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Venice
St Mark's Basilica: Secret Views & Skip-the-Line Tour
45
Overview
Unusual Perspectives of St Mark's Basilica and Museum, Venice. This walking tour gives folks a special look at one of Venice's most famous places. With a local guide, peek up at the shiny gold pictures, called mosaics, on the ceiling of St Mark's Basilica.
During this visit, folks will see old masterpieces and learn about what they mean. See the well-known gold domes, the special screen called the iconostasis, the altar covering, and the main altar where St Mark the Evangelist is buried. Then, walk up a steep set of stairs to St Mark's Museum. From there, look down at the pretty floor of the Basilica and get a close look at old items from the church.
Next, go to the terrace where fake copies of the famous bronze horses stand. Enjoy one of the best views of Venice's heart, St Mark's Square. The tour ends with a visit to the real horses of St Mark's Basilica that used to be on the church's front side. See St Mark's Square & Basilica, St Mark’s Basilica Terrace, and Doge's Palace (outside). This tour includes a guided tour and skip-the-line access to St Mark’s Basilica. 
Highlights
Skip the Long Line: Go right into St Mark's Basilica without waiting.
See Shiny Gold Pictures: Look up at the beautiful mosaics on the ceiling.
Visit the Museum: See old things from the church up close.
Great Views of Venice: Enjoy seeing St Mark's Square from the terrace.
Sentiment Analysis
Most customers really enjoyed this tour because they got to skip the line, learn a lot from the guide, and see amazing views. Some found the stairs challenging and wanted more free time.
Customers loved skipping the long lines and getting right into the Basilica.
Many appreciated the guide's knowledge and how they explained the history and art.
Visitors enjoyed the amazing views from the terrace.
Several people found the visit to the museum and seeing the original bronze horses very interesting.
Some visitors felt that the stairs to the museum were difficult to climb.
A few people wished they had more time to explore on their own.
The Journey
St Mark's Square & Basilica
Begin your Venetian journey at the foot of the iconic Clock Tower in St. Mark's Square, the heart of Venice. Then, step into the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Adorned with shimmering mosaics and opulent details, the Basilica is not just a church, but a living testament to Venice's rich history and artistic prowess. Climb to the upper floor to discover the Basilica's treasures and ascend to the terrace for a breathtaking panoramic view of St. Mark's Square, capturing the essence of Venice in a single glance. The Basilica, consecrated in 1094, stands on the site of an earlier church that housed the relics of St. Mark, brought from Alexandria. Its five domes, inspired by the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, create an awe-inspiring space filled with light and history.
St Mark’s Basilica Terrace
Experience St. Mark’s Basilica from privileged perspectives. An expert local guide will lead you to the upper floor, home to the Basilica's invaluable treasures, offering a glimpse into its storied past. The highlight is special access to the terrace, affording a breathtaking, unparalleled vista of St. Mark's Square. From this vantage point, the vibrant life of Venice unfolds before you, a tapestry of history, culture, and architectural grandeur, etched against the backdrop of the Venetian lagoon. The panoramic views from the terrace offer a unique appreciation for the Basilica's architectural design and its central role in Venetian identity.
Doge's Palace (exterior view)
Marvel at the intricate façade of the Doge's Palace, a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Though the tour focuses on the exterior, prepare to be captivated by its delicate pink and white marble, its ornate arcades, and its symbolic sculptures. This palace, once the center of Venetian power, whispers tales of doges, councils, and the Republic's formidable maritime empire. Appreciate the architectural details and imagine the historical events that unfolded within its walls, understanding its significance as a symbol of Venice's opulent past. The Bridge of Sighs, connecting the Palace to the prisons, adds an intriguing layer to its story.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes a guided tour and skip-the-line access to St Mark’s Basilica. It does not include gratuities or hotel pickup and drop-off. The meeting point is at a designated location near St. Mark's Square. Participants should be able to climb stairs.
Hot Tip
Some past visitors recommend arriving a bit early to the meeting point to make sure you don't miss the start of the tour. Also, wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea because you'll be doing some walking and climbing stairs.
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