• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Step inside Venice’s most iconic church with a local expert and discover the golden splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica. From the dazzling Pala d’Oro to centuries-old mosaics and a stunning terrace view over St. Mark’s Square, this tour reveals hidden stories and sacred beauty at every turn. Skip the crowds and explore the basilica in a personal and unforgettable way.

Destination

Venice, Italy

Category

Skip The Line Tours

Duration

1.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

Italiano, English, Deutsch, Español

Included

• Private guide
• Entrance ticket St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica Pala d’Oro & St. Mark’s Museum & Loggia dei Cavalli)
• All Withlocals tours are carbon neutral

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 3 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at In front of Caffè Lavena - Venice to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Inside the St. Mark's Basilica

   Once you are inside, follow your local host’s insights as you check out the must-sees like Pala d'Oro and Mosaics & Symbolism, as well as the hidden gems that not many know about. Be part of an enriching tour that will satisfy your curiosity and answer all of your questions!

4. Keep Exploring

   After the time with your host is over, you can either stay inside the basilica and keep exploring by yourself or say goodbye outside the attraction where your host will point out other spots to explore in Venice

5. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Erica

(About local rocco)

22 June 2025

Rocco was a great guide showing us the hidden areas of San Marco area of Venice. He was super flexible when we ran into some travel delays. Highly recommend!Knowledgeable and Accommodating Guide

Nicole🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local rocco)

21 June 2025

Great skip the line tour seeing and listening to Venetian history in a fun way. So much history

david🇩🇪 Germany

(About local rocco)

19 June 2025

Rocco's tour of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace in Venice was very informative and enjoyable. His explanations of the artwork, architecture, and room functions of both the church and the palace were highly contextualized from the perspective of the Doges of Venice, which helped us to imagine life during the times of the Doges. We appreciated how he navigated our small group through the palace amongst larger tour groups—we always felt like we were getting a personal tour and not lost in a crowd. The Doges' Perspective

Mike🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local rocco)

16 June 2025

A Cool Tour For Both Kids & Adults

Valerie

(About local rocco)

15 June 2025

If you want to see Venice through the eyes of someone who truly understands its soul, book a tour with Rocco. His expertise, warmth, and enthusiasm make this iconic city even more magical. His insights into the political intrigue and the city’s legal system added a whole new dimension to the experience. Rocco’s expert storytelling made the glittering mosaics and intricate altars even more impressive. He shared fascinating details about the religious motifs and the basilica’s unique architectural blend of Gothic and Byzantine styles, ensuring we appreciated every detail. Five stars without hesitation! Definitely a trip highlight for us!Unforgettable and just perfect!

Vera🇸🇰 Slovakia

(About local rocco)

11 June 2025

It was a great pleasure to have tour with Rocco! Very interesting, oriented and flexible guide!

Mark🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lucia Bondetti )

6 June 2025

Lucia is a warm, knowledgeable and organized guide who tailored our tour to our requests. Her energy and enthusiasm made for a wonderful way to see major sites in beautiful Venezia.A beautiful experience

Ann

(About local Valerio)

5 June 2025

Our day with Valerio was amazing! After meeting at the local fish market, we went to his home on murano to prepare a meal. It was delicious and so fun to feel like a local. Our tour of murano included stops to learn about glass blowing. Our daughter got to make her own glass bead and then we toured a glass showroom which was beautiful. Don’t hesitate to book this memorable tour- Valerio is outstanding!Amazing Day

Cornelia

(About local Valerio)

26 May 2025

Valerio macht den Spaziergang durch Canareggio und San Polo weit über die Brunetti-Informationen hinaus interessant. Wer weiß schon, wie die Hausnummern zustande kommen oder wo die Bestattungskirche aus dem Film "Wenn die Gondeln Trauer tragen" liegt? Die Restaurant Empfehlungen, die man noch zusätzlich bekommt, sind eine echte Empfehlung. Vielen Dank, Valerio!mehr als Brunetti ...

