Exclusive Alone In St. Mark's & Doge's Palace Tour
Supplied by: City Experiences
Explore 2 of the most famous landmarks in Venice after dark on this exclusive after-hours guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
Highlights
- Access St. Mark's Basilica after hours.
- Enter the Doge's Palace after it closes.
- Look at the Pala d’Oro altarpiece without the crowds.
- Hear stories about the dukes of the Venetian Empire.
- Walk across the Bridge of Sighs from the inside.
What's included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Exclusive access ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (after closing)
- After-closing ticket to the Doge's Palace
- Headset
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Overview
See the wonders of Venice's St. Mark's Basilica without the crowds during this after-hours, small-group tour. Learn about the basilica's famed mosaics from your guide and explore the crypt below the church to see where St. Mark's remains are said to lie. Upgrade to see the Doge's Palace after the basilica and wander the former home of the Venetian Republic's government.
Escape the crowds on a late afternoon guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and discover 2 of the icons of Venice away from the crowds.
Meet your guide by the statue of the winged lion on St. Mark’s Square. Then, enter the Doge's Palace just as it closes for the day to learn more about the center of power during the Venetian Republic. See the sumptuous apartments of the Venetian rulers, as well as the Hall of the Great Council with its stunning frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto.
Hear secret stories behind the art, such as why one doge in the painted series is covered by a black veil. Learn how the were dukes were elected, and what they did. Explore the massive armory and spooky prisons. Cross the Bridge of Sighs on the inside, and hear why it is not quite as romantic as you might have thought!
After a short break, continue to the Byzantine basilica of St. Mark's, and see its gilt decorations after the crowds have left for the day. A custodian of the cathedral will unlock its doors so that you can experience like only a doge could. Marvel at the gemstones of the Pala d’Oro altarpiece.
Visit the crypt, where the bones of St. Mark are said to be kept. Admire mosaics in the soft glimmer of the evening light, and learn about Venetian art and history from your passionate guide.
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
Torre dell'Orologio, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Ponte dei Sospiri, Piazza San Marco, Venezia, 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.
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.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
Large bags and backpacks cannot be brought into St. Mark's Basilica.
On certain days there may be a short break between the visit to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica (never more than one hour). This may extend the overall length of the tour.
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.
