Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour
This Private Night Doge's Palace and St Mark's Tour is a perfect way to visit two of the most famous sights in the city. You will begin in St Mark's square, where you will hear all about the long history of this famous piazza, as you make your way to the Doge's Palace. Your private guide will regale you with the stories of famous prisoners who were kept in the dungeons of the Palace, as you roam the opulent rooms, prisons, courts and halls of the Doge’s Palace. Then, you will make your way to St. Mark's once it has already closed its doors. That's right! With this tour, you will have exclusive After Hours access: only you, your group, and your tour guide!! Once inside the basilica, you will be mesmerised by a spectacular light show highlighting the sacred art and mosaics which adorn the golden mosaic ceilings. You will also see the Pala d'Oro altar, and descend into the crypt where St Mark himself is laid to rest. We guarantee this to be a once in a lifetime experience!
Options
Private Night Tour of Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica
What's included in Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Piazza San Marco
Your Private Night Doge’s Palace and St. Mark's Tour starts in one of the most beautiful and famous squares in all of Venice – St Mark’s Square – which has stood through wars, flooding, changes in governments for over a millennium. As you admire the square's romantic, historic and powerful atmosphere, your guide will give you a good idea of the timelines and history of this famous piazza before, as you make your way inside the Doge’s Palace.
Doge's Palace
An exemplary work of Venetian Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was once the seat of the Venetian Republic and their leader, the Doge. For over 700 years, this impressive palace has housed 120 powerful Doges, as well as government offices, prison cells and the Court. You will be mesmerized by the stories your guide will share with you as you stroll through the Doge’s private, ornate apartments and impressive halls with their enormous paintings and frescoes. Walking through the corridors with your private guide you will appreciate the whole gamut of Venice’s history, not only the romantic and polished side, but also its most secret and mysterious corners. This tour takes you behind the scenes, allowing you to learn about the fear and authority the Palazzo Ducale used to represent. Your private guide will regale you with the stories of famous prisoners who were kept in the dungeons of the Doge’s Palace...discover the most famous one!
Basilica di San Marco
By the time you exit the Doge’s Palace the sun will have set and darkness will have taken its place, offering the perfect atmosphere for your next stop. There will be no crowds and no waiting in line as we have EXCLUSIVE access to the basilica at night, so only you, your group, and your tour guide will be admitted. Imagine being alone at night in St Mark’s!! When you enter, the church will be in complete darkness and your guide will help you find the perfect pew. Get your camera ready, as one by one the lights will be turned on to reveal gorgeous golden ceiling mosaics. This is truly a one of a kind experience, which will leave you with unforgettable memories, making history come to life – and light! An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
Inclusions
- Exclusive Access into St Mark's after it has closed!
- Private, Professional, Expert and Local Tour Guide
- Admire the Pala d'Oro, and descend into the crypt where St Mark himself is buried
- Discover the Doge's Palace, touring the prisons, apartments and courts of this historic Palazzo
- Enjoy a magical light show of the Golden Mosaics inside St Mark's Basilica
- Food and Drink
- Gratuities
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
- Please note that tour starting times are subject to change based on ticket availability
- Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
- Due to the highly variable nighttime opening and closing times of Doge’s and St. Mark’s, your tour may need to take up to a 1.5 hour break between the two sites, in which case your guide will recommend a local restaurant or bar in which to wait. In some cases, however, there will be no break. In all cases, the total duration of the guided tour will ALWAYS be three hours, regardless of the break time.
- An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- The meeting point is under the winged lion's column in Saint Mark's Square, closest side to Grand Canal. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
