St. Mark's Cathedral: the Shining Golden Basilica - Guided Tour
4.9
339 Ratings
Venezia
Experience the grandeur of St. Mark's Cathedral on a guided tour. Explore the Golden Basilica's rich history and captivating legends with an expert guide. Choose the private option for a personalized experience.
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Basilica di San Marco - Embark on an extraordinary guided exploration of the magnificent St. Mark’s Cathedral, often referred to as the Golden Basilica for its extensive use of pure gold mosaics!

An experienced guide will lead you past the queues and into the heart of the cathedral, providing insightful commentary on the history, intriguing facts, and myths surrounding the unparalleled artworks within. Prepare to be awestruck by the quintet of domes, each lavishly adorned with gold and crafted by the most renowned artists of their era.

Relish a portion of the narrative while comfortably seated within the grandeur of the cathedral. This exceptional journey unveils the central symbol of Venice’s storied past.

  • Piazza San Marco - Traverse the grandiose St. Mark’s Square and behold what is often celebrated as the most exquisite locale on the globe.
What's Included
  • Shared guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica.
  • Exclusive access to St. Mark’s Basilica Terrace with Legendary Tour.
  • Complimentary audio-receivers for groups larger than 10.
  • Skip-the-Line access to St. Mark’s Cathedral.
  • Private Tour available upon selection.
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup & DropOff
  • Pala D’Oro Visit
  • Food & Drinks
Additional Information

This instructed tour will take you to Venice’s most renowned landmark: explore the magnificent Saint Mark’s Cathedral, which graces Saint Mark’s Square, guided by an experienced and proficient tour guide.

Swirling you back into the history of this resplendent location, the guide will narrate thrilling tales and intriguing myths enmeshed with it. Known for its pure gold mosaics, the Cathedral is also revered as the Golden Basilica.

Opt for the private tour for an intimate experience with a dedicated tour guide.

  • Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
  • During some days of high turnout or reasons of force majeure (for example high tide or security problems) 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).
  • Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
  • 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
Location
Venice Tours
Calle San Gallo
Having the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches. Find Olivetti Museum, turn right passing under the archways, cross the little bridge and go straight on to “Campo San Gallo”, Venice Tours Office is in the square.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(339 Ratings)
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Jacq1602
Jun 6, 2024
Great one hour tour - fast tracks queues - Valentina was really knowledgeable and made history come alive with her tour of St Marks. She pointed out things I would never have noticed. The tour was easy to book and it skips lines.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W9254lpericah
Jun 5, 2024
St. Marks Basilica and Doge Palace tour. - Valentina was such a great tour guide. She answered any questions asked; was super enthusiastic and passionate about Venetian history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Henness2024
Jun 5, 2024
Beautiful - You experience venice differently then when you would just walk it yourself. The hidden details are often the most fun and interesting and with the tour you get al the good stories that wil make your visit even better.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Escape25110682170
Jun 5, 2024
Great tour - Valentina was a great guide. Very clear and enthusiastic. I learnt a lot! Long enough to find out about the history of Venice with opportunity to then wander around by ourselves
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mikeyjoe68
Jun 5, 2024
What a beautiful Cathedral! - What a beautiful cathedral! Well worth a visit to see all the beauty and gold foil. Valentina gave a great presentation and was very friendly and highly informative. Thank you Valentina!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_d
Jun 3, 2024
Amazing guide..very knowledgeable - This was an amazing tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and helpful with suggestions for the rest of our trip.
Review provided by Viator
Excursion781128
Jun 1, 2024
Informative experience - Very informative guide, good pace and clear instructions. We found the office easilly by ghogle maps. Small group with a fast entry to the locations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A1818cbsarahh
May 31, 2024
Wow - Very nice, beautiful, and tour guide was very friendly and gave good detailed information about the cathedral. It had many pictures and the atmosphere felt good!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessica
May 31, 2024
Great tour of the Basilica di San Marco! - Couldn’t ask for a better tour guide, Valentina was very informative and was better than our expectations. Would recommend. Be sure to know to meet at meeting point.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O4999thjeromec
May 31, 2024
Exceptional basilica but Trip advisor system spoils the pleasure at a high price - Very expensive for the visit, over 1 hour of visit, only 30 minutes in the basilica, and we were not able to see the whole thing (pala d'oro and terrace were not included). Very kind guide overall. I deplore that sites like Trip Advisor buy tickets for €6 to sell them for €35, it is time for Venice to address this subject
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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