Saint Mark's Basilica- worth it on a really busy day?

Which tour is that?
Hard to believe just 1 day in Venice and not visiting the Basilica

Most of the cruise ships are docking in Trieste and Ravenna which means that any day trippers from the ships need to leave a little extra time to get back to the ship. I would go for near closing time if I wanted to avoid them.

@Christine, it's the Best of Europe in 14 days. The description says the tour is included "when available," and it will apparently not be available on our trip.

The Basilica is really awe-inspiring - I’d try to go if you can.

I’ve just booked an after-hours tour with Walks of Italy called “Exclusive Alone in St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace”, precisely to avoid the daytime crowds and see these places more in-depth in a calmer environment. Cost is approx. US$140 per person. Think it will be great!

Do not know if this would work into your Saturday schedule, but the Basilica's web site shows an 18:45 Saturday mass. Several years ago when we were in Venice, we slipped in for the last half of (I think it was) Sunday mass, then it was easy to then take the stairs up afterward to see that area and then also the balcony overlooking the square. Of course, no reservations/tickets are required for mass, but seems there was some additional little fee for the upstairs area (but we did not have to exit nor stand in a line)...we just explained we had "just come from mass" and one of the church volunteers directed us to the stairs.

http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/calendario-liturgico/orari-messe/?lang=en

2 trips so far to Venice and have missed St. Mark's both times. The first time was too hot, my kids and spouse were vomiting from heat exhaustion, we had to retreat for shade and fluids. This was in July. It was mobbed and very very hot. Tickets non-refundable. Second time (April this year,) we had booked the tour Dutch describes above with Walks of Italy, and they cancelled it day-of for an unexplained reason. Did get a refund for that one.

Trying again on my next trip end of October. So clearly I think it is worth seeing, but I'm not optimistic about an August weekend day. I think a tour is probably a safer bet than just an entry ticket, even a skip-the-line one, if you want to be more sure of getting in. And an evening tour would be more likely to have less miserable temps.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you!

I think I am on your same tour. I went ahead and booked the 11:30 because it seems that is going to be where we end our walk for the day, and it will be very convenient. Then, I can hop off to lunch.

Thanks all!

It will be hot but if you can, go see it. It is unique and my favorite church in Italy. Last time we were there they closed it mid-day (without notice) so we weren't able to go. I'd try to book for earlier rather than later.