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(99)
This is a great way to visit the Doge’s Palace and the Basilica. Pamela lead our group of four through the myriad halls, stairways and a few tunnels so we could see the sights and learn about the elements of this place. The small group nature makes the tour more expensive but oh so much better. Being in the crypts after hours, definite plus! Heartily recommend this tour.
Nico was a very knowledgeable tour guide
We had such a great time at our sunset tour of Doge's Palace. We had our four children with us and Brankica did an exceptional job of making every part of the tour engaging and fun for them. It was clear right away she has a gift for teaching, and not just the kids. We all learned so much and the kids have all said this tour was the favorite of our entire Italy trip! We will book for tours with LivItaly when we come back again. Italy is simply magic!
Filippo was a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable and kind. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour.
Excellent tour-very informative and well managed. We had a great time. Highly recommend it, definitely worth the money!
Nico was an absolute joy. His love of Venice, history, and regional art came together in a fascinating tour that not only showed us these historic locations, but also helped us discover the WHYs behind so many of the enigmatic aspects of their existence. I walked away in awe of the structures and enthralled by the stories they embody … all expertly curated by Nico.
My wife and I went on the after hours tour of Doge’s Palace and St Marks and it was one of the highlights of our entire Italy trip. Being almost completely alone in St Marks was an incredible experience and worth every penny. We had Nico as our guide and he was phenomenal! He knew all the relevant history and showed us the highlights of both buildings. If you’re reading this and on the fence, book it!
Our guide, Adriana, was incredible. She first took us through the Doge’s Palace, sharing its history in a way that was both engaging and easy to follow. Afterward, we visited St. Mark’s Basilica in the evening, which was truly unforgettable. Seeing the basilica at night, with the lights reflecting off the golden mosaics, is simply breathtaking. The tour also included the crypts below, and Adriana gave a fascinating explanation about how the relics of St. Mark were brought back to Venice. Her knowledge and storytelling really brought everything to life. If you’re looking for a memorable and unique experience in Venice, I highly recommend this tour. Adriana made it truly special.
Wonderful tour. Tulia was fantastic! Very informative. My husband and I enjoyed it. Skip the line was great!
Fantastic experience with colleagues visiting the ducal palace. Nico super
