Exclusive Alone In St. Mark's & Doge's Palace Tour
3.5 hours
Max 25 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Venice, Italy
About this activity
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.
Full description
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.
IMPORTANT: You must provide the following details for every guests in your party at the time of booking: first and last name. All guests must bring ID on the day of their tour as it is required to visit the St. Mark's Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. Name changes are not permitted.
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.
IMPORTANT: You must provide the following details for every guests in your party at the time of booking: first and last name. All guests must bring ID on the day of their tour as it is required to visit the St. Mark's Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. Name changes are not permitted.
Included / Excluded
- 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
Meeting point
Start Location
52 Piazza San Marco, Museo Correr, Venezia, IT
Museo Correr, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- 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.
- Due to the religious nature of the Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. A scarf or shawl is acceptable. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
- If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
- All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
Know before you go
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- 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.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- 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.
- If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). The guide will modify the itinerary to include alternate dry paths whenever possible.
- All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
- Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 3 days before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 3 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 3 days of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)