Magpie
4.9(96 reviews)

Exclusive After-Hours Tour of Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica

From€279
2 hours
Venice, Italy

About this activity

Experience Venice's iconic landmarks after hours with an exclusive small group tour, including skip-the-line access and expert guidance.

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

Step into the heart of Venice's rich history with this exclusive after-hours tour of Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Skip the long lines and delve into the opulent rooms of the Doge's Palace, uncovering tales of power and intrigue. Cross the famed Bridge of Sighs, once the last view of Venice for prisoners. Then, marvel at the intricate mosaics and architectural splendor of St. Mark's Basilica, all under the guidance of an expert historian. With a maximum of six participants, this intimate tour offers personalized insights into Venice's treasures, making it an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.

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

Itinerary

1

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 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

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 hourAdmission: YES
3

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 minAdmission: YES
4

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. 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. An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES

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

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

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

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Wonderful tour.

Filippo was a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable and kind. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour.

LesleyPyle123May 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR

After hours is the only way to go!

Excellent tour-very informative and well managed. We had a great time. Highly recommend it, definitely worth the money!

A133ATjohnsMay 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR

So much more than just a tour!

Nico was an absolute joy. His love of Venice, history, and regional art came together in a fascinating tour that not only showed us these historic locations, but also helped us discover the WHYs behind so many of the enigmatic aspects of their existence. I walked away in awe of the structures and enthralled by the stories they embody … all expertly curated by Nico.

adultsonlymMay 12, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Fantastic Tour

My wife and I went on the after hours tour of Doge’s Palace and St Marks and it was one of the highlights of our entire Italy trip. Being almost completely alone in St Marks was an incredible experience and worth every penny. We had Nico as our guide and he was phenomenal! He knew all the relevant history and showed us the highlights of both buildings. If you’re reading this and on the fence, book it!

DnoblettApr 28, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Absolutely Incredible Tour!

Our guide, Adriana, was incredible. She first took us through the Doge’s Palace, sharing its history in a way that was both engaging and easy to follow. Afterward, we visited St. Mark’s Basilica in the evening, which was truly unforgettable. Seeing the basilica at night, with the lights reflecting off the golden mosaics, is simply breathtaking. The tour also included the crypts below, and Adriana gave a fascinating explanation about how the relics of St. Mark were brought back to Venice. Her knowledge and storytelling really brought everything to life. If you’re looking for a memorable and unique experience in Venice, I highly recommend this tour. Adriana made it truly special.

Y7252XEmaxsApr 28, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

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.
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