Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People
Description
Venice is known for its beauty, charm and history but it is also known for its crowds. This tour is designed in a way to allow each tour group to be as small and intimate as possible so our small groups are no larger than 6 people per tour guide. This ensures that you get the full experience from start to finish, and truly enjoy and live the sites as should be done. Italians take great care when it comes to hospitality, and that is what a small group of 6 offers. This particular tour is even more personalized with EXCLUSIVE access into one of the most prestigious landmarks of Venice – VIP access after hours to the incredible Saint Mark's Basilica, preceded by a thorough and enchanted tour of the Doge's Palace and the infamous Bridge of Sighs. Perfect for all ages and history levels. Book this incredible experience today!
Tour Options
Itinerary
You and your small group will meet your guide in one of Italy’s most famous piazzas – St Mark’s Square – noted for its charming, Italian-Gothic beauty just off the shores of the canal. This very square began to gain cultural relevance over 1000 years ago with its first chapel construction in 819 AD. Your LivItaly tour guide will tell you just how this square came to importance and the inspiration for St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s palace which create its majestic backdrop. Learn about the cultural influences which have contributed to the architectural beauty of the surrounding buildings – Eastern and Venentian Gothic.
Your guide will then take you to the Doge’s Palace, originally built as a 10th century fortress and later transformed into a palazzo under Doge Sebastiano Ziani. The palace expanded so much throughout time that it eventually even reached the side walls of St Mark’s Basilica. Learn about the amazing color-changing facade of the Doge’s Palace and why it changes color from day to night.
Your tour will also take you to the famous Bridge of Sighs, a last sight for prisoners on their march towards imprisonment, known as one of their last and most memorable views of the beautiful Venetian lagoon. A sight worth remembering even today.
As you walk in you will be surprised by the darkness within the basilica, but sit on the pews and get ready for a spectacular slow illumination of the prestigious ceiling mosaics – a light show privy only to night visitors. The mosaics depict stories from the Old Testament, images of Noah, Adam and Moses. Learn how according to some scholars, these mosaics replicate the miniatures of ancient medieval manuscripts of the Bible – a historic narrative above, all illuminated to create an ambiance which is absolutely unforgettable. But the best part of it all is clearly the fact that you and your group will be completely alone in the basilica for the portion of your 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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
- 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.
- Admission to St. Mark’s Basilica is included (valued from €50 per person).
Reviews(111)
Our tour of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s palace with Martina was fantastic. She was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. She really made the history of the palace and cathedral come alive and we learned so much. Our 10 and 13 year olds enjoyed it too!
Nico was a wealth of knowledge on the history of Venice and the broader Region. His knowledge and passion for arts, culture, architecture and history really brought our experience to life. This is a must see and must do in Venice. Especially with Nico!
What an amazing tour we had with Ottavia tonight. The evening tour of Doges Palace and St Mark's Cathedral was fascinating. St Mark's was especially incredible being such a small group allowed within the cathedral at night. We had goosebumps when the secret was let out. Ottavia was an enthusiastic and passionate guide who combined her extensive knowledge of Venetian history and art with her entertaining manner of storytelling. Thank you Otti ! 🙏
Sabrina was a wonderful tour guide. She was knowledgeable, warm, funny, and very accommodating. She kept us all engaged with her storytelling. We highly recommend the tour!
Fantastic tour and very informative
Our family had an absolutely wonderful time on our tour with Francesca through the Doge Palace in Venice, Italy. She did a fantastic job of explaining everything clearly and making the history come alive for all of us.Francesca went above and beyond to accommodate our family's needs throughout the entire day. Her warm, friendly personality made us feel welcome and comfortable from the very start. She truly exceeded our expectations, and we cannot recommend her highly enough! Thank you, Francesca, for making our trip so memorable!
Romy exceeded all expectations. She’s not only an expert at every aspect of both tours, she also provides the history of Venice from the perspective of a true Venetian! In addition, Romy was thoughtful, kind and a pleasure to listen to. 10 out of 10!
Lara (Croft, tomb raider) was incredible. Loved our tour. Lara is friendly and funny and extremely knowledgeable. She included every member of our party and called us by our names. Loved loved loved! 10/10!
I was honestly blown away by this experience. No crowds, (slightly) lower temperatures, and access to areas not available to the general public during the day. This was well worth the price of the tour, even if it is more of a splurge. We started at 5:30pm and ended right at 8:30pm (three hours).
Lara was an incredible guide.