Debbie

(About local Romy)

13 May 2025

Romy was a great guide. We have traveled all over the world for 40 years. Our best guide yet. If you are traveling this far, make the trip worth it. Let Venice come alive—this city deserves your attention. Romy’s makes the Venice tourists don’t get

Cristina

(About local Lucia Bondetti )

4 May 2025

Il tour privato con Lucia è stato meraviglioso, siamo andati con un figlio din7 anni che si era svegliato alle 4 del mattina per prendere l’aereo a venezia, e durante tutta la sperienza con lucia è stato attivo senza dire sono stanco e super involve con tutto ciò che diceva lucia e la caccia del tesoro! Abbiamo imparato tanto, conosciuto grazie a lei la zona più bella di venezia e tutti i segreti! Lucia è una donna molto speciale che sa interagire tanto con adulti e bambini! se venite a visitare la città dovete fare per forza el tour con lei! sarà una esperienza bellissima per tutta la famiglia! non perdetevela! Lucia grazie mille, durante tutto il resto delle visita abbiamo trovato pisciabrague, altane…. e pensavamo a te! un forte abbraccio della familia spagnola molto alta! 😊Lucia e meravigliosa esperienza altretanto

cczg6gvypf

(About local Valerio)

30 April 2025

Jeder der überlegt, ob sich ein Private Guide lohnt, möchte ich sagen: Auf jeden Fall!! Man darf Venedig von einer ganz anderen Seite erleben. Wenn man möchte, ganz entspannt fernab der Touristenmassen. Venedig ist eben nicht nur Dogenpalast und Markusplatz! Wunderbare Zeit in Venedig, danke Valerio!

HENRYK🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Valerio)

27 April 2025

I am a big fan of Inspector Brunetti, the Venetian policeman created by Dona Leon. A friend enthused about the "Brunetti" tour presented by Valerio in Venice. We hired Valerio and embarked on the expensive two hour tour (over two days unfortunately). We walked by five relevant sites and enjoyed espresso at Brunetti's local coffee bar. From my friend's enthusiasm, I had expected more from the tour. Perhaps, we didn't get the full tour?Inspector Brunetti tour

Evelyn🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Valerio)

27 April 2025

Valerio hat mich unterhaltsam und charmant durch diesen mir nicht bekannten Teil Venedigs geführt . Er hat mir alle Facetten , Kultur, Geschichte, Religion und Kulinarik näher gebracht, sowie alte Filme, die da gedreht wurden wieder aus meinem Gedächtnis geholt. DORSODURO ENTDECKEN

Dominic🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Valerio)

3 March 2025

Danke Valerio10

Karen

(About local Romy)

2 March 2025

Romy’s tour was really great! It was a perfect introduction to our 2 days in Venice with our 2 young adult children. She explained the history of Venice and showed us all of the highlights. She even pointed out some of her favorite spots which we revisited on our own. I would highly recommend Romy as a tour guide!!!Romy is great!

Mason🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lucia Bondetti )

26 February 2025

Lucia was an excellent guide. She is very knowledgeable as well as fun, enthusiastic and professional. We had fun exploring and learning about these important Venetian landmarks. Thanks Lucia!Palazzo Ducale and St. Marks Basilica

David🇫🇷 France

(About local Valerio)

22 February 2025

Nous avons passé un excellent moment avec Valerio, passionné limite enflammé par Venise. Il connaît les endroits et l'histoire de sa ville et a su transmettre son ethousiasme. Il nous a montré les différentes facettes de la cité, des ambiances contrastées de foule et de calme, des lieux atypiques. Plein de bons conseils. Merci Valerio !Le vrai vénitien, amoureux de sa ville

Diane

(About local Lucia Bondetti )

16 February 2025

For 3 Jewish women, this was a highlight of our trip to Venice. Lucia told the story of the ghettos and ghetto experience so personally, complete with family photos. It is necessary to tell our story, but Lucia's tour will be meaningful to non-Jewish visitors too. The experience is a first-hand view through the eyes of a Venice local. Below is a question about Price-value rating. This is not your typical tour experience, and in my opinion, worth every dollar, eruo or shekel.Passionate Lucia

Lori🇺🇸 United States

(About local Valerio)

