St. Mark’s Square, also known as Piazza San Marco, is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. It dates back to the 9th century and has been the political and religious center of Venice for centuries. The square is surrounded by stunning architecture, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile.
Saint Mark’s Basilica with Terraces Small-Group Guided Tour
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Step into the heart of Venice and experience the awe-inspiring Saint Mark’s Basilica like never before. This intimate, small-group tour invites you to explore one of the world’s most iconic landmarks with the attention and insight it deserves. You’ll journey through the rich history and be transported by the shimmering golden mosaics of the Basilica, from its Byzantine origins to its place as a global treasure.
The true magic comes when you ascend to St. Mark’s Terrace, a hidden gem few get to see. From this elevated vantage point, take in sweeping views of the city and the Piazza below—moments of wonder that will stay with you long after you leave.
This isn’t just another tour. It’s a chance to connect with Venice’s history in a way most visitors never will. Are you ready to step inside the story?
Our St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour Includes:
- Skip-the-line access to St Mark's Basilica
- A intimate small group experience with an expert guide
- Exclusive access to the Terraces
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AudioHeadsets to ensure clear audio throughout the tour
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Duration1-hour experience
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GroupMaximum group size of 15 people
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LanguageOffered in English
What You Will See
Wander through the architectural marvel and uncover the hidden stories of St. Mark’s Basilica, and enjoy exclusive access to St. Mark’s Terrace, where you’ll take in breathtaking panoramic views of Venice.
About our local
Knowledgeable Tour Guides
- Local guides with expert knowledge of history and culture
- Engaging storytelling that makes history come alive
- Fluent in multiple languages for a seamless experience
- Passionate about providing exceptional service on every tour
- Personalization of tours to tailor to the interests, pace and preferences of the group
- An interactive approach that encourages participation and creates a memorable hands-on experience
- Ensuring cultural sensitivity and respect for important World Heritage sites
GREAT FOR THESE TRAVELERS
Whether you’re drawn to Venice for its rich history, stunning art, or architectural wonders, this tour offers a deeper understanding of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Reviews
What Our Customers Say
Authentic stories, expertly guided by Europe’s most trusted tour operator.
As a leading tour operator in Europe, our commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in everything we do, from selecting passionate guides to crafting detailed itineraries that showcase the best of each destination. We make booking straightforward and direct, ensuring you get great value and a seamless experience, guaranteed. At Crown Tours, we don’t just visit places — we tell stories, sharing the rich histories and cultures along the way. Join us to Explore, Discover, and Dream.
About The Trip
FAQs
St. Mark’s Square is best known for its historical significance, architectural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. It’s home to iconic landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Clock Tower. The square is also famous for its cafés, especially Caffè Florian, which is one of the oldest coffeehouses in the world.
St. Mark’s Square features several notable statues, including the Statue of St. Theodore and the Winged Lion of St. Mark. These statues represent the patron saints of Venice and are situated atop two columns at the entrance to the square.
St. Mark’s Basilica is best known for its stunning architecture and opulent interior. It is renowned for its golden mosaics that cover the walls and ceilings, its intricate marble floors, and the Pala d’Oro, a golden altarpiece adorned with precious gems.
The best time to visit St. Mark’s Basilica is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these times, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months.
St. Mark’s Basilica is located in St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), which is the main public square in Venice. It is easily accessible by foot or by water transportation.
While it is not mandatory to have a guide inside St. Mark’s Basilica, having one can greatly enhance your experience. A guide can provide valuable insights into the history, architecture and art within the basilica, making your visit more informative and enjoyable.
The best time of day to visit St. Mark’s Basilica is either early in the morning when it first opens or later in the afternoon. These times tend to be less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the basilica with fewer people around.
Photography is not allowed inside St. Mark’s Basilica to preserve the artworks and maintain a respectful environment. However, you can take photos in St. Mark’s Square and from the exterior of the basilica. The piazza offers numerous picturesque spots for capturing the basilica’s stunning façade.
There is generally no strict time limit for how long you can stay inside St. Mark’s Basilica. However, during peak times and high tide, there may be restrictions to manage the flow of visitors.
Must-see points of interest inside St. Mark’s Basilica include the golden mosaics, the Pala d’Oro (golden altarpiece), the high altar, and the treasury. Don’t miss the chance to admire the intricate details of the marble floors and the stunning architecture of the basilica’s domes and arches.
