St Mark’s Basilica Small-Group Guided Tour with Optional Gondola
Overview
Step into a world of shimmering gold and timeless beauty with this exclusive guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica.
With priority access that lets you skip the crowds, you'll enter the breathtaking interiors of the Golden Basilica, where every surface tells a story through dazzling Byzantine mosaics. But here's what makes this tour truly special: you'll be accompanied by a Venetian tour guide who brings these ancient stones to life.
While wandering alone might show you the beauty, only an expert guide can reveal the hidden meanings behind each glittering mosaic, explain the fascinating techniques used by medieval artisans, and share the captivating tales that shaped this thousand-year-old masterpiece.
You'll discover details most visitors walk right past and connect with Venice's soul in a way that's simply impossible without expert insight.
Want the ultimate Venice experience? During booking, you can choose the option with the gondola ride and get everything in one seamless package.
What's Included
- Gondola Ride (if option selected)
- Skip-the-line ticket to St Mark's Basilica
- Local licensed tour guide
- Hotel pick up and drop-off
- Gondola Ride (if not selected)
Meeting Location
Piazza San Marco
145, 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
10 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Basilica di San Marco
45 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Ponte dei Sospiri
30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Please note that some parts of the tour may not be easily accessible for people with reduced mobility (or any kind of disability), if you are unsure of the details, feel free to contact us.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This Tour runs rain or shine.
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult
- This tour is guaranteed with a minimum number of 2 participants
- Please remember that you have to follow a precise dress code for the Basilica entrance: shoulders, knees and thighs need to be covered so please avoid short dresses, tank tops, shorts and hats (for men). It is not allowed to enter with large bags, animals, weapons, lighters and scissors
- Please note that in case of adverse weather conditions (eg. bad storms, unexpected extreme events), or unforeseen circumstances (eg. monuments sudden closures, train/flight cancellations or delays) we do not guarantee a full refund. The company will examine each case and act accordingly.
- 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.
- 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.
- The ticket price paid by the operator amounts to a total of €12.00 per person. The difference from the listed price includes a certified live guide and an optional gondola ride.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: Will I get seasick on St Mark’s Basilica Small-Group Guided Tour with Optional Gondola?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-6476P97
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.69 out of 5 stars based on 121 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Gondola Ride (if option selected).
- Skip-the-line ticket to St Mark's Basilica.
- Local licensed tour guide.
- Hotel pick up and drop-off.
- Gondola Ride (if not selected).
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 St Mark’s Basilica Small-Group Guided Tour with Optional Gondola is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Please note that some parts of the tour may not be easily accessible for people with reduced mobility (or any kind of disability), if you are unsure of the details, feel free to contact us.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for St Mark’s Basilica Small-Group Guided Tour with Optional Gondola 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
- Gondola Ride (if option selected)
- Skip-the-line ticket to St Mark's Basilica
- Local licensed tour guide
- Hotel pick up and drop-off
- Gondola Ride (if not selected)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Please note that some parts of the tour may not be easily accessible for people with reduced mobility (or any kind of disability), if you are unsure of the details, feel free to contact us.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This Tour runs rain or shine.
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult
- This tour is guaranteed with a minimum number of 2 participants
- Please remember that you have to follow a precise dress code for the Basilica entrance: shoulders, knees and thighs need to be covered so please avoid short dresses, tank tops, shorts and hats (for men). It is not allowed to enter with large bags, animals, weapons, lighters and scissors
- Please note that in case of adverse weather conditions (eg. bad storms, unexpected extreme events), or unforeseen circumstances (eg. monuments sudden closures, train/flight cancellations or delays) we do not guarantee a full refund. The company will examine each case and act accordingly.
- 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.
- 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.
- The ticket price paid by the operator amounts to a total of €12.00 per person. The difference from the listed price includes a certified live guide and an optional gondola ride.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
