Met with the guide in museum corner as directed for the 11.50 tour. Then taken through the square where we met with another guide, to get our radio headsets. We then waited until 12.30 before we were taken into the Basilica! The guide was very informative and gave a great history of the building and the stories behind the artistry. The tour lasted less than an hour. We were given the option at the end of going to see some glass blowing or to go upstairs to the rooftop of the Basilica which we chose to do at an extra €5 each. This gave a birds eye view of St Marks Sq. and put across the lagoon.

We arrived confused where to go and spent a lot of the time queuing. The tour was interesting but quick. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the tour. Would recommend this tour to skip the queues but allow time to find the guide and don’t be scared to ask lots of official looking people questions!

‘Skip the line’ is misleading you don’t! You join the queue with a guide who explains some of the features and history of the Basilica as you wait in line. The information given linking it to the history of Venice, the reason for the Eastern architectural style and the construction techniques was informative and interesting. The links to Catholic theology enabled you to understand the symbolism and meaning of the art and decoration. The only downside was that it was still crowded even outside the main holiday season in March and you up couldn’t linger afterwards