Terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica, Procuratie, Bell Tower Tour

Exploring Venice’s Most Iconic Landmarks: A Review of the Terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica, Procuratie, and Bell Tower Tour

Venice is a city that seems to exist in its own timeless bubble, full of stunning architecture, winding canals, and hidden corners. The Terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica, Procuratie, and Bell Tower Tour promises an intimate glimpse into the city’s highlights, with the added bonus of skipping the often long lines. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, a careful look at detailed reviews, itinerary insights, and what it includes gives us a clear picture of what travelers can expect.

What makes this experience stand out are the exclusive access to the Basilica’s terrace, a visit to the newly reopened Procuratie Vecchie with its rooftop, and climbing the Campanile for breathtaking views—all guided by an expert in English. For those who want to experience Venice from above and inside, this tour offers great value—yet, it’s important to weigh some considerations like timing and dress codes.

This tour is ideal for travelers who love architecture, stunning panoramas, and want to avoid waiting in line. It’s particularly well-suited for history buffs, first-time visitors, or anyone short on time but eager to see Venice’s most iconic sights with local insight.

• Skip-the-line access saves valuable time and allows more sightseeing.
• The guided experience offers expert commentary, enriching your understanding of Venice’s landmarks.
• Access to terraces and rooftops provides unique, panoramic views of the city and its bustling square.
• The tour is flexible, with options including just the Basilica or the full experience with Procuratie and Bell Tower.
• It’s a 2.5-hour journey that balances sight-seeing with depth, though the shorter option is only an hour.
• Be aware of dress code requirements and punctuality for smooth entry.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour promises a well-rounded, immersive experience of Venice’s most iconic sites. Starting at the shop in front of the Church of San Zaccaria, the group is led by an English-speaking guide who has a wealth of local knowledge. The tour’s core appeal lies in gaining entry to St. Mark’s Basilica without waiting in queues—something that can take forever during peak season.

Once inside, you’ll be able to marvel at the Byzantine artistry, and, if you opt for the full experience, ascend to the Basilica’s terrace. From this vantage point, you’ll get a spectacular view of St. Mark’s Square and the city beyond—an angle you can’t get from ground level. Many reviews mention that the view from the terrace offers a different perspective, with some noting it’s “a must-do for the photos and for appreciating Venice’s layout.”

You can check availability for your dates here:

Visiting the Procuratie Vecchie and Rooftop Terrace

If you select the option that includes the Procuratie Vecchie, you’ll explore a recently reopened historic building that’s been part of Venice’s history since the 16th century. The highlight is access to its rooftop terrace, which overlooks the square. Reviewers often highlight the stunning vistas of the square and surrounding rooftops, saying it’s “like a secret peek behind the scenes of Venice’s most famous facade.”

Climbing the Campanile

The Campanile di San Marco is perhaps the most famous bell tower in Venice, offering panoramic views from 98 meters above the city. An included timed ticket means you avoid the often long queues, and many find the climb worthwhile for the breathtaking vistas that stretch across Venice and even to the distant Alps on clear days. A reviewer mentioned that “the view from the top is simply worth every step,” with another noting how the glimpse of the busy square below is mesmerizing.

The Practicalities

Duration and flexibility:
The full tour with Procuratie and Campanile lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the basilica-only tour takes around 1 hour. This makes it manageable even for travelers with tight schedules but wanting a meaningful experience.

Pricing and value:
At $53 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive package that includes skip-the-line entries, terrace access, and guiding. Considering the cost of individual tickets—up to €12 for the basilica alone and additional fees for the rooftop and bell tower—the value seems fair. Plus, the guided element enriches the experience with context and local stories.

What’s included:

• Skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica
• Entry to the Basilica’s terrace
• Entry to Procuratie Vecchie and its rooftop terrace (if selected)
• Ticket for the Bell Tower (if selected)
• An expert guide providing commentary in English

Meeting point and punctuality:
Starting at a shop in front of San Zaccaria, the tour emphasizes punctuality, as delays might cause missed access, especially for the Bell Tower. The tour ends back at the starting point, making it easy to continue exploring or to plan your next activity.

Dress code and restrictions:
Visitors must adhere to modest clothing standards—shoulders and knees covered—and avoid large backpacks inside the basilica. This is standard for religious sites, but worth noting so you’re not caught unprepared.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many who’ve taken the tour highlight the value of skip-the-line access as a major benefit, especially during busy seasons when queues can be lengthy. One review shares that “getting inside quickly was a relief,” allowing more time to enjoy the intricate mosaics and architecture.

Another reviewer appreciated the knowledgeable guide who shared fascinating stories about Venice’s history, making the experience more engaging than just a sightseeing walk. They mentioned that the access to the terrace offered a side of Venice that many travelers miss, with some calling it a “hidden gem” of the experience.

The view from the Bell Tower was described as “absolutely stunning,” with some noting they could see far beyond the city to the surrounding countryside on clear days. However, a few comments mention that the climb can be tiring, especially for those with mobility issues, and the wait times for the tower can vary depending on the day.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a well-organized, insightful way to see Venice’s most famous landmarks without wasting time in lines. Its combination of interior visits, terrace views, and a tower climb makes it suitable for those who love architecture, history, and panoramic photos.

It offers excellent value for the price, especially when you consider the cost of individual tickets and guided commentary. The inclusion of access to the terraces and rooftops truly enhances the experience beyond just looking at photos from the ground.

However, it may not be ideal for travelers who prefer a very relaxed pace or those who dislike climbing or strict dress codes. It’s also best for visitors who appreciate guided insights rather than self-guided visits, as the guide’s commentary adds depth.

In all, this experience delivers a solid, immersive way to see Venice’s highlights from a more exclusive vantage point. Perfect for first-timers or anyone eager for a picture-perfect, memorable visit.

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FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Climbing the Bell Tower involves stairs, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility challenges. The rest of the tour is accessible, but be prepared for some physical effort involved in the tower climb.

How long does the full tour last?
The full experience with Procuratie and Campanile takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the basilica-only option is around 1 hour.

What should I wear to the Basilica?
Clothing covering shoulders and knees is required. Short skirts, shorts, sleeveless shirts, and large backpacks are not permitted inside.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.

Are the views from the terrace and tower worth it?
Absolutely. Many reviews emphasize that the terrace views of the square and city are unique, and the top of the Campanile offers one of the best panoramic vistas in Venice.

Is this tour good for photography?
Yes, the terraces and rooftops provide excellent vantage points for photos of Venice’s iconic rooftops, the square, and distant landscapes.

This guided tour of Venice’s highlights provides a practical, engaging, and visually stunning way to experience the city’s most famous sights. With skip-the-line access, expert guidance, and unique vantage points, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Venice itinerary—especially for those eager to see the city’s views from a different perspective.

You can check availability for your dates here: