architecture, and centuries-old treasures that make this cathedral a masterpiece. Your guide will reveal its symbolism, design details, and historical significance.
Then, glide through Venice’s canals on a classic gondola ride, an essential experience. As you float beneath bridges and past centuries-old palaces, you’ll see the city from a unique perspective, away from the crowds. The peaceful waterways reveal a quieter, more intimate side of Venice, where history and tradition blend seamlessly with daily life.
Whether starting with St. Mark’s Basilica or the gondola ride, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into Venice’s rich heritage and timeless charm.
Options
St Mark's Tour & Gondola
St Mark's Tour & Gondola Ride: Skip the Line Access & Guided Tour to St Mark's Basilica and 30 mins shared Gondola Ride
What's included in St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour with Venice Canals Gondola Ride
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Piazza San MarcoPass-by Only
Passing by at the start of the tour
Basilica di San Marco
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Saint Mark’s Basilica, Venice’s most iconic landmark, on a guided tour that brings its rich history and stunning architecture to life. Skip the lines and step inside this Byzantine masterpiece, famous for its glittering gold mosaics, intricate marble floors, and stunning domes. Learn about the church’s deep religious significance, its role in Venetian history, and the treasures it holds, including the Pala d’Oro, a dazzling gold altarpiece adorned with precious gems.
The Bacino di San Marco is the stunning Venetian lagoon basin in front of St. Mark’s Square, offering one of the most breathtaking views in Venice. This historic waterway has been the heart of the city's maritime trade for centuries, where gondolas, vaporettos, and majestic cruise ships glide past landmarks like the Doge’s Palace, San Giorgio Maggiore, and the iconic Ponte della Paglia. With its shimmering waters and dramatic skyline, the Bacino di San Marco is the perfect spot to soak in the magic of Venice, and to start your gondola tour!
Inclusions
- Expert, English-speaking Tour Guide
- Skip the Line Access & Guided Tour of St. Mark's Basilica
- Audio headset during St Mark's Basilica Visit
- 30 minutes shared Gondola Ride through Venice Canals
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
- Due to St. Mark's Basilica security regulations, a PASSPORT OR VALID ID DOCUMENT IS MANDATORY to join this tour. It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid document with you on tour. Passengers who fail to provide a valid proof of identity will be denied entry.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- 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.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• Please note that the Municipality of Venice will implement an Access Fee on specific dates in 2025. To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend reviewing the official guidelines and registration procedures via the provided link before planning your visit: https://cda.ve.it/en/ (Official Link for Registration). • We kindly ask our guests to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure time. Missed tours or tickets due to late arrivals cannot be refunded. Our City Wonders guide will have a City Wonders sign with the name of the tour at the meeting point for easy recognition. • 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 you. • Gratuities to guides providing excellent service are appreciated • We recommend to have with you a bottle of water, an hat and solar cream during the summer. • We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our tours.
