Exclusive After-Hours Tour of Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
- Explore the Doge's Palace's opulent rooms and chambers
- Discover the secrets of the Bridge of Sighs
- Admire the intricate mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica
- Enjoy a small group experience with personalized attention
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
- Guided tour with an expert historian
- Small group experience (maximum 6 people)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the historic nature of the sites.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 12 years old.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces.
- Bring a valid ID for entry into the basilica.
- Photography is allowed, but without flash inside the basilica.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- 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
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- There is no photography permitted inside St Mark’s Basilica.
- Please note that tour starting times are subject to change based on ticket availability
- 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.
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
- Admission to St. Mark’s Basilica is included (valued from €50 per person).
Traveler reviews
A very special evening in Venice
We thoroughly enjoyed the Venice Evening Tour of the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica with Grazia. Beginning at the Doge’s Palace in the evening, without the usual daytime crowds, gave us the opportunity to really appreciate both the magnificent rooms and the fascinating — and sometimes rather dark — history of Venice. Grazia was an excellent guide: warm, engaging and extremely knowledgeable, with a wonderful ability to bring the stories and personalities of Venice’s past to life. The evening then became even more memorable when we entered St Mark’s Basilica after hours. Walking into the Basilica in darkness and then watching as the lights were gradually illuminated to reveal the extraordinary golden mosaics was quite breathtaking. Being able to experience the Basilica so quietly, and to see areas such as the Pala d’Oro and crypt without the normal crowds, made it feel genuinely special. The small group size was also a real plus — relaxed, personal and with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. A fascinating and beautifully paced evening, and one of the highlights of our time in Venice. Thank you, Grazia, for making it such a memorable experience.
Insider insights of St Mark’s and Doges Palace
Adriana is an obvious Venice insider, knowledgeable about the city’s religious and political history. She provided us with many unique detailed insights as we toured Doges Palace. And the night tour of St Mark’s is stunning as the inside of the basilica slowly illuminates to reveal a multitude of mosaics, icons, and statues, all described meticulously by Adriana. You should request Adriana if you have a choice of guides. You will not regret it!
Excellent tour
The tour guide was excellent. Did a very good job explaining everything in detail.
Great tour guide
Lara was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Great tour guide
Excellent tour!
Tullia was very knowledgeable about both the history of the Basilica and of the religious stories as told by the incredible mosaics on the ceilings. If not for this tour, many aspects would have been missed by us. At 3.5 hours the tour was a little too long.