The Ultimate Guide to the Venice St Mark’s Basilica Guided Visit with Terrace Access

If you plan to visit Venice, a trip to St Mark’s Basilica is high on the list of must-see attractions. The basilica is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city with its intricate architecture, beautiful mosaics, and breathtaking views over St Mark’s Square. The St Mark’s Basilica Guided Visit with Terrace Access is an incredible opportunity to explore the basilica in-depth and gain access to areas that are typically off-limits to the general public. In this ultimate guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about this amazing tour.

What You’ll Experience

The St Mark’s Basilica Guided Visit with Terrace Access takes you inside the basilica to explore its treasures with expert local guides. You’ll have the opportunity to admire the basilica from several unusual perspectives, including the upper floor and the panoramic terrace over St Mark’s Square. You’ll also be able to observe the precious St Mark’s Basilica mosaics up close and marvel at the sight of the four majestic original bronze horses.

Highlights

– Admire St Mark’s Basilica from several unusual perspectives – Gain rare access to the upper floor and the panoramic terrace over St Mark’s Square – Observe the precious St Mark’s Basilica mosaics up close – Marvel at the sight of the four majestic original bronze horses – Visit the museum of St Mark’s Basilica – Access to the Treasure – Entrance ticket to the Pala d’Oro

What’s Included

The tour includes a guided visit to St Mark’s Basilica and access to the outdoor terrace. You’ll also have access to the Museum of St Mark’s Basilica, the Treasure, and the Pala d’Oro. The guided tour is led by expert local guides who will provide you with fascinating insights into the history and significance of the basilica.

What’s Not Included

Please note that the tour does not include transportation to or from the meeting point. Also, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to the uneven terrain and stairs within the basilica.

Booking the Tour

To book the St Mark’s Basilica Guided Visit with Terrace Access tour, visit the official booking page on GetYourGuide’s website. The tour is available on select days throughout the month, and tickets should be booked in advance to secure your spot. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks with an expert guide.

Book Your Tour Now

Visiting St Mark’s Basilica is a must-do when in Venice, and the St Mark’s Basilica Guided Visit with Terrace Access offers an incredible opportunity to explore the basilica’s most secret corners. The guided tour provides unique insights into the basilica’s magnificent history, and the terrace offers breathtaking views over St Mark’s Square. Don’t hesitate to book your tickets in advance to secure your spot on this memorable tour.

FAQ about Venice

Venice is undoubtedly one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the world. It is a popular travel destination renowned for its canals, gondolas, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some frequently asked questions about Venice:

1. What is Venice?

Venice is a city in the northeastern part of Italy. It is built on a group of small islands separated by canals and connected by bridges. Venice is known for its canals, grand architecture, and exquisite art, making it one of Italy’s top tourist destinations.

2. What is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is from April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists. July and August are the peak tourist months, and the weather can be hot and humid. Additionally, Venice experiences high tides, known as acqua alta, during the winter months, which can make navigating the city more challenging.

3. How do I get to Venice?

Venice can be reached by plane, train, bus, or car. The primary airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport, which is located on the mainland. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to get to Venice. Trains run to Venice from other cities in Italy and Europe, and the main train station is Venezia Santa Lucia. If you prefer to drive, you can park your car in one of the parking garages on the outskirts of Venice and take a vaporetto or water taxi into the city.

4. How do I get around Venice?

The primary mode of transportation in Venice is by water. The vaporetto, or water bus, is an excellent way to explore the city. There are also water taxis available, which can be more expensive but offer a more private experience. Gondolas are another popular form of transportation in Venice, but they can be costly, and you’ll need to negotiate the price with the gondolier.

5. What are some must-see sights in Venice?

Venice has many must-see sights, including St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. Other popular attractions include the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Galleria dell’Accademia, and the Basilica di San Marco. Additionally, exploring the canals and smaller neighborhoods, such as Dorsoduro and Cannaregio, can offer an intimate look at Venice’s unique charm.

6. What is the food like in Venice?

Venetian cuisine is diverse and influenced by its location on the water. Seafood is a staple, with dishes such as spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) being popular among locals and tourists alike. Tasting the cicchetti, small bites like tapas, is also a must-try. While in Venice, don’t forget to try bellini, a cocktail made with Prosecco and peach puree, which was invented in Harry’s Bar in the city.

7. Is Venice expensive?

Venice can be an expensive destination, especially during peak tourist season. Accommodation, food, and transportation costs can add up quickly, so it’s essential to plan ahead and budget accordingly. However, there are plenty of affordable options available, such as staying in a hostel or agriturismo on the outskirts of the city.

