Legendary Venice Tour: St Mark’s Basilica

  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • E-ticket/Mobile voucher
4.7 Based on 15 Reviews
  • duration 3 hours
  • tour type Group
  • age requirement 1-79 yrs
  • max group size 25
  • guiding method Fully guided
  • Tour Code BM-1319
  • Footprint Carbonneutral CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
  • Operated in English
  • Starts/Ends Venice, Italy
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Enjoy skip-the-line access in St. Mark’s Cathedral and the Doge’s Palace
  • Admire 4,000 square meters of mosaics in St. Mark’s while you hear the improbable story
  • Get special access to the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica with spectacular views
  • Take in the view from the Bridge of Sighs and learn why the spot isn’t quite romantic
If you want to submerge yourself in the incredible history of Venice’s once-great maritime empire, our Legendary Venice tour is the perfect excursion for you. We take you on a skip-the-line, special access tours of two of the floating city’s most important buildings: St. Mark’s Cathedral, and the Doge’s Palace. As you explore these jaw-droppings spaces, your expert local guide will bring them to life with the histories and stories of how they were built and the human dramas that played out inside. History buffs and casual visitor alike will love the way this tour brings the stones of Venice to life.

If you want to submerge yourself in the incredible history of Venice’s maritime empire, our Legendary Venice tour is the perfect excursion for you.

We start in in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square, taking a moment to appreciate the space before diving into St. Mark’s Cathedral - with access to the group entrance you’ll avoid long general access lines. Here you will get a deep look at the way that Venice built a mercantile empire that once spanned the entire Mediterranean. As you gape at the mosaics and other treasures inside, your expert Venetian guide will explain how the city begged, borrowed, and yes, stole, almost all of them as it grew from a tiny island to one of the biggest powers in the Medieval world. You’ll also get special access to the first floor terrace where you can see the famous horses stolen from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade as well as amazing views over St Mark’s Square and the city.

Next it’s off to the Doge’s Palace, where pre-reserved tickets once again get us past the lines and inside what was the political heart of the empire for hundreds of years. Here you’ll visit the Doge’s own opulent apartments and the Hall of the Great Council where matters of state were decided under beautiful frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto, You’ll also see the armory and the New Prisons, where you’ll learn about the grim lives of anyone unlucky enough to be taken prisoner. You’ll also find out the secret behind the mysterious black veil that interrupts the official series of Doge’s portraits. Hint: it will make you not want to work in Venetian government.

Finally, you’ll wander over the Bridge of Sighs and learn why this romantic icon is a little more grim than you have probably been taught.

Venice is a beautiful city but it doesn’t really come to life until you have an expert, local Venetian guide to show you around and tell you the stories that take you deep into the history and lore of the city. In a small group of no more than 25 people you will have intimate access to your guide and be able to ask them all the questions you want about improbable history of one of the world’s most unique cities.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • Venice walking tour including local Venetian guide
  • Skip the line access tickets at St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Special access to the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Skip the line access tickets at the Doge’s Palace
  • Headsets when necessary
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
4.7 - Excellent
Based on 15 reviews
  • Jeffrey Smith
  • From Australia
  • On Jun 13 2016
4 - Very Good
Wish we had more time!
It would be nice to be able to linger more in some of the rooms but I understand there are time limits on a scheduled tour.
  • William Mitchell
  • From USA
  • On Jun 13 2016
5 - Excellent
A good experience
Being on the terrace without a huge crowd was nice. Not having to wait in long lines was worth the price. Frederica was informative and interesting presentation.
  • Donald James
  • From UK
  • On Nov 17 2015
5 - Excellent
Really great tour and lots of exciting information
Guide was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and personable. Content was very comprehensive. If we were going to be in Venice any longer, we would definitely sign up for another tour with Elen.
  • Cheryl Slobod
  • From USA
  • On Nov 10 2015
5 - Excellent
Superb
Charming and knowledgeable Great guide
Why Book with Bookmundi
  • Excellent customer service. Our travel experts are ready to help you 24/7.
  • Best price guaranteed.
  • No credit card or booking fees.
  • 100% financial protection.
  • Carbon neutral tours.
  • 25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
  • Read more reasons to book with Bookmundiless
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
Excellent
4.65 Average 674 Reviews
GOOD TO KNOW
CANCELLATION

Cancellations:
- For cancellations made more than 72 hours prior to tour commencement: Full refund.
- For cancellations made within 72 hours prior to tour commencement: No refund can be provided.

Amendments:
- For amendments made more than 72 hours prior to tour commencement: No amendment fee, pending availability.
- For amendments made within 72 hours prior to tour commencement: Amendments subject to a amendment fee per person, per tour, pending availability.

Late Arrivals & No Shows:
- No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.

Other Practical Information● Gratuities to guides are appreciated but never obligatory. ● Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure. ● The terrace of St. Mark's Basilica, the prisons and the armory of the Doge's Palace are not wheelchair-accessible, as a result of which we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour. For those interested in wheelchair friendly tours in Venice, please contact our Customer Care team atinfo@walksofitaly.com. ● St. Mark's Basilica can be subject to unforeseen closures due to particular liturgical celebrations. In the case in which the basilica is closed, we will give you explanations from the outside. ● Please remember that the basilica is a holy place and attire must be appropriate: Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks of Italy cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress. Backpacks are prohibited inside of St. Mark's Basilica. ● This tour runs rain or shine. However, occasionally St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are closed to the public, without previous notice, due to high tides or particular festivities. In these cases we endeavor to contact customers as soon as possible to arrange a suitable alternative. ● Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour. ● Please note, the order of sites visited is subject to changes.
NEED HELP OR HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THIS TOUR?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.
Welcome!

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Facebook
G
More login options here.