Venice: St. Mark's Basilica, Pala D'Oro, Bell Tower Private Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience Venice’s most treasured landmarks with an expert private guide, combining art, history, and breathtaking views in one immersive tour. Step inside the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, where shimmering gold mosaics and intricate marble floors tell the story of Venice’s rich past.
Ascend to the Loggia dei Cavalli, offering a rare perspective over Piazza San Marco, and admire the famous bronze horses, symbols of Venice’s dominance. Inside, marvel at the Pala d’Oro, an exquisite golden altarpiece adorned with precious gems and intricate Byzantine craftsmanship.
Complete your journey with a climb to the St. Mark’s Bell Tower, the tallest structure in Venice, where breathtaking panoramic views of the city and lagoon await. With skip-the-line access and personalized commentary, this private tour offers an unparalleled deep dive into Venice’s artistic and architectural wonders.
Available options
Venice: St. Mark's Basilica, Pala D'Oro, Bell Tower Private Tour
Pickup included
What's included
St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tickets
Meet & Greet your Tour Guide at your hotel (valid only for hotels in San Polo or San Marco areas)
Loggia dei Cavalli, Pala d'Oro, and Bell Tower Access
Official Private Tour Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Begin your journey in the magnificent Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice and the stage for its most important historical events. Your private guide will introduce you to this stunning square, often called the “finest drawing room in Europe.” Admire the grand Procuratie, the elegant Clock Tower, and the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, which dominates the piazza with its shimmering domes and intricate façade.
2
Step inside the extraordinary St. Mark’s Basilica, an architectural masterpiece blending Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Marvel at the glittering golden mosaics, covering over 8,000 square meters of the ceiling, narrating biblical stories in breathtaking detail. Your guide will unveil the fascinating history of the basilica, from its origins as the Doge’s private chapel to its transformation into one of the most revered religious sites in the world.
3
Ascend to the Loggia dei Cavalli, a spectacular open-air terrace offering breathtaking views over Piazza San Marco. Here, you’ll get an up-close look at the famous Horses of St. Mark, the ancient bronze sculptures that once adorned the Hippodrome of Constantinople before being brought to Venice. These magnificent statues symbolize Venice’s power and its deep connections with the Eastern world. From the terrace, take in the stunning panorama of the square and the Venetian rooftops.
4
Inside the basilica, admire the Pala d’Oro, one of the most remarkable altarpieces in the world. Crafted with gold, silver, and over 1,900 precious stones, this dazzling masterpiece showcases the extraordinary craftsmanship of Venetian and Byzantine goldsmiths. Commissioned by Venetian Doges, the Pala d’Oro has been a sacred and political symbol of Venice’s power for centuries.
5
Conclude your tour with a visit to the St. Mark’s Bell Tower, the tallest structure in Venice and an icon of the city’s skyline. Originally built as a watchtower and lighthouse, the tower has played a crucial role in the city’s history. After its dramatic collapse in 1902, it was meticulously rebuilt, preserving its original grandeur.
What's not included
Transfers from/to Hotel
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress Code Required: Knees and shoulders must be covered to access holy sites.
Big bags, trolleys and luggages are not allowed.
Meet & Greet your tour guide at your accommodation is included only for those who are staying within the San Polo or San Marco areas
To ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests, every reservation that includes minors (under 18) must be accompanied by at least one adult. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings made exclusively by unaccompanied minors.
Meeting point
You can choose to meet your private tour guide in front of "American Snack Bar" - Piazza San Marco, 302, 30124 Venezia VE
About Venice
Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.
Top Attractions
St. Mark's Basilica
A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury
Doge's Palace
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour
Rialto Bridge
The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.
Architecture
30 minutes
Free
Grand Canal
The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.
Nature/Scenic
30-60 minutes
€7.50 for a vaporetto ticket
Murano
An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day
Free to explore, €10 for museum
Burano
A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.
Cultural/Scenic
Half-day
Free to explore, €5 for lace museum
Must-Try Local Dishes
Risotto al Nero di Seppia
A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.
Main Course
Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.
Sarde in Saor
Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.
Appetizer
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.
Bigoli in Salsa
Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.
Main Course
Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.
Frito Misto
A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.
Appetizer
Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.
Popular Activities
Kayaking in the canals
Cycling on Lido di Venezia
Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon
Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia
Enjoying a gondola ride
Visiting a spa or wellness center
Attending a concert or opera
Visiting museums and galleries
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, German
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Use official taxis and ticket vendors
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests
Getting there
By air
- Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center
By train
Santa Lucia Railway Station
By bus
Piazzale Roma
Getting around
Public transport
The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps
Rentals
Neighborhoods
San Marco
Dorsoduro
Cannaregio
Castello
Day trips
Burano and Murano
10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day
Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.
Lido di Venezia
20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day
A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Padua (Padova)
40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day
A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.
Festivals
Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary)
Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September
Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
- Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
- Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
- Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly
$296
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
