Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Tour


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From $248.11

16 reviews   (5.00)

Price varies by group size

Lowest Price Guarantee

Pricing Info: Per Person

Duration: 3 hours

Departs: Venice, Venice

Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

Learn more

Overview

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!


What's Included

Exclusive After Hours entrance to Saint Mark's Basilica

Night tour of the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs

Professional Local Expert Guide

Small Group of ONLY 6 people MAX

What's Not Included

Gratuities (optional)


Traveler Information

  • INFANT: Age: 0 - 2
  • CHILD: Age: 3 - 17
  • ADULT: Age: 18 - 99

Additional Info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

What To Expect

Piazza San Marco
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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Doge's Palace
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.

60 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Ponte dei Sospiri
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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Basilica di San Marco
As your Doge's Palace tour ends, you will make your way to Saint Mark's Basilica, the gates of which will have already closed for all other visitors, but will reopen EXCLUSIVELY for us. 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.

One of the perks of this tour is being able to see the Pala D’oro ancient altar piece up close, an act that is seemingly impossible during hurried daytime crowds. Admire the craftsmanship of gold and silver metal work as well as the 1300 pearls and 1900 gem stones that adorn it.

Our guests will also get to see the crypts where noble Venetians have been laid to rest. Learn how the crypt was moved in the 16th century to avoid flood damage and how it was sealed off for over two centuries only to be reopened in the 19th century.

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.

1 hours • Admission Ticket Included


Reviews

Well worth it
Michelle_M, 10-12-2022
We had an amazing tour. Our guide was so knowledgeable and interesting that it was very clear that she loved her job. We would recommend this tour. It was worth the price.
LivItaly - Martina - Venice - THE BEST ! ! !
judithwT2801YM, 23-11-2022
My tour with Martina was one of the highlights of my Italy vacation. And it was THE highlight of my time in Venice.

Although I had been to Venice in the past, Martina shared new wonders of the city. And having the tour at night was magical. The tour also included a nighttime tour of Doge’s Palace - that was so special. Martina’s knowledge of the city and the Palace was remarkable.

Working with LivItaly was easy, and I highly recommend them! They are the best ! ! !
A must do tour in Benuce
expat25, 07-09-2022
can’t say enough positive things about our Liv Tour and guide Sabrina, on our after dark tour of St Marks last night. She dealt with a delay by a late arrival with prompt professionalism, and brought alive the many aspects of St Marks from it foundations, historical background, religious connotations, political and environmental aspects. A well balanced, enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide I would do other tours with her, and Liv Tours. thank you.
Regards I & R Mills, Sydney Australia.
Amazing tour!
Kriste_C, 10-08-2022
Our guide Marie Therese was amazing!!! I truly appreciated the life that she brought and the perspective of history. Seeing and learning about the art and the architecture was incredible…even my daughter who was willing to do this just for me loved it immensely! Thank you so much
Amazing experience and tour!
Footprints715768, 09-08-2022
Marie-therese Was truly amazing!!! This tour was awe inspiring to begin with…only made more amazing by her passion for her job and art! My daughter was going with me because I wanted to go and she LOVED the tour and the energy Marie-Therese brought. There was humor, mystery and history all rolled into the evening! I would highly recommend her and this tour! Thanks so much!!!




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