No, large bags, backpacks and luggage are not allowed inside St. Mark’s Basilica. There are storage facilities nearby where you can leave your belongings before entering the basilica.
Yes, you can purchase tickets on the day of your visit. However, it is recommended to book in advance to secure your spot and avoid long wait times, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Yes, food and drinks are not allowed inside St. Mark’s Basilica. It is important to respect the sacredness of the site and refrain from eating or drinking inside the basilica.
You will meet your guide near Piazza San Marco. The exact meeting point and additional details will be provided in your booking confirmation.
St. Mark’s Basilica requires modest clothing. All visitors must ensure knees, midriff, cleavage and shoulders are covered at all times.
There are thorough security screenings for entry. During the high season, the waiting time in the security check lines may be extended.
The basilica is subject to closure without prior notice due to exceptional religious events.
Tours will continue rain or shine. Our guides will ensure you have an enjoyable experience no matter the forecast.
The tour involves moderate walking, stairs and uneven surfaces, which may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Yes, the tour is suitable for children and families. The engaging stories and breathtaking sights make it an educational and memorable experience for all ages.
The tour is conducted in English. Guides are fluent and knowledgeable, ensuring clear and informative commentary throughout your visit.
This exclusive tour offers guided access to St Mark’s Basilica, where you’ll explore its fascinating history and architecture with the insight of a knowledgeable guide. The experience includes entry to the terraces, providing elevated views of the basilica’s intricate details and a unique perspective of St Mark’s Square. Participants will also enjoy skip-the-line access, ensuring a smoother and more efficient visit, as well as carefully curated commentary to enhance their understanding of this iconic landmark.
Visiting the St. Mark’s Basilica Terrace with Crown Tours offers a unique opportunity to experience Venice from an elevated perspective. From the terrace, you can admire breathtaking views of St. Mark’s Square and the surrounding landmarks, gaining a new appreciation for the city’s architecture and history. The guided tour provided by Crown Tours enriches your visit by offering detailed insights into the design and craftsmanship of the basilica, which are difficult to fully appreciate from ground level. It’s an excellent way to connect with the cultural and historical significance of Venice in a memorable setting. For bookings and further details, visit Crown Tours.
We recommend setting aside approximately 30 minutes to an hour to fully enjoy the experience of visiting the St. Mark’s Basilica Terrace. This time allows for exploring the intricate architectural details, admiring the panoramic views of St. Mark’s Square and the Venice skyline, and taking in the unique atmosphere of this iconic location. With Crown Tours, your visit is organized to ensure you make the most of your time while enjoying a seamless and engaging experience.
Itinerary
Bypass the Crowds with our special access, glide past the long lines, and step directly into the breathtaking interior of St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the most visited landmarks in all of Italy.
Meet at Piazzetta S. Marco - 30100 Venice
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before your tour, near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our Coordinator will be wearing a purple Crown Tours t-shirt/jacket and will be waiting for you under the column with the marble statue of the lion with wings on top.
The Jewel of the Basilica
We’ll move towards the high altar to admire the Pala d’Oro, a magnificent altarpiece crafted from gold, enamel, and over 1,900 precious stones.
Panoramic Terrace
After marveling at the basilica’s treasures, we’ll ascend the staircase to the Loggia. From here, take in sweeping views of Piazza San Marco, the Venetian lagoon, and the rooftops of Venice. This is one of the most iconic photo spots in the city—so have your cameras ready!
Venetian Architecture & Rich History
After enjoying the terrace and learning about the fascinating history of St. Mark’s Basilica, our tour concludes. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for Venice’s artistic and historical heritage.
Special Notes
Official Identification: All visitors must present the exact official ID used at the time of booking when entering.
Attire Recommendations: We suggest wearing comfortable, breathable clothing. As St. Mark’s is a sacred site, please ensure your shoulders and knees remain covered at all times.
Bag Restrictions: There are no luggage facilities on site, we recommend traveling light.
Rain or Shine: Tours will continue, rain or shine.
Age Restrictions: Suitable for children aged 6 and above.
Mobility Restrictions: The tour involves light walking, and while the terrain is mostly flat, it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges due to the required climbing of stairs.
Cancellation Policy: Guests may cancel their tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time and will receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour will not be eligible for a refund.