Featuring an in-depth tour of St. Marks Basilica and Pala D'Oro which is only possible on our small group Best of Venice walking tours. Limited to a maximum of 20 participants, you'll see and do more touring Venice on these small group city sightseeing tours.

Equipped with complimentary head-phones so that you can follow every word of your expert English-speaking Venice Tour Guide as you stroll around St. Mark's Square discussing all the major monuments that will include the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Bell Tower & Clock Tower prior to entering St. Mark's Basilica with skip the line tickets to enjoy an in-depth tour of St. Mark's Basilica discussing the fabulous mosaics and visiting the Pala D'Oro.

In the second part of the tour we'll leave the hordes of tourists behind in St. Mark's Square to explore a very different Venice. A Venice that's more fascinating and intimate, what we call the Hidden Venice.

As our expert Venice tour guides continue to narrate the story of Venice, you'll enjoy exploring another world of narrow alleyways and meandering canals, punctuated by delicate bridges, hidden architectural gems and fascinating stories about the Venetians who created this incredible city from absolutely nothing!

Small Groups of 20 or fewer people and top notch guides!

Entrance to the Royal Gardens on the water front of St. Marks Square. From St. Mark's facing the Basilica turn right and walk towards the open water. At the two giant columns facing the water turn right, and following the line of trees after a 100 metres you will come to the entrance of the Royal Gardens where we will be waiting holding a sign with Best of Venice walk written on it

• Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restoration works, St Mark's Basilica will remain temporarily closed for visitors until further notice. The guide will provide explanation from outside. We will notify you as soon as there are updates from the local authorities regarding admittance to the Basilica.
• At times St Mark’s Basilica is closed due to high water or religious ceremonies. During high water the tour will take place, but it might happen we have to partly adapt the tour to the weather conditions. On those occasions when St Mark’s Basilica is open with high water, skip the line tickets will not be accepted as all visitors have only 1 door open to get in the church. In case the church is unexpectedly closed without any prior notice the tour will operate with the guide providing the explanation from outside the Basilica
• Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance to St Mark's Basilica is compulsory from April to October due to high number of visitors. (St Mark’s Basilica does not offer a fast entry service to anyone in other periods considered off peak season)
• Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter St Mark's Basilica. Large bags are not allowed inside the Basilica.
• This tour is of a historical area and is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or people with walking disabilities. However, please contact us directly and we will be able to take you on alternative routes suitable for you.
• Please wear comfortable footwear as this tour involves a lot of walking.
• The cost of the tour does not include gratuities or hotel pick up and drop off.
• Tour operates with min 6 fully paying participants
• Max 20 people or fewer per guide