Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Tour

We're sorry. This tour is no longer available.

3 hours 30 minutes
Free cancellation
2 - 6
Mobile ticket

Overview

Venice is known for its beauty, charm and history but it is also known for its crowds. This tour is designed in a way to allow each tour group to be as small and intimate as possible so our small groups are no larger than 6 people per tour guide. This ensures that you get the full experience from start to finish, and truly enjoy and live the sites as should be done. Italians take great care when it comes to hospitality, and that is what a small group of 6 offers. This particular tour is even more personalized with EXCLUSIVE access into one of the most prestigious landmarks of Venice – VIP access after hours to the incredible Saint Mark's Basilica, preceded by a thorough and enchanted tour of the Doge's Palace and the infamous Bridge of Sighs.
Perfect for all ages and history levels. Book this incredible experience today!

Inclusions

  • Small Group of ONLY 6 people MAX
  • Exclusive After Hours entrance to Saint Mark's Basilica
  • Professional Local Expert Guide
  • Night tour of the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
  • Entry/Admission - Basilica di San Marco
  • Entry/Admission - Ponte dei Sospiri
  • Entry/Admission - Doge's Palace

What to expect

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Piazza San Marco, 31024 Venice Italy

You and your small group will meet your guide in one of Italy’s most famous piazzas – St Mark’s Square – noted for its charming, Italian-Gothic beauty just off the shores of the canal. This very square began to gain cultural relevance over 1000 years ago with its first chapel construction in 819 AD.

Your LivItaly tour guide will tell you just how this square came to importance and the inspiration for St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s palace which create its majestic backdrop. Learn about the cultural influences which have contributed to the architectural beauty of the surrounding buildings – Eastern and Venentian Gothic.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venice Italy

Your guide will then take you to the Doge’s Palace, originally built as a 10th century fortress and later transformed into a palazzo under Doge Sebastiano Ziani. The palace expanded so much throughout time that it eventually even reached the side walls of St Mark’s Basilica. Learn about the amazing color-changing facade of the Doge’s Palace and why it changes color from day to night.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ponte dei Sospiri, Piazza San Marco, 1, 30100 Venice Italy

Your tour will also take you to the famous Bridge of Sighs, a last sight for prisoners on their march towards imprisonment, known as one of their last and most memorable views of the beautiful Venetian lagoon. A sight worth remembering even today.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Basilica di San Marco, San Marco, 328, 30124 Venice Italy

As your Doge's Palace tour ends, you will make your way to Saint Mark's Basilica, the gates of which will have already closed for all other visitors, but will reopen EXCLUSIVELY for us. As you walk in you will be surprised by the darkness within the basilica, but sit on the pews and get ready for a spectacular slow illumination of the prestigious ceiling mosaics – a light show privy only to night visitors. The mosaics depict stories from the Old Testament, images of Noah, Adam and Moses. Learn how according to some scholars, these mosaics replicate the miniatures of ancient medieval manuscripts of the Bible – a historic narrative above, all illuminated to create an ambiance which is absolutely unforgettable.

One of the perks of this tour is being able to see the Pala D’oro ancient altar piece up close, an act that is seemingly impossible during hurried daytime crowds. Admire the craftsmanship of gold and silver metal work as well as the 1300 pearls and 1900 gem stones that adorn it.

Our guests will also get to see the crypts where noble Venetians have been laid to rest. Learn how the crypt was moved in the 16th century to avoid flood damage and how it was sealed off for over two centuries only to be reopened in the 19th century.

But the best part of it all is clearly the fact that you and your group will be completely alone in the basilica for the portion of your tour – a once in a lifetime experience reserved exclusively for our guests.


Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Additional information

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour operates within current local COVID-19 protocol. We are not responsible for any persons who do not adhere to regulations, and in said circumstances will result in loss of the tour without refund.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Ticket delivery

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
G8561RDellies
June 2021

Great tour with Marie!!!! Very personable and gave insider tips about Venice. Loved it! Highly recommend

Q952EYlaurae
August 2021

Our guide Marie was exceptional! We went on a tour with our teenage daughter and son. Marie found ways to engage both with stories that made the history Venice engaging and relevant.

Randolph_P
September 2023

Our guide Nico was amazing! Incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the doges palace and basilica!

Michelle_M
December 2022

We had an amazing tour. Our guide was so knowledgeable and interesting that it was very clear that she loved her job. We would recommend this tour. It was worth the price.

chiph692
August 2023

We really enjoyed the after hours tour of Saint Mark's and Doge's Palace. Sabrina was a very knowledgable guide and obviously loved these sites (especially Saint Mark's Cathedral. Seeing the Cathedral lit up at night was absolutely beautiful. We were worried about the timing of this tour (5 pm me...

Cag333
July 2023

I went on 2 tours with Nico in Venice in July 2023. The first was an evening tour of the Doge’s Palace and the second was a nighttime tour of Church of San Marco. The tour of the Doge’s Palace was after most other tourists had left the building and the tour of San Marco was when the church was cl...

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