Skip The Line: The Golden Basilica (St. Mark's Basilica)

Beat the queues on this guided tour of Saint Mark's Basilica, known from the 11th Century onwards by its nickname Chiesa d'Oro (Church of Gold) for its opulent design, gilded Byzantine mosaics and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power. Our official English-speaking guide will tell you all about the fascinating history of this ancient basilica that was first consecrated in the 11th Century upon the foundations of earlier religious buildings. Highlights includes the Pala d'Oro, the high altar retable, universally recognized as one of the most refined and accomplished works of Byzantine craftsmanship and the Treasury with its splendid collection of religious art.

After the visit to the Basilica you'll also get the opportunity to visit the neighbouring island of Murano by private launch. Murano is home to Venice's great glass-working tradition and you will have plenty of time to see glass being made, to visit the Murano Glass Museum and maybe even acquire a sample of these beautiful handicrafts to take home. The trip to Murano takes about 2 hours. In order to visit the Basilica no shorts or tank tops are permitted and for security reasons backpacks are not allowed. On certain days due to church services or exceptionally high tides, access may not be possible. The excursion takes one hour and includes the services of an English-speaking guide: we meet every day at 12:00 at the YEX exchange office on St. Mark's Square. The optional excursion to Murano includes transfer by private launch.

Address or meeting point

At exchange Office "YEX" at the Clock Tower

Hours & minutes

Approximately 1 hour. The duration of the trip to Murano is of about 2 hours

 

Start or opening time

The tour is available daily at 12.00 hours

 

End or closing time

At 13.00 hours

 

Position

Is it possible to get there by public transport? Yes

Guides & companions

Is it done with a guide, a driver and/or an instructor? Yes, with a guide

Which languages do guide/instructors speak? From 01/11 to 31/03 in English (every day), French (Tue, Thu and Sat), German (Mon and Fri), Spanish (Wed and Sat). From 01/04 to 31/10 will be available every day in the languages mentioned before

Do you provide additional companions or personnel? No

Shopping information

Are any commercial stops made during the tour? No

Content & Specialized items

Are additional items needed? Which ones are included? Includes the guide, the transportation and the audio-receiver device

List the specific clothing required For the visit of the cathedral is needed proper clothing (no shorts or tank tops) and for security reasons backpacks are not allowed

Meals

Is lunch/dinner included on this tour? No

Snacks

Is there a snack included? No

Drinks

Are drinks included? No

Physical condition

What is the fitness level required? Any

Would people with limited mobility have accessibility problems? (to the vehicle, to the restaurant,...) Yes

Is it feasible for wheelchair-confined persons? No

Advisories

Is there any fee or limitation for photo/video camera usage? No

Which currencies are accepted? Euros

Others The privileged entry and the special collaboration with the Curia of Venice allow us to avoid the queues. Some days, due to church services or exceptional high tides, the acces may not be possible. The tour can be held the next day or reimbursed. Please advise the language chosen for the tour

Product price detail

At 12.00 pm

For cancellation up to 3 days, a full refund will be given. For cancellation up to 1 days, 50% refund will be given.