Experience Venice’s beauty and history with exclusive after-hours access to Saint Mark’s Basilica and a small group tour of Doge’s Palace.
Experience Venice’s beauty and history with exclusive after-hours access to Saint Mark’s Basilica and a small group tour of Doge’s Palace.
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Piazza San Marco - Meet the guide with your small group at one of Italy’s most renowned piazzas – St Mark’s Square. Known for its enchanting Italian-Gothic charm, it is located just off the canal’s shores. This square began its cultural significance over a millennium ago with the construction of its first chapel in 819 AD.
The LivItaly tour guide…
- Piazza San Marco - Meet the guide with your small group at one of Italy’s most renowned piazzas – St Mark’s Square. Known for its enchanting Italian-Gothic charm, it is located just off the canal’s shores. This square began its cultural significance over a millennium ago with the construction of its first chapel in 819 AD.
The LivItaly tour guide will explain how this square rose to prominence and the inspirations behind St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, which form its stunning backdrop. Discover the cultural influences that have shaped the architectural splendor of the surrounding buildings, featuring Eastern and Venetian Gothic styles.
- Doge’s Palace - Next, the guide will lead you to the Doge’s Palace, initially built as a 10th-century fortress and later transformed into a palazzo under Doge Sebastiano Ziani. Over time, the palace expanded so extensively that it eventually reached the side walls of St Mark’s Basilica. Learn about the fascinating color-changing facade of the Doge’s Palace and why it shifts hues from day to night.
- Ponte dei Sospiri - The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Bridge of Sighs, the last view for prisoners on their way to incarceration, known for offering one of the most memorable views of the beautiful Venetian lagoon. It remains a sight worth cherishing even today.
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Basilica di San Marco - Upon entering, be prepared for the initial darkness within the basilica, then sit on the pews and anticipate the breathtaking gradual illumination of the prestigious ceiling mosaics – a light show exclusive to night visitors. The mosaics portray stories from the Old Testament, featuring images of Noah, Adam, and Moses. Learn how, according to some scholars, these mosaics replicate the miniatures of ancient medieval Bible manuscripts – a historic narrative above, all illuminated to create an unforgettable ambiance.
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the opportunity for you and your group to be completely alone in the basilica during this part of the 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.

- Professional Local Expert Guide
- Exclusive After Hours entrance to Saint Mark’s Basilica
- Night tour of the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs
- Small Group of ONLY 6 people MAX
- Professional Local Expert Guide
- Exclusive After Hours entrance to Saint Mark’s Basilica
- Night tour of the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs
- Small Group of ONLY 6 people MAX
- Gratuities (optional)
- Gratuities (optional)
Venice is as famous for its historical splendor and captivating allure as it is for its throngs of tourists. Our tour has been meticulously designed to maintain a small and personal atmosphere with each group not exceeding 6 members. This guarantees a comprehensive experience, allowing you to truly immerse in the sights as is due. The rudiments of…
Venice is as famous for its historical splendor and captivating allure as it is for its throngs of tourists. Our tour has been meticulously designed to maintain a small and personal atmosphere with each group not exceeding 6 members. This guarantees a comprehensive experience, allowing you to truly immerse in the sights as is due. The rudiments of Italian hospitality lie in attentive care, which is precisely what a small group size of 6 facilitates. This tour is even further customized with EXCLUSIVE entry into one of Venice’s most esteemed monuments – VIP admittance after the day’s crowd to the magnificent Saint Mark’s Basilica, preceded by a comprehensive and captivating tour of the Doge’s Palace and the notorious Bridge of Sighs. It’s a tour enjoyed by one and all, regardless of their knowledge of history. Make a reservation to enjoy this unbelievable experience today!
- 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.