Venice: Gondola Ride and St. Marks Basilica Tour

Exploring the iconic canals of Venice via a classic gondola ride and immersing oneself in the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica are quintessential experiences that captivate visitors to this enchanting city. This tour offers a seamless way to witness Venice’s remarkable history and architectural marvels, blending the tranquility of a waterborne journey with the splendor of a guided visit to one of the world’s most renowned cathedrals. From the mesmerizing Byzantine mosaics to the opulent interiors, the tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the city’s timeless allure.

Key Points

• Enjoy a 30-minute shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal and minor waterways to experience Venetian architecture and ambiance.
• Explore the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica with a 1.5-hour guided tour, gaining insights into its Byzantine beauty and gold mosaics.
• Skip the lengthy entry lines to St. Mark’s Basilica for quicker access.
• Benefit from flexible cancellation policies and a reserve now, pay later option.
• The tour does not operate on Sundays and religious holidays.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The Venice Gondola Ride and St. Mark’s Basilica Tour offers a comprehensive experience showcasing the iconic landmarks of Venice.

Guests embark on a 1.5-hour guided tour of the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, skipping the lengthy entry lines. They’ll marvel at the Byzantine architecture and learn about the intricate gold mosaics and marble inlays from a licensed guide.

The tour also includes a 30-minute shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal and minor waterways, providing a unique perspective of the city’s beautiful canals.

With convenient meeting points and flexible cancellation policies, this tour is an excellent way to discover the highlights of Venice.

Highlights of the Gondola Ride

Gliding along the enchanting waterways of Venice, the gondola ride offers an unparalleled vantage point to soak in the city’s timeless beauty.

| Highlights | | |

| — | — | — |

| Travel the iconic Grand Canal | Marvel at the historic architecture | Glimpse into local Venetian life |

| Drift through picturesque minor canals | Capture unique perspectives | Experience the city’s tranquil ambiance |

| Witness the quintessential Venetian scene | Relax in the comfort of a traditional gondola | Gain a deeper appreciation for Venice’s charm |

The shared gondola ride provides an intimate and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s captivating beauty.

Exploring St. Mark’s Basilica

After the gondola ride, visitors are led on a 1.5-hour guided tour of the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica.

The guide shares insights about the basilica’s Byzantine beauty, including its spectacular gold mosaics and intricate marble inlays. Travelers skip the long lines and enjoy priority access to the cathedral.

Inside, they marvel at the opulent interiors and learn about the basilica’s history and religious significance.

The tour provides an immersive experience, with audio devices allowing visitors to easily hear the guide’s commentary.

Skipping the Lines and Guided Tour

Skipping the long queues, the guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica provides an intimate experience.

With a licensed guide leading the way, visitors can learn about the cathedral’s stunning Byzantine architecture and gleaming gold mosaics. The tour’s audio devices ensure everyone can hear the guide’s insights, even in the crowded space.

By bypassing the notoriously long entry lines, travelers can make the most of their time, exploring the basilica’s magnificent interiors without the hassle.

This guided tour offers a seamless and enriching way to appreciate the enduring beauty and history of this iconic Venetian landmark.

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Inclusions and Pricing Details

This tour package includes a skip-the-line entry ticket to St. Mark’s Basilica and a 30-minute shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal and minor canals. A licensed guide will lead the tour of the basilica, providing insight into its Byzantine art and architecture. Audio devices are included to ensure you can clearly hear the tour commentary.

The price for this 2-hour experience starts at $81.61 per person. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot now without paying anything today. The tour does not operate on Sundays and religious holidays.

| Inclusions | Details |

| — | — |

| Basilica | Skip-the-line entry, licensed guide, audio devices |

| Gondola | 30-minute shared ride |

| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours in advance |

| Payment | Reserve now, pay later |

Important Information to Note

Although adult pricing applies to all travelers, proper clothing is required for the basilica visit, with no shorts or tank tops allowed.

Backpacks are prohibited for security reasons. The tour doesn’t operate on Sundays and religious holidays, so plan accordingly.

Plus, the tour is subject to change due to weather conditions. Customers should be aware that the cathedral visit may feel hectic due to the skip-the-line entry and licensed guide.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have shared mixed feedback on their experiences with the Venice Gondola Ride and St. Marks Basilica Tour. The overall rating is 4.1 out of 5 based on 34 reviews.

Customers praised the beauty of the gondola ride and basilica, but had concerns about the tour guide and transportation. The guide rating is 3.4 out of 5, with some finding the tour hectic and the guide lacking clarity.

The transportation rating is 3 out of 5, indicating room for improvement. However, the value for money was rated 3.9 out of 5, suggesting the tour is generally considered worth the price.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can book the Venice Gondola Ride and St. Marks Basilica Tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

They can also take advantage of the "reserve now & pay later" option, allowing them to secure their spot without paying anything upfront.

The tour pricing starts from $81.61 per person and lasts for 2 hours.

Some key details about the booking and cancellation policy include:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

• Reserve now & pay later option

• Pricing from $81.61 per person

• 2-hour tour duration

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour company prohibits bringing pets for safety and hygiene reasons. Only service animals are permitted to accompany travelers on the Gondola Ride and St. Mark’s Basilica Tour.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is available in several languages, including English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish. Travelers can select their preferred language when booking the tour to ensure they can fully enjoy the experience.

How Many People Are in a Shared Gondola?

The shared gondola typically accommodates 6 people. This allows visitors to experience the iconic Venetian waterways together while keeping the cost more affordable than a private gondola ride.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Basilica?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside St. Mark’s Basilica, though flash photography is prohibited. However, it’s important to be respectful and mindful of any specific restrictions or guidelines during the tour.

Is There an Option for a Private Gondola Ride?

The tour does not offer a private gondola ride option. It’s a shared 30-minute gondola experience. For a private gondola ride, travelers would need to book a separate excursion through another provider in Venice.

Final Words

This tour offers a chance to experience the iconic sights of Venice. The gondola ride provides a unique perspective of the city’s waterways, while the guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica allows visitors to admire its stunning Byzantine mosaics and interiors. With flexible cancellation policies and convenient meeting points, this tour is a hassle-free way to explore Venice’s rich history and captivating beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: