Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour

42 Reviews |

Recommended by 100% of reviewers

Badge of Excellence | Venice, Italy

Book online or call us

Chat now

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Mobile ticket

Instant confirmation

Overview

This Private Night Doge's Palace and St Mark's Tour is a perfect way to visit two of the most famous sights in the city. You will begin in St Mark's square, where you will hear all about the long history of this famous piazza, as you make your way to the Doge's Palace. Your private guide will regale you with the stories of famous prisoners who were kept in the dungeons of the Palace, as you roam the opulent rooms, prisons, courts and halls of the Doge’s Palace. Then, you will make your way to St. Mark's once it has already closed its doors. That's right! With this tour, you will have exclusive After Hours access: only you, your group, and your tour guide!!
Once inside the basilica, you will be mesmerised by a spectacular light show highlighting the sacred art and mosaics which adorn the golden mosaic ceilings. You will also see the Pala d'Oro altar, and descend into the crypt where St Mark himself is laid to rest.
We guarantee this to be a once in a lifetime experience!

What's Included

Exclusive Access into St Mark's after it has closed!
Admire the Pala d'Oro, and descend into the crypt where St Mark himself is buried
Discover the Doge's Palace, touring the prisons, apartments and courts of this historic Palazzo
Enjoy a magical light show of the Golden Mosaics inside St Mark's Basilica
Private, Professional, Expert and Local Tour Guide

Food and Drink
Gratuities

See 2 more See 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Piazzetta San Marco
30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Piazza San Marco

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Doge's Palace

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!

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Basilica di San Marco

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Show 1 more stop

Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica After Hours Night Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025