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Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica

star-4998 Reviews
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Venezia, Italy
Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica
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Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica
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From $46.56

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icon2 hours  (approx.)
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iconOffered in: English

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Overview

Discover the awe-inspiring St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice without the headache of long lines. Head to the front of the queue with your expert guide and step inside to admire the cathedral’s glittering gold mosaics and embellished domes. Explore other architectural highlights of St. Mark’s Square and learn about Venice’s history as a seafaring superpower and Italian cultural capital. You also escape to quieter backstreets of Hidden Venice to visit lesser-known attractions and gain insight into daily Venetian life.
  • Walking tour of St. Mark’s Square and lesser-known Venice, with skip-the-line entrance to St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Enjoy fast-track entry to St. Mark's Basilica to see its glittering mosaics and interior
  • Walk around St. Mark’s Square and admire its stunning buildings and monuments
  • Explore the ‘hidden’ Venice of small canals, palaces, and bridges often missed by visitors
  • Learn about Venice’s rich history and its role as a major maritime power in the Middle Ages
  • Pass by Doge's Palace and Bell Tower, cross Ponte del Remedio bridge, explore Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Calle Paradiso and many more attractions!
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From $46.56

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Walking tour (maximum 20 people)
Local English-speaking Professional guide
Skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark's Basilica
Radio Headsets when the group has more than 8 participants
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Giardini Reali , P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
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Entrance to the Royal Gardens , on the waterfront of St Mark's Square - You'll meet Avventure Bellissime tour coordinator outside the gardens , in front of the wrought iron Gate holding a sign with the name of the tour and Avventure Bellissime logo written on it .

St. Mark's Square , Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
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Get an insider’s perspective on the architectural wonders and historical legends of Venice. Meet your local guide near St. Mark’s Square for an introduction to the cultural and political forces that made Venice a medieval maritime force. Walk around the square as you learn the layout and history of highlights including the Doge’s Palace and the iconic bell tower.

Stop in front of St. Mark’s Basilica to appreciate its ornate, Italo-Byzantine exterior. Skip the long line and head straight inside and marvel at the cathedral’s soaring domed ceiling and ornate altars. Nearly every surface glitters with the work of generations of Venetian goldsmiths, and even the marble floors are works of art, with intricate inlaid mosaics.

Next, wander along Venice’s narrow canals and through picturesque squares to admire hidden gems like Santa Maria Formosa church, Calle Paradiso or San Zulian. Ogle the Gothic and Renaissance architecture of some of the city’s lesser-known palaces and learn about the daily lives of Venetian nobility. Explore the off-the-beaten track Castello district and Hidden Venice known only to the locals

Your tour concludes in St Mark's Square—an ideal spot to admire the wares of local artisans, grab an authentic bite at a local café, or continue exploring the city on your own.

Please note: St. Mark’s Basilica is occasionally closed to the public due to flooding or special events.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Piazza San Marco
Enjoy the introduction to the history and culture of Venice with our local expert English-speaking guide
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Basilica di San Marco
Enjoy the visit of St Mark's Basilica with Skip the line tickets.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
Campo Santa Maria Formosa
Stop by the famous Santa Maria Formosa church dedicated to Holy Virgin and learn about its Renaissance architecture and the history of its name.
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Duration: 5 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Pass By:  
Calle del Paradiso
Explore Hidden Venice with its typical alleys called "calle" and Byzantine and Gothic palazzos.
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  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • 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
  • Near public transportation
  • 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.
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Beginning Friday 6 August 2021 and until further notice, access to museums, galleries and all related tourist venues as well as indoor bars and restaurants, will be permitted only to those in possession of a Green COVID-19 Certification (Green Pass or equivalent certificate). Please remember to also bring your ID or passport to confirm your identity. This doesn’t apply to children less than 12 years old.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Avventure Bellissime
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience 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.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
See all safety measures taken by Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
See all safety measures taken by Skip the Line: Best of Venice Walking Tour with St Mark's Basilica.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "It's only a two-hour tour, but you feel like you did so much more!" See review
  • "I would recommend this walk and 2 hours was just enough to those who have knee and hip issues." See review

