Unraveling the enchanting religious heritage of Venice, the Top Churches, Bell Tower, and Old Town Walking Tour offers an enriching exploration. Delving into the city’s stunning architecture, the tour provides skip-the-line access to captivating sites like the Church of San Zaccaria and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. With knowledgeable local guides, participants can discover the fascinating history and significance behind these sacred spaces. Whether opting for a 2.5-hour or 4-hour experience, visitors are sure to leave with a deeper appreciation for Venice’s timeless spiritual legacy.

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Key Points

This walking tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Venice’s religious heritage and architecture, with options ranging from 2.5 to 4 hours.
Highlights include visiting significant churches like San Zaccaria and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, as well as the iconic St. Mark’s Bell Tower.
The tour is led by licensed local guides who provide skip-the-line access and insights into the history, art, and culture of the sites.
Group sizes are limited for an intimate experience, with a maximum of 25 guests for the 2.5-hour tour and 1-20 people for the 3 and 4-hour tours.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all participants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Venice Top Churches, Bell Tower and Old Town Walking Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of Venice’s rich religious heritage and architectural wonders.

Visitors can explore Venice’s rich religious heritage and architectural wonders on this comprehensive walking tour.

Guests can choose from three options: a 2.5-hour tour visiting two churches, a 3-hour tour adding the iconic St. Mark’s Bell Tower, or a 4-hour tour covering five attractions.

Led by licensed local guides, the tour offers skip-the-line access to the Bell Tower and in-depth insights into the city’s history, art, and culture.

With group sizes limited, the walking tour offers an intimate and immersive experience for all travelers.

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Tour Highlights

Significant churches are at the heart of this immersive walking tour, allowing visitors to explore Venice’s rich religious heritage.

Guests will visit the Church of San Zaccaria, a prime example of Venetian Gothic architecture, and the grand Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, an iconic landmark at the entrance of the Grand Canal.

The tour also features the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio, known for its intricate Baroque façade, and the Church of the Pietà, where Vivaldi once taught music.

Capping the experience, visitors can skip the line and ascend the famous St. Mark’s Bell Tower for panoramic city views.

Tour Options and Attractions

Depending on the level of detail desired, the Venice Top Churches, Bell Tower and Old Town Walking Tour offers three options for visitors.

The 2.5-hour tour visits the Church of San Zaccaria and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

The 3-hour option includes these two churches plus a skip-the-line visit to St. Mark’s Bell Tower.

For the most comprehensive experience, the 4-hour tour covers all five key attractions – the four churches and the Bell Tower.

Admission to San Zaccaria and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is included in all tour options, while additional tickets are required for the other sites.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for the Venice Top Churches, Bell Tower and Old Town Walking Tour is in front of Hotel Savoia & Jolanda, located at Riva degli Schiavoni, 4187, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy. The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. Group sizes are limited to 25 guests for the 2.5-hour tour and 1-20 people for the 3 and 4-hour tours, providing a more intimate and personalized experience.

| Tour Option | Group Size |

| — | — |

| 2.5-hour | 25 guests |

| 3-hour | 1-20 people |

| 4-hour | 1-20 people |

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Important Information

Although entry to the churches may be restricted during masses and special events, the tour provides specific church opening hours to ensure visitors can access the key sites.

The San Zaccaria church is open daily from 10 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 6 PM.

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is open daily from:

9 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 5:30 PM during summer.
9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3 PM to 5:30 PM during off-season.

The Santa Maria del Giglio church is open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 5 PM, but closed on religious holidays.

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Pricing and Booking

The tour offers a variety of pricing options to cater to different budgets and preferences. Priced from $217.68 per person, the 2.5 to 4-hour tour provides great value for its comprehensive experiences.

Visitors can choose between 2.5, 3, or 4-hour versions, with each offering a unique combination of attractions. Admission to the Church of San Zaccaria and Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is included in all options, while the 3 and 4-hour tours add access to St. Mark’s Bell Tower.

Guests can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.

About the Tour Guide

A Licensed Local Guide fluent in English, Italian, Spanish, or Russian leads the tour, providing guests with valuable insights into Venice’s history, religious heritage, architecture, and art.

The guide:

Shares fascinating details about the significant churches, including their architectural styles and historical significance.
Expertly navigates the group through the winding streets of Venice’s old town, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.
Encourages interactive discussions, allowing guests to ask questions and engage with the content on a deeper level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Churches?

Photography is generally allowed inside the churches, but visitors must be respectful and avoid using flash or disturbing the atmosphere. It’s best to check with the tour guide or church staff for any specific restrictions.

Can I Bring Food or Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t allow participants to bring food or drinks during the tour. Bringing outside food and beverages is generally prohibited to avoid disruptions and maintain the cleanliness of the historical sites visited.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour is generally suitable for families with young children, as it includes walking and visiting churches. However, the 4-hour option may be too long for some younger kids. Parents should consider the duration and their children’s stamina when selecting the tour length.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Headphones for the Audio Tour?

No, participants don’t need to bring their own headphones for this tour. The tour provider supplies audio equipment, so you can simply join the group and listen to the guide’s commentary without needing additional gear.

Can I Buy Souvenirs During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include time for purchasing souvenirs, but guests can explore the area on their own before or after the tour. There are plenty of shops and vendors throughout Venice where visitors can buy souvenirs.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an immersive experience exploring Venice’s religious heritage and architectural wonders. Participants can choose from various options, including skip-the-line access and insights from licensed local guides. With the opportunity to visit iconic sites like the Church of San Zaccaria, Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, and St. Mark’s Bell Tower, the tour provides an enriching way to discover the city’s captivating history and beauty.