8. What is the language spoken in Venice?

The official language of Venice is Italian, although many locals speak Venetian, a regional dialect of the language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and you’ll find menus and signs in both Italian and English.

9. What are some customs and traditions in Venice?

Venetians are known for their elaborate costumes and masks, which are worn during Carnival, a festival that takes place in February or early March. The festival has become synonymous with Venice, and it’s a major tourist draw. Additionally, Venetians take pride in their artisanal craft traditions, such as glassblowing on the island of Murano and lace-making on the island of Burano.

10. Is Venice sinking?

Venice has been experiencing a phenomenon known as subsidence, where the city is sinking into the water, for centuries. Additionally, climate change has caused rising sea levels, which has exacerbated the issue. The city is taking measures to address the problem, such as installing flood barriers and limiting the number of tourists to reduce the strain on infrastructure.

Book Your Tour Now

Venice is a city rich in history, culture, and beauty. From its canals and grand architecture to its delicious cuisine and vibrant traditions, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy. By following these tips and recommendations, you can make the most of your time in this unique and unforgettable city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Venice

Venice is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with an abundance of canals, bridges, and stunning architecture. As a tourist, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to make the most of your time in this Italian gem. To help, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Venice.

Getting Around

The first thing to know about Venice is that it’s entirely pedestrianized, so don’t expect to get around by car or even bike. The best way to get around is on foot or by using the waterways. The water buses, or vaporetti, are a very efficient way to get around the city.

Ride the Vaporetto

If you’re going for a few days, consider buying a pass for the water buses. You can buy a pass for one, two or three days. Not only does it save you money compared to buying individual tickets for each ride, but it also allows you to hop on and off the vaporetti as often as you like.

Take a Gondola Ride

No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride. While it may seem like a tourist trap, it’s worth doing at least once as it’s an iconic Venetian experience. You can hire a gondolier for up to six people for about 80 euros for a 30-minute ride.

Exploring the Sestieri

Venice is broken up into six districts, or sestieri, each with its own personality and landmarks.

San Marco

San Marco is the heart of Venice, bursting with stunning architecture and lined with shops and cafes. It’s home to Piazza San Marco, one of the most famous squares in the world. Here you’ll find the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile bell tower.

Cannaregio

Cannaregio is the largest sestiere in Venice, with a mix of residential and commercial areas. There are several sights to see here, including the Ghetto, one of the oldest Jewish ghettos in the world.

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is home to some of the city’s best art collections, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Gallerie dell’Accademia. It’s also a great place to find hidden squares and winding streets to explore.

Castello

Castello is a quieter sestiere, with few tourists compared to San Marco. There are several beautiful churches to visit here, and the Arsenale, once the largest naval complex in Europe.

San Polo

San Polo is home to the famous Rialto Bridge and the Rialto Market, which offers fresh produce and seafood from the surrounding lagoon.

Santa Croce

Santa Croce is the least touristy of the sestieri, with a more local feel. You’ll find several hidden gems here, including beautiful churches and canals.

Food and Drink

One of the best things about visiting Italy is the food and drink. Venice is no exception, with plenty of mouth-watering options.

Cichetti

Cichetti are Venetian bar snacks, typically eaten with a glass of wine or spritz. You’ll find small plates of fish, meat, and vegetables in bars throughout the city.

Spritz

Spritz is a popular Venetian aperitif made with Aperol or Campari, white wine, and soda water. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy while watching the world go by.

Bacari

Bacari are small bars that specialize in cichetti and wine. They’re a great place to stop for a quick bite or a drink.

Gelato

No trip to Italy is complete without gelato, and Venice has some of the best. You’ll find gelaterias on almost every corner, offering a variety of flavors.

Sightseeing

Venice is packed with stunning sights and landmarks, so it’s essential to plan ahead to make the most of your time.

Piazza San Marco

As mentioned earlier, Piazza San Marco is a must-visit. Take your time to admire the stunning architecture, including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. It’s a great spot for taking photos or just enjoying the view over the Grand Canal.

St. Mark’s Campanile

For the best views over Venice, head to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile. It’s a steep climb, but the views of the city are worth it.

Murano and Burano

If you have time, take a trip to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for its glass blowing, while Burano is known for its brightly colored houses.

Final Thoughts

Venice is a city like no other, with a unique charm and beauty that’s hard to replicate. With so much to see and do, it’s essential to plan ahead to make the most of your time. Whether you’re interested in architecture, art, or just soaking up the atmosphere, Venice has something to offer every type of traveler.