Venice Skip-the-Line Basilica and Gondola Tour

Explore Venice’s rich heritage with a skip-the-line guided tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica, famous for its breathtaking golden mosaics and Byzantine art.
Your expert guide will reveal the history behind the biblical scenes, marble inlays, and unique architecture. After the tour, enjoy a peaceful 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s hidden canals and onto the Grand Canal.

Admire landmarks like the Rialto Bridge, Mozart’s home, and the elegant palaces lining the waterways.

This combo offers the perfect mix of art, history, and classic Venetian charm.

Meeting Point

Calle larga de l'Ascension, 1257

Calle larga de l'Ascension, 1257, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Please meet your guide in front of the wooden souvenir kiosk, just behind the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, next to the entrance to the post office.

What's included:

• 30 minutes shared Gondola Ride
• Official certified guide
• Tickets and Reservations to Saint Mark's Bascilica
• Radio system to hear the guide

Not included:

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation to/from attractions
• Entrance tickets to the attractions are not mentioned in the inclusions
• Gondola ride is not guided

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Basilica di San Marco

San Marco, 328, Venice, 30124

Begin your journey with skip-the-line access to Saint Mark’s Basilica, Venice’s most iconic cathedral. As you step inside the “Golden Church,” your expert guide will introduce you to its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, covering over 8,000 square meters.
These stunning artworks, unique in Italy, bring to life scenes from the Old Testament with vibrant color and intricate detail. As you walk through the atrium and along the intricately inlaid marble floors, the guide will explain the basilica’s deep religious and historical significance.

Learn about the architectural evolution, hidden symbols, and centuries of devotion that shaped this sacred space.

The tour concludes at the St. Mark’s Museum, where you are welcome to stay and explore more at your own pace, making it a relaxed and enriching experience.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Grand Canal

Grand Canal, 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

After your basilica visit, unwind with a tranquil 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s enchanting canals. Your journey begins on quiet waterways, passing charming sights like Mozart’s home along Rio dei Barcaroli and the scenic Rio dell’Ovo.
Soon, you’ll glide onto the majestic Grand Canal, where you’ll see the iconic Rialto Bridge to your right—a marvel of Renaissance engineering.

On the left, admire historic buildings such as Ca' Farsetti and Palazzo Grimani, each steeped in Venetian history. Continue through Rio San Luca, passing under the Ponte del Teatro and Ponte di San Paternian, and catch a glimpse of Palazzo Manin, once home to the last Doge of Venice.

The ride ends back at your starting point—a peaceful, picture-perfect way to see Venice from the water.

30 minutes