Private VIP St. Mark's Basilica Tour After Hours

Name: Private VIP St. Mark's Basilica Tour After Hours
Brand: Walks

1h 15m

Max 6 people

Commentary: Guide · en

Venice, Italy

About this activity

Enter St. Mark’s Basilica after hours on a private tour, exploring its golden mosaics and hidden crypt in total silence for an experience few ever have.

Highlights

Private after-hours access to St. Mark’s Basilica
Marvel at 99,000 sq ft of gold mosaics on the ceilings and walls
Explore the rarely opened crypt beneath the basilica
Experience Venice’s sacred site in total tranquility
Discover secrets and stories with an expert local guide

Full description

Step inside Venice’s most iconic landmark after it closes to the public on this exclusive private tour. With no crowds or rush, enjoy uninterrupted time to absorb the basilica’s art, history, and atmosphere, from the golden mosaic ceiling to the glittering Pala d’Oro. Then descend into the rarely opened crypt, where legend says the remains of St. Mark were once hidden. Accompanied by an expert local guide, uncover the hidden meanings behind the mosaics, hear stories of stolen relics and sacred secrets, and experience Venice’s spiritual heart as few ever do. Perfect for couples, families, and travelers who want to get the VIP experience in Venice's top monument.

By day, thousands of visitors fill St. Mark’s Square. By night, the basilica becomes yours alone. This private after-hours tour offers exclusive access to Venice’s most breathtaking monument once the doors have closed to the public. Step inside basilica alongside your private guide, experiencing its beauty in pure silence without the usual crowds or distractions.

Inside, watch in awe as the lights are switched on just for your group and the gold mosaics shimmer across the domes and walls. Another highlight of your tour is the magnificent Pala d’Oro, the basilica’s jewel-encrusted altarpiece, crafted from hundreds of precious gems.

Follow your guide below the main church into the underground crypt, a space rarely accessible to visitors. These haunting chambers once safeguarded the relics of St. Mark and still shows the watermarks from past years of the flood-prone chamber.

Enjoy more time for reflection and conversation with your guide, a flexible pace ideal for families or special occasions, and the unmatched serenity of having Venice’s most sacred site all to yourself on this VIP private tour.

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. This experience is refundable up to 7 days before your tour.

Included / Excluded

Local English-speaking guide
Expertly guided walking tour
Exclusive access ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (after closing)

Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Meeting point

Start Location

52 Piazza San Marco, Museo Correr, Venezia, IT

Museo Correr, P.za San Marco, 52, 30124 Venezia, VE, 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.
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.
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.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
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. 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.
Large bags and backpacks cannot be brought into St. Mark's Basilica.
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.
Photography is not permitted inside the Basilica.
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.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days before the activity starts

Cancellations received greater than 7 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 7 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.