13 January 2025

While visiting Venice, I had the pleasure of booking a tour with Valerio for fish shopping at Rialto Market followed by home cooking in Murano. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary and truly authentic. We began our day at Rialto Market, selecting fresh, local ingredients under Valerio's expert guidance. From there, we traveled to his lovely home in Murano, where he prepared a mouthwatering multi-course meal, perfectly paired with libations for each course. What made the experience even more special was how hands-on it was—my friend and I got to help with some of the preparations, which made the meal feel even more personal and rewarding. Throughout the day, Valerio’s warm and engaging personality shone. He answered all our questions about life in Italy with patience and enthusiasm, sharing fascinating insights into local culture and traditions. Despite our endless curiosity, he never seemed to tire of our company and made us feel completely at home. To top it off, Valerio provided excellent recommendations for other unique experiences and activities we could try during our trip. His hospitality, knowledge, and passion for sharing the Italian way of life made this tour the highlight of my visit to Venice. If you’re looking for an authentic, unforgettable experience in Venice, I cannot recommend Valerio enough. He is the perfect host and guide, and this experience is not to be missed!A Highlight of My Venice Trip!!

Des

(About local Romy)

11 January 2025

We had a fantastic tour with Romy. She provided us with exactly what we asked for and more. She clearly knows everything about Venice and comes across in a very friendly and relaxed manner. We will certainly book Romy again when we are back in veniceRomy review

Brooke🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Romy)

29 December 2024

Romy was a wonderful guide. We learnt so many interesting things about Venice. She provided great context for the history of Venice at the start of the tour so we had a good understanding of things she was taking about during her tour. A really worthwhile as an introduction to Venice! Thank you! Interesting Tour!

Steve🇺🇸 United States

(About local Valerio)

14 December 2024

We took the Brunetti tour with Valerio last week. Valerio was very accomodating in adjusting our start time and meeting location. We had just arrived the previous day and were still getting up to speed. Needless to say, the tour was absolutely fascinating. We learned some very interesting facts about Venice as well as about Donna Leon and Brunetti's Venice. A most enjoyable 2 hours. If your a fan of Brunetti and visiting Venice, definetly look at this tour. It was the highlight of our trip. Aside form the tour, Valerio was extreemly helpful in giving us some recommedations for restaurants and some things to do in Venice and Murano. We visited some areas that were definetely not on the normal tourist track, which made the tour that much more interesting. Thanks Valerio!Brunetti's Venice with Valerio

Benjamin🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

25 November 2024

Wir hatten das große Glück, Valerio als unseren Städteführer zu haben – und es war einfach fantastisch! Die Führung war spannend und unglaublich lehrreich. Valerio hat es geschafft, uns die Stadt auf eine ganz besondere Weise näherzubringen. Besonders beeindruckt haben uns die vielen tollen Tipps und Empfehlungen für Sehenswürdigkeiten und ‘places to go’, die wir ohne ihn wahrscheinlich nie entdeckt hätten. Vielen Dank für diese unvergessliche Erfahrung, Valerio! Wir kommen definitiv wieder!Einfach Klasse

Matthew🇺🇸 United States

(About local Romy)

11 November 2024

Romy took us on a magical tour through the main parts of Venice. She was incredibly engaging and well versed in the history, art, architecture and truly gave our family a deep sense of Venice, its people and culture. We started near Rialto, explored the markets and then walked us through St Marks square, the Doge’s palace and St Mark’s church itself. She presented us with the gift of a glimpse into the soul of both ancient and modern Venice. It was an afternoon we will never forget!Magical Venice Tour

Jessica🇺🇸 United States

(About local Romy)

9 November 2024

Romy did a great job taking us around Venice and making it interesting for our young children. Lots of interesting information and a great time. Thanks!Wonderful tour and tour guide

Annette

(About local Valerio)

6 November 2024

Wir haben Valeria für eine Führung durch den Dogenpalast gebucht. Er hat auf unsere Anfrage sofort reagiert und geantwortet. Valerio spricht ein sehr gutes Deutsch und ist auch super auf unsere Kinder eingegangen. Die Führung war interessant und mit vielen Zusatzinformationen gespickt. Wir können Valerio guten Gewissens weiterempfehlen !!!Top Führung

Gerry🇺🇸 United States

(About local Romy)

2 November 2024

Romy was great. Very knowledgeable about her city. Great tour.Very knowledgeable

Karin🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Valerio)

