Magpie
5.0(71 reviews)

Private After-Hours Tour of Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica

From€375
2 hours
Venice, Italy

About this activity

Experience Venice's iconic Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica on a private after-hours tour, offering skip-the-line access and expert insights in a serene setting.

Highlights

  • Skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace
  • Explore St. Mark's Basilica after hours
  • Learn from an expert guide
  • Experience Venice's landmarks with fewer crowds
  • Enjoy a personalized private tour

Full description

Discover the rich history and architectural splendor of Venice's most iconic landmarks on this exclusive private after-hours tour. With skip-the-line access, you'll delve into the opulent halls of Doge's Palace and the stunning mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica without the usual crowds. Led by an expert guide, you'll gain in-depth knowledge of these historic sites, making for an unforgettable and personalized experience in the heart of Venice.

Included / Excluded

  • Skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica
  • Expert guide providing historical insights
  • Exclusive after-hours visit with fewer crowds
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

1

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.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

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!

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
3

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.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
  • Children under 6 years old can join for free; please inform in advance.
  • The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.

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 may be restricted in certain areas; please follow the guide's instructions.

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

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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

5.0
71 reviews
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A fantastic experience.

Getting in the palace and basilica at night is the only way to go. You have the spaces almost to yourself and it’s special for that reason.

David_RJul 5, 2026VIATOR

Amazing!!!

We absolutely loved our tour! Ottavia was a wonderful guide and a wealth of knowledge. We couldn’t recommend this tour and Ottavia more! Thank you for an amazing experience!

V4829MSsarahbJul 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Francesca knows her stuff and you should use her as your guide.

Francesca was an excellent guide. Super informed showing her experience with the material and the history of Venice. She was also easy talk to and fun. We highly recommend her.

A7426AMdavidrJul 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Nico, was amazing and...

Nico, was amazing and very knowledgeable. We were running late and he patiently waited and made the experience so enjoyable.

Amy_WJun 17, 2026VIATOR

Excellent tour and worth the time and money.

Grazia did an excellent job giving my small family a private tour of the Doge Palace and the San Marco Basilica. We couldn’t have asked for more. Take the after hours tour. Well worth it.

christiansP8870KSJun 12, 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 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.
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