St. Mark's Basilica and Venice City Tour with Gondola Ride

After exploring the historic Rialto Bridge and neighborhood, along with some of Venice’s hidden gems along the way, you’ll hop on a traditional gondola for a gentle cruise through the watery streets of Venice.

Venice City Tour Description

Your 2.5-hour tour includes:

• St. Mark’s Square introduction 

• Skip-the-line entry to St. Mark's Basilica

• Rialto Bridge and neighborhood

• A traditional gondola ride

• A maximum group size of 8

• A fun, English-speaking local guide 

St. Mark's Square

You’ll begin your tour of Venice in St. Mark's Square, or Piazza San Marco, which is perhaps one of the most famous public squares in the world. Home to the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bell Tower, and Doge’s Palace, this is the biggest piazza in Venice. Your Venice tour guide will show you some of the most important sites in the square and tell stories of the historic events that took place here.

After meeting up with your fellow Venetian visitors and guide, it's time to head to St. Mark’s Basilica. As this is one of the most visited landmarks in Venice, long lines are expected in summer months. However, this Venice walking tour includes skip-the-line tickets so you don't waste your valuable time.

St. Mark's Basilica

St Mark's is one of Venice’s most jaw-dropping landmarks, so it’s no wonder that the line to get inside can be long. That’s why you’ll enjoy skip-the-line tickets at no extra cost during the busy summer months.

Once inside, it's clear why the basilica is nicknamed “the Church of Gold.” With over 45,000 square feet of gilded mosaics constructed over eight centuries, the interior of St. Mark's Basilica is unlike anything you've ever seen. The basilica is so richly outfitted partly due to the conquest of Constantinople. After the city fell in 1204, treasure was shipped back and installed in St. Mark's Basilica. Included in the haul were the four bronze horses and the Pala d’Oro (high altar retable of St. Mark's).

Please note that St. Mark's is a sacred place, so we ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise you might be refused entry and you’ll miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Venice can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

Rialto Bridge and Neighborhood

Just a few minutes away from St. Mark’s Square is the Rialto Bridge, as much a symbol of Venice as St. Mark's Basilica. Initially built from old boats, the unstable bridge was rebuilt in 1500. On one side of the bridge is the Rialto Market in the Rialto neighborhood, a place that’s been satisfying appetites for seven centuries.

Local Palazzos and Campos

Away from the famous squares and landmarks, Venice is a maze of narrow streets, shady campos (small squares) and beautiful old palazzos (palaces). Your guide will show you some hidden gems on your tour to give you a taste of local Venice, including the ornate Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. You may even find some lovely spots to return to for an evening glass of vino.

Venice Gondola Ride

Now, it's time to enjoy the beauty of Venice from the water on a 30-minute gondola ride. The privilege of working as a gondolier is not taken lightly. In fact, Venice only awards a limited number of licenses per year.

Your gondola ride ends a few minutes' walk from St. Mark’s Square, where your tour began. From here, catch a water taxi back to your hotel. If you aren't ready to call it a day, ask your guide where the best places to eat and drink in Venice are and they’ll happily point you in the direction of some delicious Venetian cuisine.