1 November 2024

Super interessante Führung mit vielen Tipps, Empfehlungen und dem Besuch von unbekannten Plätzen in Venedig. Sehr persönlich gestaltet und auf individuelle Bedürfnisse eingegangen. Jedenfalls eine Weiterempfehlung!Brunetti Tour durch Venedig mit Valerio

Pedro Juan🇵🇷 Puerto Rico

(About local Romy)

1 November 2024

My wife and I had a great time with Romy. We walked through the most important streets of Venice as well as hidden gems. Romy is extremely knowledgeable about Venice and its history. We truly had a great time. Highly recommend you ask her for restaurant recommendations, she has great taste. We loved the three rest. she recommended. Great City Tour

Bethany🇺🇸 United States

(About local Romy)

24 October 2024

We had an excellent tour with Romy. We had a toddler along and she was very accommodating. The tour was very informative and Romy entertained all of our questions. It was a great experience and very interesting to learn from a native Venetian.Wonderful and informative tour with Romy

bpqgq8sqyf

(About local Romy)

23 October 2024

We arrived in Venise with our two kids and directly embarked with Romy for the visit. Best thing we did! I highly recommend as she has a lot to share and embarked us and the kids throughout the streets. Our daughter loved the treasure hunt she had prepared. I can just warmly recommend Romy to anyone curious to understand what they see in this beautiful place with a local. Wonderful introduction to Venise

Jutta🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

18 October 2024

Valerio war ein unglaublich freundlicher und äußerst kompetenter Reiseführer. Seine tiefgehenden Kenntnisse über Venedig, von der Geschichte bis hin zu versteckten Geheimtipps, machen die Tour zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis. Er war stets geduldig unbeantwortete alle unsere Fragen mit Begeisterung. Zudem spürte man seine Liebe zur Stadt in jeder seiner Erzählungen. Die Tour war nicht nur informativ, sondern auch sehr unterhaltsam. Absolut empfehlenswert!Ausgesprochen gut

Amber🇺🇸 United States

(About local Romy)

10 October 2024

Romy was a wonderful tour guide! She answered all our questions and kept the kids engaged! We stopped by a sweets shop and got to sample some chocolates and biscuits and she ended the tour what gelato for the kids!Great family tour

Sam🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Romy)

29 September 2024

Not just fount of knowledge but Romy weaves a story making remembering all your learning more easily memorable. Our hours together were packed with gorgeous views under experienced sections of Venice and a stunning church around each corner. Romy’s warm smile and gracious manner makes the hours of walking a walk through the park. The heart of Venice with Romy

Cindy🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Lucia Bondetti )

25 September 2024

I can’t say enough wonderful things about our tour with Lucia. In the days leading up to the tour she shared suggestions on areas of Venice to visit, restaurants, and arranged for free private tour of a glass factory on Murano. She responded very quickly to all my questions, bought skip the line tickets well in advance, and confirmed our arrangements in advance so I wouldn’t worry. The tour itself exceeded our expectations. Her knowledge about the Basilica, Palace and history of Venice was impressive and so very interesting. Having a private tour is the way to go and trust me - you want to book in advance to make sure Lucia is available. You will be so thankful you did!Amazing Tour with Lucia!

Giorgia🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Lucia Bondetti )

19 September 2024

We had the lovely Lucia show us around Venice. The kids, aged 9 & 11, put this as a top highlight of the trip. Lucia was passionate, knowledgable and kept the kids engaged in the 2.5hr tour. We adults also had fun and learnt a bit too. We added in the mask making activity at they end which they loved and allowed hubby and me to go have a appertivo sans kids - close by, which was also very nice. Highly recommend.Entertaining & Informative

Matthew🇺🇸 United States

(About local rocco)

14 September 2024

Rocco is a charming guide with a good sense of humor. He efficiently walked and talked with interesting stories about Venice. Our 3 hour tour flew byCharming Guide

Fiona

(About local Romy)

31 August 2024

We had a great talk with Romy, three of us, one adult and two teenagers. She was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and put everything in context for us. She answered all the questions and pointed out interesting details- and gave us great recommendations for things to do after our tour was finished. Thanks so much!Great story teller

Manfred🇺🇸 United States

(About local Romy)