Reviews by Viator travelers.  We perform checks on reviews

Reviews

4.0
star-4
998 Reviews
5 stars
460
4 stars
260
3 stars
116
2 stars
94
1 star
68

Reviews by Viator travelers

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 998 reviews
star-5
Great intro to Venice-short and sweet
Anna_K
, Jul 2022
Small tour, knowledgeable guide who showed us around the less crowded Venice and explained the history ans symbolism found in the basilica.
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star-1
Disappointing
James_B
, Jun 2022
The ad was confusing and did not clearly represent the tour. Disappointed that Viator declined to adjust the cost.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Dear Client, I'd like to understand more why the description did not represent the tour, according to you, We've been operating this tour for a number of years and rarely we have received such a bad feedback. We can accept criticism if this is constructive, but the few lines you've dropped do not give ground for any comprehension on our side about what went wrong and why you have found such a sheer difference between the descritpion and the tour itself . If you'd like to add extra details I'd be very interested to read, as extra information would give me the opportunity to verify in depht the meaning of your words. Kind Regards, Monica
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star-1
NOT WORTH IT
Madelyn_D
, Jun 2022
We didn't get entrance into both Basilicas as advertised, just St. Marks. The tour was advertised to be 2 hours. It's lasted ALMOST 1.5 hours. I wish there was clear dress code guidelines listed in the description of the tour because my friend and I almost didn't get to go into St. Marks just because we didn't do extra background research on proper attire (covered shoulders and knees). The guide was nice and knowledgeable, but that is about the extent of the positives. The whole thing felt rushed and disorganized. Definetly NOT worth all the money we paid for this. We recommend just buying your own ticket to see the Basilica.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Dear Client, I'm most surprised by your feedback. We only mention St Mark's basilica therefore I do not understand when you refer to both Basilicas. Which other Basilica are you referring to? Guidelines including dress code to enter religious sities are specified in the note of the product - I'm glad you have found the guide nice and knowledgable - In regards to the tour lasting 1,5 hrs, this is very unlikely as I can understand a difference of 5 minutes but I would have received tons of complaints if that was the case as the tour is advertsied as lasting 2 hrs. As for rushed and disorganized; also in this case I would need more information regarding why it felt in this way . Kind Regards, Monica
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star-5
A Great 2 Hours Venice Experience
Rebecca_W
, May 2022
The tour guide Georgia was very nice and friendly, and very informative. She was very patient when guiding us through the busy crowds. We learned a lot about the history of Venice. The head sets were a great touch too! Defo worth it it if you want to beat the queues.
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star-5
Great Informative tour
Allyson_F
, May 2022
Very informative and easy to understand….loved the headphones as it helped with the outside noise. She was extremely knowledgeable about the area..
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star-4
It was great.
Hailee_A
, May 2022
It was wonderful. The basilica is beautiful! Expect it to be very quick. I would have loved a little more history.
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star-5
Great tour guide
Alexa_G
, May 2022
Mariana was a fantastic tour guide! She made the tour memorable. She shared so much fun knowledge and you can tell right away that she truly loves Venice with her whole heart! St. Mark’s Basilica was gorgeous, and everything we saw was interesting and beautiful, but the guide made the tour for us!!
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star-5
Great tour
Lena_B
, May 2022
Excellent host. Pleasant, interesting & informative, easy to understand. Would definitely recommend.
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star-4
A great walking tour
Amrutha_G
, Apr 2022
Liked to learn about the history of Venice, how it was built, different parts of the St Mark's square, the Doug's palace and generally walking around.
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star-5
Fantastic tour! History and St Marks!
melissanelson3
, Nov 2021
We had an amazing private tour with Adrianna! We learned some great history of Venice and toured St Marks Basilica. Beautiful! Even though it was cool and rainy we enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend!
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2021
