Overview
Experience the best of Venice on land, in water, and in the sky on a guided tour of the iconic St. Mark’s Square and San Giorgio Maggiore. Visit the Bell Tower and Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore. Extended option: visit also the Doge’s Palace.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
3-hour: San Giorgio Maggiore
Choose this tour to see highlights of St. Mark's Square and San Giorgio Maggiore. Visit the Basilica and Bell Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore. Includes two-way transfer.
5-hour: San Giorgio Maggiore & Doge's Palace
Choose this tour to see St. Mark's Square and San Giorgio Maggiore. Visit the Doge's Palace and the Basilica and Bell Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore. Includes two-way transfer.
Most people see the famous San Giorgio Maggiore only from far away when strolling through St. Mark’s Square, but on this exclusive tour, you can visit the island and see its landmark basilica up close!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
(number of attractions depends on the selected option)
Two-way water bus tickets to San Giorgio Maggiore island
Tickets to the Bell Tower and free admission to the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore
Private Walking Tour of St. Mark Square and San Giorgio Maggiore
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace (5-hour option only)
Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace (in 3-hour option)
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of the entrance to Hotel Savoia & Jolanda, Riva Degli Schiavoni, 4187, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Know before you go:
-Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information.
- Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. Tickets to the Doge’s Palace are not included in the basic 3-hour option.
- This tour includes transfers by vaporetto, the Venetian water bus (public transport). For your convenience, two-way tickets are included.
- Guided tours inside the basilica during masses and scheduled events are limited. If entry is not possible, the guide will provide all information outside. At such times, you will only visit the Bell Tower (Campanile). Please cover your shoulders and knees inside the church.
- Skip-the-line tickets to Doge’s Palace grant you immediate entry at your booked time, without waiting in line at the ticket office. There are mandatory security checks. Headsets will be provided for groups larger than 10.
- For the comfort of all guests, it is best to have 1 licensed guide per maximum of 25 guests. If there are 26-50 people in your group, we will provide the service of 2 licensed guides so that all guests can get the best experience, ask questions and hear the guide well.
What to expect
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Hotel Savoia & Jolanda
10 min
Meet your guide in front of the entrance to Hotel Savoia & Jolanda, Riva Degli Schiavoni, 4187, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
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Piazza San Marco
25 min
Your private walking tour will begin with a stroll in Piazza San Marco, the beating heart of Venice. This historic square boasts the most beautiful Venetian Gothic architecture and amazing views of the Venetian Lagoon.
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Saint Mark's Basilica
25 min
Your Private Guide will share interesting facts about this world heritage site and you admire the stunning facades of the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge's Palace, which for many centuries was a government seat and prison.
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Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore
2 hours
The main highlight of this tour will be a cruise from San Marco to San Giorgio Maggiore by Vaporetto, i.e. the public water bus (two-way tickets are included).
Vaporetto is the most romantic and convenient way to reach the island, and you can enjoy live commentary along the way. The island, or more specifically its 16th-century Palladian church, is one of the most photographed landmarks of Venice, gleaming above the blue water of the lagoon. Inside the classical Renaissance-style interiors, you will find works by Jacopo Tintoretto, Jacopo Bassano, Sebastiano Ricci, and other amazing Venetian artists. As part of the tour, you will also climb up to the viewing terrace of the basilica’s Bell Tower, which offers amazing views of the lagoon and the Riva Degli Schiavoni. -
Doge's Palace
2 hours
Enrich your guided tour with a visit to the Doge’s Palace. It is one of the most visited attractions in Venice but with skip-the-line tickets you can save time and go right inside. The palace delights with spectacular sculptural decoration and paintings by famous artists such as Titian, Veronese, Tintoretto, A.Vittoria and Tiepolo. Your Expert Guide will explain how for centuries the palace served as the political center of the Republic, and how Casanova escaped the palace prison. You will see the vast council chambers, luxurious residential apartments, and austere prison cells, and hear the story behind the name of the Bridge of Sighs.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Rome).
Additional Information
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Basilica San Giorgio Maggiore Tour with Water Transport
Can I cancel Basilica San Giorgio Maggiore Tour with Water Transport for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3–5 hours.
Where does it start?
Meet your guide in front of the entrance to Hotel Savoia & Jolanda, Riva Degli Schiavoni, 4187, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.
What's included?
- (number of attractions depends on the selected option)
- Two-way water bus tickets to San Giorgio Maggiore island
- Tickets to the Bell Tower and free admission to the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore
- Private Walking Tour of St. Mark Square and San Giorgio Maggiore
- 5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace (5-hour option only)
What's not included?
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace (in 3-hour option)
Which places does it visit?
It visits Hotel Savoia & Jolanda, Piazza San Marco, Saint Mark's Basilica, Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore, Doge's Palace.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in German, Russian, English, Italian, Polish, French, Spanish.
Operated by Rosotravel - Italy City Tour