27 August 2024

Romy gave us a delightful walking tour of Rialto and San Marco including all the historical highlights. We found her to be very knowledgeable and presented in a very entertaining fashion. We would highly recommend her to anyone considering a private guide in Venice.Fred’s review

Evan

(About local Romy)

4 July 2024

We had a great couple of hours with Romy. We learned a ton about Venice, including the history and the present, from someone board and raised (and still living) in Venice. She kept the kids engaged and let me ask my nerdy questions. Highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in Venice - particularly those traveling with kids. Romy Was Amazing. 10/10

Deana🇺🇸 United States

(About local rocco)

1 July 2024

Rocco was wonderful! Our tour with someone else got canceled the night before, and he was more than willing to accommodate us. It was extremely hot. We were a group of nine with five teenagers and my parents. He was so patient and always walked us to shade to go over so many interesting details of Venice. He is a true Venetian and has extensive knowledge about the most interesting details of Venice. Absolutely wonderful day. We appreciated everything. Thank you Rocco!Great experience!!

Nicole

(About local Valerio)

16 June 2024

Die Erfahrung Venedig durch einen Einheimischen erklärt zu bekommen, ist einfach eine tolle Erfahrung. Wir haben ihm vorab geschildert, was wir uns von der Tour erwarten und er hat sie im Längen übertroffen. Er konnte alles erklären und ist auch auf alle Fragen eingegangen, die währenddessen aufgekommen sind. Einfach klasse. Die Tour war aufgeteilt in teils touristisch und größtenteils weg vom Tourismus, dies war unser Wunsch und er hat in uns besser als gewollt erfüllt. Wir hatten tolle 2 Stunden und es wird nicht die letzte Tour bei Valerio gewesen sein. Venedig auf andere Weise sehen

Hagen🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

3 June 2024

Valerio ist sehr kompetent, freundlich und geht sehr gut auf einen ein.Super Stadtführung

Andreas🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Valerio)

22 May 2024

Very good contact in advance. Good tour on not crowded pathes. Good german language skills. But our children sometimes couldn’t follow. Venice guys are talking so fast, also in german ;-) And good tips to continue the tour alone and for the next day. Fully recommendation!Nice individual tour

Elise Kessler🇺🇸 United States

(About local Romy)

21 May 2024

Romy was so perfect with my daughter. it was our first time in Venice and she helped us see the big and small things in the city without feeling like tourists. The scavenger hunt she did with my daughter was fun and engaging (and she had prizes for her) she got down on her level and made history Fun! thanks Romy - we miss Venice and you already! Perfect tour with kids

Jeffrey🇺🇸 United States

(About local Romy)

18 May 2024

We had an amazing experience with Romy. She is very knowledgeable, professional, and personable. We were able to cover a lot of ground and it relatively short period of time. We saw all the major sites in mass and still had time to sit down for a drink and rest. I would highly recommend Romy as she is an excellent guide!Romy is an awesome guide!

Joel🇺🇸 United States

(About local Romy)

16 May 2024

We had a great time learning all about her hometown of Venice from Romy. She brought an excellent perspective to the tour about the history of Venice and modern life there. Romy spoke English very well and was easy for us to understand. She responded well to our questions and gave us tips for enjoying the rest of our time there. Prior communication was quick and efficient, too. We'd recommend Romy as a guide without hesitation!Informative tour by a true local expert

Michele 🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Lucia Bondetti )

10 May 2024

Our entire group were enthralled with Lucia’’s Venice biennale Collateral art venue tour! She set the stage with some important historical facts and encouraged us to see the Accademia artworks to provide a basis for the contemporary art we were about to see. We were taken to off the track places providing a range of different Biennale artworks and also venues that were special in their own right. Favourites were the art school installation and the Nigerian Pavilion. Lucia gave us some tips of venues to see beyond the tour. Lucia gave a tour from an authentically Venetian perspective and her love for the city shone through. We could not recommend her more highly!Lucia blew us away!

james🇺🇸 United States

(About local Romy)

4 May 2024

We had a wonderful tour with Romy. She tailored the walk to our interests giving us an over of the influence of the Renaissance on Venetian art and architecture. Then, showed us many examples of each. She also gave us a helpful explanation of the significance and role of the state in Venice throughout its history. We will highly recommend Romy as a tour guide to all our friends considering a visit to Venice. Venetian Renaissance