Private Venice Walking Tour: St. Mark’s Basilica & Hidden Gems
Overview
Discover the best of Venice on this 2-hour private walking tour, combining iconic landmarks with the city's charming hidden gems. Explore magnificent St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) as your knowledgeable local guide shares fascinating stories about Venice’s history, architecture, and powerful maritime past. Visit the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica with pre-booked entrance tickets, avoiding the long ticket lines, and admire its stunning golden mosaics and extraordinary Byzantine architecture. Continue your guided walk through the quieter, lesser-known corners of Venice, strolling along picturesque canals, charming squares, historic palaces, and hidden bridges. Discover authentic Venetian neighborhoods and learn about local traditions and everyday life, past and present. An ideal introduction to Venice for first-time visitors seeking a more personal and authentic experience.
What's Included
- Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark's Basilica
- Radio Headsets when the group has more than 8 participants
- Local English-speaking Professional guide
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting Location
Piazza San Marco
30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Piazza San Marco
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Basilica di San Marco
30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Calle del Paradiso (pass by)
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Tour operates rain or shine
- At certain times it may not be possible to enter to St Mark's Basilica due to religious functions taking place. These closures are beyond our control so no refunds or discounts will be issued
- Large bags are not allowed into St Mark's Basilica
- In case of high water, St Mark’s Basilica Skip the line entrance will remain closed
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- To ensure safety and well-being of our guests the itinerary of the tour has been amended to follow the Covid-19 guidelines. Visits to St Mark's Basilica may be subject to restrictions. Depending on the situation on the day of the tour the itinerary may be amended to offer you the best experience possible.
- Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance to St Mark's Basilica is compulsory from April to October due to high number of visitors. St Mark’s Basilica does not offer a fast entry service to anyone in other periods considered off peak season. No refund is due when skip-the-line reservation isn't required.
- 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
- ID Cards and Passports of all participants are mandatory to enter inside the St. Mark's Basilica.
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
- St. Mark’s Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Venice Walking Tour: St. Mark’s Basilica & Hidden Gems?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-2635WV
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.16 out of 5 stars based on 973 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Explore Venice in a small group with a local guide: uncover hidden alleys, secret squares, mysterious corners and fascinating legends that bring the city to...
$56
Set sail on a boat tour from Venice to the islands of Murano and Burano. Sail there on a comfortable ship, enjoy some time exploring...
$28
Shop through botteghe and tiny shops and find artisanal souvenir and objects 100% made in Italy, listening to the story of these businesses often started...
$35
Join a private sunset boat trip in Venice to experience the stunning view of Venice and its architectural wonders under the warm lights of sunset....
$458
Explore Venice in a small group with a local guide: uncover hidden alleys, secret squares, mysterious corners and fascinating legends that bring the city to...
$56
Set sail on a boat tour from Venice to the islands of Murano and Burano. Sail there on a comfortable ship, enjoy some time exploring...
$28
Shop through botteghe and tiny shops and find artisanal souvenir and objects 100% made in Italy, listening to the story of these businesses often started...
$35
Join a private sunset boat trip in Venice to experience the stunning view of Venice and its architectural wonders under the warm lights of sunset....
$458
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
This full-day Venice tour brings together the city’s greatest hits and lagoon islands in one carefully planned route. Start with timed-entry tickets and guided visits...
$174
Experience the magic of ‘traveling opera’ during a 2-hour operatic performance at the grand Palazzo Barbarigo-Minotto in Venice. Performed by the acclaimed Musica a Palazzo...
$111
Discover the enchanting history and art of Venice in this immersive 3-hour experience! Join an expert guide as you explore the stunning Doge’s Palace and...
$169
Enjoy an exclusive small-group Prosecco wine tour from Venice, hosted by Riccardo a certified sommelier. This full-day experience is designed for travelers who want a...
$199
This full-day Venice tour brings together the city’s greatest hits and lagoon islands in one carefully planned route. Start with timed-entry tickets and guided visits...
$174
Experience the magic of ‘traveling opera’ during a 2-hour operatic performance at the grand Palazzo Barbarigo-Minotto in Venice. Performed by the acclaimed Musica a Palazzo...
$111
Discover the enchanting history and art of Venice in this immersive 3-hour experience! Join an expert guide as you explore the stunning Doge’s Palace and...
$169
Enjoy an exclusive small-group Prosecco wine tour from Venice, hosted by Riccardo a certified sommelier. This full-day experience is designed for travelers who want a...
$199
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark's Basilica.
- Radio Headsets when the group has more than 8 participants.
- Local English-speaking Professional guide.
- Gratuities.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Private Venice Walking Tour: St. Mark’s Basilica & Hidden Gems is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Venice Walking Tour: St. Mark’s Basilica & Hidden Gems will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark's Basilica
- Radio Headsets when the group has more than 8 participants
- Local English-speaking Professional guide
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Tour operates rain or shine
- At certain times it may not be possible to enter to St Mark's Basilica due to religious functions taking place. These closures are beyond our control so no refunds or discounts will be issued
- Large bags are not allowed into St Mark's Basilica
- In case of high water, St Mark’s Basilica Skip the line entrance will remain closed
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- To ensure safety and well-being of our guests the itinerary of the tour has been amended to follow the Covid-19 guidelines. Visits to St Mark's Basilica may be subject to restrictions. Depending on the situation on the day of the tour the itinerary may be amended to offer you the best experience possible.
- Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance to St Mark's Basilica is compulsory from April to October due to high number of visitors. St Mark’s Basilica does not offer a fast entry service to anyone in other periods considered off peak season. No refund is due when skip-the-line reservation isn't required.
- 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
- ID Cards and Passports of all participants are mandatory to enter inside the St. Mark's Basilica.
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
- St. Mark’s Basilica tickets are priced at €12 per person