Dear Guests, Thank you so much for your 5 star review of our tour. I have already forwarded your comments to our expert guide Adriana. A guided tour is definitely the best way to explore Venice and all its treasures, rain or shine. Thank you for touring with us! Kind regards, Aleksandra Sales Manager @ Avventure Bellissime
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star-5
Excellent guide!
Kelly_P
, Sep 2021
Georgia was a great guide - enthusiastic, very knowledgeable and considerate. She worked with our group to individualize each person’s experience.
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icon Response from Host , Sep 2021
Dear Kelly, Thank you for your kind review about our small group tour and our guide Giorgia. She is very knowledgeable about Venice and always very kind to the customers. I have already forwarded your comments to Giorgia, I am sure she will be very grateful for your candid review. Thank you for joining our tour! Kind regards, Aleksandra Sales manager @ Avventure Bellissime
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star-5
great tour - would do it again
Boris_H
, Jul 2021
Friendly, knowledgeable guide who tailored the tour to our needs and amended the route when our daughter started feeling unwell. Arranged for a rooftop viewing of Venice when a visit to St. Mark's turned out to be impractical due to COVID
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icon Response from Host , Jul 2021
Dear Boris Thank you for your positive feedback about your walking tour of Venice. We are happy you had a great experience with our guide and we hope you will tour with us again in the future! Kind regards, Aleksandra Sales Dept @ Avventure Bellissime
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star-5
Venice walking tour
Alexandra_F
, Aug 2020
Excellent tour with a very engaging, vibrant and stylish Venetian woman! Good details on the history and background of major sights and we covered many of the Cory highlights. Highly recommended!
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Great tour guide
David_M
, Feb 2020
Very good tour lots of information about the places we visited well worth the effort to see and do blaa blaa blaa
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star-5
Off the beaten track of Venice a must
Leticia_D
, Feb 2020
Our guide took us off the beaten track in Venice. We saw way more than expected. He was so helpful in pointing out so many details in Venice. The basilica was stunning!
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star-5
Very nice & informative walking tour
Rapheephand
, Feb 2020
Our group got "Stefano" as our tour guide. He's superb, very knowledgeable - knowing the city and history very well plus he's friendly & caring. I enjoyed the city much more because of him.
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star-5
Excellent tour in Venice
Milda_R
, Feb 2020
I and my husband we had only one day to spend in Venice, so we wanted to soak in some major attractions without spending several hours at a time. It's only a two-hour tour, but you feel like you did so much more! Stephano was excellent guide, extremely knowledgable and informative, he gave us information about history of Venice and daily life in nowadays. Thank you for wonderful tour.
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star-5
Great tour & tour guide
Bruce_W
, Nov 2019
It was difficult because we were late due to high tide & vaparetto problems. We joined another tour. the tour guide was very gracious about our lateness. She was very knowledgeable and passed on so many interesting facts about Venice, about St. Mark's Square and about St. Mark's Basilica. We would recommend it!
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star-1
Mrs Beverly King
Beverly K
, Nov 2019
we were very disappointed. we couldn't find the meeting place for the tour and missed it entirely. we had taken many viator tours, at least 4, and this was the first time we were blown away from meeting place, the location was under construction and crowds unmanageable and getting to location with high tides almost impossible.
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icon Response from Host , Nov 2019
Dear Client , I'm sorry you did not manage to find/ reach the meeting point . I do not know if yu tried to call our office , certainly they would have helped you in locating the meeting point , or if the tour had already started they would hav egiven you a place where to locate the guide in St Mark's square . The meeting point is centrally located , we've been having the same meeting point for many years . I do not understand though which responsibility we have to deserve 1 star review if there were big crowds and high tide . As for the location being under construction , our meeting point is in front of the gate to the royal gardens which is accessible . Kind Regards Monica
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star-5
An Amazing day!
Filomena_L
, Oct 2019
Our guide was the cutest. Franchisa spoke excellent English with the sweetest Italian accent. Her knowledge was endless. Loved every minute of the tour.
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