Magpie
4.2(3,372 reviews)

Venice Highlights: St. Mark's Basilica & Grand Canal Tour

From€405
3 hours
Venice, Italy

About this activity

Experience Venice's rich history and stunning architecture with a guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica and a scenic Grand Canal boat ride.

Highlights

  • Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark's Basilica
  • Guided stroll through Venice's historic center
  • Scenic Grand Canal boat tour
  • Explore iconic landmarks like Rialto Bridge
  • Discover hidden gems off the beaten path

Full description

Dive into the heart of Venice with this immersive 3-hour tour that combines the city's most iconic sites with its hidden treasures. Begin with skip-the-line access to the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica, where you'll marvel at its intricate mosaics and learn about its storied past. Then, embark on a guided walking tour through Venice's charming streets, uncovering lesser-known spots and local secrets. Conclude your adventure with a relaxing boat ride along the Grand Canal, offering picturesque views of the city's stunning architecture and vibrant life. This tour is perfect for those eager to experience the essence of Venice in a short time.

Included / Excluded

  • Skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica
  • Guided walking tour of Venice's historic center
  • Grand Canal boat tour
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Enjoy the introduction to Venice history and culture with our local expert English-speaking guide

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Enter in St. Mark's Basilica for an in-depth tour of the famous Basilica

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
3

Pass by the famous Campo to admire the Renaissance church of Santa Maria Formosa

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Pass by: Our guide will lead you through a typical Venetian "calle" alley where you can admire examples of Byzantine and Gothic architecture that make Venice so unique

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Pass by: During your boat tour pass near the Rialto Bridge where your guide will give you full explanation about the merchant life in the Venetian Golden Age

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

In the afternoon, travel along the Grand Canal for 1 hour with a group of max 8\9 people per boat

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
7

Pass by: On the grand canal boat tour pass by Campo San Giovanni and Paolo and back canals in Castello district.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

Pass by: On the Grand Canal boat tour pass by the enchanting back canals of the Cannaregio district. Lively campos and churches will pass by you as you glide through the canals.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
  • Confirm the meeting point and time upon booking.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobblestone streets.
  • Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
  • Be prepared for potential crowds at popular sites.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

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

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • Tour is not suitable for people in wheelchairs or with walking difficulties as passengers are required to step down onto the boat when boarding. The variation of the level of tides can make the vessel unstable
  • Occasionally the Basilica may be closed to the public (without prior notice) because of festivities, religious functions or high water. The guide will provide explanation from outside.
  • 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
  • In case of high water, St Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-line entrance will remain closed
  • 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

Traveler reviews

4.2
3,372 reviews
5
1,637
4
1,065
3
388
2
157
1
125

4 hour small group Doge and Basillica

Interesting sites. Tour guide Arianne L was very knowledgeable about the sites. Would recommend to others. Great job.

Ann HSep 1, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Alessandro is premium guide

Fantastic overview of Venice. Alessandro was energetic enthusiastic knowledgeable. Incredible amount of information given. So interesting.

jenanddavenhJul 5, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Wonderful and educational!

Nicely tailored to our interests and experience. Lots of details provided regarding the art, history and significance of each painting. He gave us a great sense of the political, economic, and geopolitical history.

192neenamJun 13, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Fun to learn in Venice with Alessandro

Alessandro was excellent. Brought history to life and answered all our questions. He was also interested in our lives … we had a fun time

377pattivJun 3, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Wonderful history of Venice

Our guide Lorenzo was very passionate about the history. He was very knowledgeable and you could tell he cared what he was talking about. 10 out of 10 would do it again.

johnpN6721UMMay 30, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Tour is not suitable for people in wheelchairs or with walking difficulties as passengers are required to step down onto the boat when boarding. The variation of the level of tides can make the vessel unstable Occasionally the Basilica may be closed to the public (without prior notice) because of festivities, religious functions or high water. The guide will provide explanation from outside. 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 In case of high water, St Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-line entrance will remain closed 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.
Book Now