Venice: St. Mark's Basilica guided tour & Grand Canal by gondola
Experience a guided tour with skip-the-line access to the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica, where you'll explore its magnificent architecture. Following the tour, embark on a 30-minute gondola ride along Venice’s Grand Canal, passing by renowned landmarks such as Mozart’s House, La Fenice Theatre, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Benefit from skip-the-line entry to St. Mark’s Basilica for an informative guided tour. Admire the breathtaking Byzantine art and architecture of the “Golden Basilica.” Enjoy a traditional gondola ride through the iconic Grand Canal of Venice. Glide past notable sites including Mozart’s House, La Fenice Theatre, and more.
Experience the Gondola Gallery — discover the secrets of Venice’s iconic boat through original tools, a detailed cross-section, and the craftsmanship that has shaped gondolas for centuries. Then, embark on a timeless virtual experience aboard a gondola, gliding through Venice’s iconic canals as history and tradition come to life around you
Options
Tour in English
English: English Tour
What's included in Venice: St. Mark's Basilica guided tour & Grand Canal by gondola
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Canal Grande
The experience starts with a relaxing gondola ride along the Grand Canal: during the cruise you will admire the magnificent Palaces decorating the richest waterway of the world! The gondolier will drive you along the most romantic spots and picturesque corners.
Peggy Guggenheim CollectionPass-by Only
Along the itinerary you will admire the Mozart’s House, The Phoenix Theatre and the stunning Peggy Guggenheim Collection Palace
Piazza San MarcoPass-by Only
and then, in the heart of the Grand Canal, you will be stunned in front of the beauty of St. Mark’s basin with the Salute Church, Punta della Dogana, St. Giorgio Island and the incredible overview of the Doge Palace and the Bell tower!
Inclusions
- Skip the line for St.Mark's Basilica
- 30 minutes shared gondola ride
- Guiided Tour of the St.Mark's Basilica, terrace and San Marco Museum with a qualifed guide
- Audio-receiver devices are included in case of groups over 10 people inside the Golden Basilica
- Gondola Gallery: see how a gondola is made and take a 3D trip through centuries
- Mobile audio guide with digital map with more than 200 Venice highlights
- Hotel pickup
- commentary on gondola
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour does not operate in case of exceptionally bad weather, high/low tide (in these cases it can be postponed the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
- The Golden Basilica Tour does not operate in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
- Each gondola can guest maximum 5 people; the seat aboard cannot be chosen but will be assigned by the gondolier depending of guests weight
- For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts)
- You must download the audio guide with digital map on your mobile phone
- You will receive the audio guide with digital map by e-mail.
- On Sundays, feast days and in case of unplanned religious celebrations the Basilica tour foresees the visit with direct access to the Terrace and to St. Mark's Museum situated on the first floor. Due to the Holy Mass taking place at the ground floor, in those festivity days it is possible to admire the mosaics partially from the first floor.
- Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
- ATTENTION - The visit to the Basilica is at 10:45 AM - the gondola ride is at 3:00 PM. Please consider the gap of time between the basilica and the gondola ride.
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- ***ST. MARK'S BASILICA TOUR AND GONDOLA RIDE***: at the brown wooden newsstand with the yellow sign where is written "MEETING POINT", Calle Larga de l'Ascension, St. Mark’s Square, in front of the Post Office. Please be at there 15 minutes before the departure time.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• ***FOR OPTION AT 10:45 AM (IF OPTION SELECTED):** St. Mark's Basilica tour starts at 10:45 am, the gondola ride starts at 3:00 pm • Please consider the gap of time between the activities • The Golden Basilica Tour does not operate in case of unplanned religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed the day after otherwise it will be refunded) • During some days of high turnout or for reasons of force majeure (for example high tide or security care) the waiting time to access St. Mark’s Basilica might be longer than expected: in this case, please line up and respect the instructions provided by the guide. • For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts). Comfortable shoes suggested. • You will receive the QR code and the instruction to activate the mobile app by e-mail at the moment of reservation. Please download the app before to start the tour. • Please pay attention Our App, is totally independent from your the Viator App. On your device will appear Pop Guide icon.