12 start times between 09:30 and 14:45 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Tickets
Admission included
Booking
Instant confirmation · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take
A priority entry visit to St Mark's Basilica with a guide or host for the gold mosaics, with tiers that add the Pala d'Oro, an exterior only walk or an in depth version.
Valid ID and covered shoulders and knees are required; the terrace and museum are not included and hotel pickup is excluded. 4.5 from 496 reviews at €12 per person.
In our comparison: #25 of 25 in Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).
6 options from the operator, described in its own words. Prices are the operator's from-prices per adult for a party of two. Click an option to book it on Viator.
Duration: 30 minutes Basilica Entrance NOT included Starting point: Venice Tours srl - Priority Tickets San Marco Square Monuments, Calle de le Rasse, 4536, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
€12
Basilica Express Guided Tour French, German, Italian, English, Spanish
Duration: 30 minutes English Tour: The visit consists of the golden naves of the St. Mark's Basilica. Access to the Basilica's Terrace & Museum is not included. Starting point: Venice Tours srl - Priority Tickets San Marco Square Monuments, Calle de le Rasse, 4536, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
€29
Basilica Classic French TourFrench
Duration: 45 minutes Guided Shared French Tour: Choose this option to visit the main halls of St. Mark's Basilica. Pala d'Oro and Terrace are NOT included. Starting point: Venice Tours srl - Priority Tickets San Marco Square Monuments, Calle de le Rasse, 4536, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
€34
Basilica Classic English TourEnglish
Duration: 45 minutes Guided Shared English Tour: Choose this option to visit the main halls of St. Mark's Basilica. Pala d'Oro and Terrace are NOT included. Starting point: Venice Tours srl - Priority Tickets San Marco Square Monuments, Calle de le Rasse, 4536, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy
€34
Basilica In-depth Guided TourEnglish
Starting point: Calle larga de l'Ascension, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
€47
Basilica & Pala D'Oro TourEnglish
English Guided Tour Starting point: Calle larga de l'Ascension, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
€59
Child prices by age band are shown at checkout. Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 25 September 2026.
Included and not included
Shared guided tour to the St.Mark Basilica (if option is selected)
Ca' Rezzonico Ticket (if selected the Basilica tour with 3 Basilicas Pass are NOT included)
Access to Pala D'Oro (if Option is selected)
Ticket to S. M. Assunta in Torcello Island (Byzantine gold Last Judgment unique mosaic inside)
Skip the Line Ticket to St. Mark's Cathedral (if option is selected)
Ticket to Santa Maria della Salute Basilica Sacresty (iconic photo spots nearby)
Virtual Reality Journey - Explore St. Mark's Square over the centuries (if option is selected)
Audio-receiver devices are included in case of groups over 10 people.
History Gallery: St. Mark's Square history dedicated circuit visit (if option is selected)
Private Tour Option (if selected)
Hotel pickup & DropOff
St. Mark's Museum & Terrace Entrance
Food & Drinks
Reviews
4.5
496 ratings Tripadvisor 359 · Viator 137
86% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 425 of 496
Star breakdown of all 496 ratings
5 stars
393 · 79%
4 stars
32 · 6%
3 stars
25 · 5%
2 stars
17 · 3%
1 star
29 · 6%
What reviewers say
Reviewers praise the historical explanations, but some report missing the basilica entry or terrace access they booked.
Praised
Guides explain the basilica's history and the meaning of its mosaics
Personable guides answer questions and keep the commentary engaging
Being able to remain inside and explore after the guided visit
Complaints
Some enter as booked, while others report exterior tours or tickets missing paid terrace upgrades
Confusing meeting directions leave some visitors unable to find the group
Some report quick entry, while others face late starts and queues despite priority access
Poor audio and guides who are hard to understand make commentary difficult to follow
Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (11 September 2024 to 30 September 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.
Latest reviews
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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
Meeting point and route
Meeting point
Where
The meeting point is at the brown wooden newsstand with the yellow sign where is written "MEETING POINT", Calle Larga de l'Ascension, in front of the Post Office., With the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches. Find Olivetti Museum, turn right, pass under the archways, cross the little bridge and go straight to Campo San Gallo., From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536. · Open in Google Maps
Departure
12 start times between 09:30 and 14:45 daily; scheduled through December 2028 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Return
This activity ends back at the meeting point
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
CITY TOURS CO. LTD; booking and payment are completed on Viator
Itinerary
1
Basilica di San Marco
Amazing guided tour in the breathtaking Cathedral of St. Mark, known as the Golden Basilica, due to many mosaics realized with pure gold!
An expert guide will escort you inside (skipping the line) and will explain the history, curiosities and legends about the inimitable masterpieces around you! Be stunned in front of the five-domes covered with gold and decorated by the best artists of the time.
Enjoy part of explaination comfortably seated in the middle of the cathedral.
A wonderful experience that makes you discover the main landmark of the Venetian history.
1h · Admission included
Piazza San Marco
Cross the imposing Sat. Mark's Square asnd admire the most beautiful spot of the world.
Pass by, no stop
About this tour, from the operator
Embark on a guided tour of one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks: the magnificent Saint Mark’s Basilica. With an expert guide, discover the rich history of the Golden Basilica, famous for its breathtaking gold mosaics.
For an enhanced experience, you can add the terrace option and admire panoramic views over Saint Mark’s Square and the lagoon.
The journey continues with an immersive virtual reality experience, transporting you back in time to see the Basilica as the Doge’s private chapel and the Palace as a medieval fortress.
For even more exclusivity, choose the private tour option and enjoy a personal guide dedicated to making your visit unforgettable.
Walking, children and accessibility
The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.
Walking and health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Accessibility
Public transportation options are available nearby
The official St. Mark's Basilica ticket price is €12.00 per person (standard) or €24.00 with terrace access; the remaining part of the price covers assistance at the meeting point, accompanied entry with a certified guide or host, access to the Venice Gallery with a dedicated VR experience, the use of an audio guide or radio system with earphones and sales costs.
A valid ID document is mandatory for security checks at the entrance to the Basilica.
For the visit of the Basilica suitable clothing is required (no shorts).
Due to the security reason, luggage and bags are not allowed inside the Basilica
On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of religious functions (in these cases it can be postponed the day after otherwise it will be refunded)
During some days of high turnout or reasons of force majeure (for example high tide or security problems) the waiting time to access St.Mark's Basilica might be longer than expected: in this case please line up and respect the instructions provided by the guide
St. Mark’s Basilica: Exterior Guided Tour (Entry Ticket Not Included) - This option includes a guided tour of the Basilica's exterior only. If you wish to visit the interior on your own, you may purchase an entry ticket for €10.00 per person by scanning the QR code located outside the entrance.
Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
If you choose the Basilica Express Guided Tour option, the hosted visit to St. Mark's Basilica is provided in English. An audio guide is available in French, Spanish, Italian, and German.
Good to know
Food not included bring or buy your own
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days: Full refund
0-1 days: No refund
Compared with other Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours
Ranked #25 of 25 in Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €12 to €580, median €103; typical length 3h. 3 of 25 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 25 Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours