Exclusive Alone In St. Mark's Basilica After Hours
Supplied by: City Experiences
Explore one of the most famous sites in Venice and one of the world’s most magnificent churches without the lines or crowds.
Highlights
- Unique opportunity to be alone in St. Mark’s Basilica
- Exclusive tour with access outside of opening hours
- Includes areas not usually visited, including the Pala d’Oro
- Great way to experience the basilica without lines or crowds
- Small groups of only 25 people per guide.
What's included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Exclusive access ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (after closing)
- Headset
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Overview
Explore St Mark’s Basilica without the crowds on an after-hours tour, and enjoy an optional visit to Doge's Palace, if you wish. Inside St Mark’s Basilica, admire treasured mosaics and a Byzantine altarpiece, and then follow your guide into the crypt where St Mark himself is believed to rest.
Your guide will meet you at St. Mark’s Square for this special after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica. With thrilling anecdotes and swashbuckling stories, your guide will tell you about the history of Venice and St. Mark’s.
Hear how the Basilica received its precious relics via a 9th-century kidnapping. Passersby will wonder where you are going as a custodian unlocks the Basilica’s doors for you to enter.
Inside, take a deep breath as you experience St. Mark’s Basilica as almost no one else ever has ever been able to, aside from the doge himself. There is no standing elbow-to-elbow with other tourists and no noise from the crowds. Instead, you are alone with your guide and the custodian.
Experience the Basilica as it should be experienced: in tranquility and peace. You can even go where others, visiting during the day, cannot. See the crypt where the bones of St. Mark are said to actually be kept. Plus, you can see the walls stained by the past floods that have devastated Venice. The crypt used to be flooded every time high tide hit the city.
The evening is also the best time to visit because it is the time of day that the mosaics are at their most beautiful. All 43,000 square feet are illuminated, glimmering and sparkling in the dark.
Your guide for this tour is an expert, passionate about Venetian art and history and about sharing it with you in the most fun way possible. Hear the tale of how St. Mark’s became St. Mark’s, a story that pivots on a kidnapping and a dangerous sea voyage. Learn where the precious marbles decorating St. Mark’s really come from on a 1-hour tour that will leave you with lasting memories.
Points of interest :
Saint Mark's Basilica, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Know before you go
This tour is in English.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
If you cannot join your tour at the last minute (running late, etc), please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour with a small amendment fee depending on availability.
Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible. Those with wheelchairs should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Large bags and backpacks cannot be brought into St. Mark's Basilica.
Photography is not permitted inside the Basilica.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable.
