St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Small Group Tour with Optional Doge's Palace

Highlights

See St. Mark's Basilica in Venice minus the crowds on an after-hours tour
Tour the interior in a calm, fully lit setting with in-depth commentary
View the Pala d’Oro crowd free, and visit the usually off-limits crypt
Upgrade to add a visit to the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs
Group limited to 20 for an intimate, more personalized experience

Summary

Greet your guide in St. Mark’s Square and walk to St. Mark’s Basilica as you learn how its history is intertwined with Venice’s past. Absorb the magnificent façade and step inside, entering after the day’s crowds have left, when the lights are fully switched on. Marvel at the mosaics, all illuminated by the lights, and hear about their historical significance from your guide. Admire the Pala d’Oro, the Byzantine altarpiece that's often hard to see because of long lines, and enjoy special access to the crypt, the reputed burial place of St. Mark. Also, see the wall marks left by flooding through the centuries. Choose to upgrade to add a tour of the Doge’s Palace during its later, and quieter, closing hours. Explore the halls, courts, armory, and apartments; and cross the Bridge of Sighs to admire the palace exterior. Both tour options end at St. Mark’s Square.

Tour info

Duration

90 minutes - 210 minutes

Why take this tour?

St. Mark's Basilica is a Venice must-see, but usually elbow-to-elbow with crowds. This small-group tour lets you explore after hours in a crowd-free environment with the lights ablaze, so you can fully appreciate the interior. Plus, you get in-depth guided commentary and to visit the usually off-limits crypt, inaccessible to the general public. Upgrade to tour another Venice highlight—the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs—at a quieter, more peaceful time slot.

What’s included?

Professional guide
After-hours St. Mark’s Basilica tickets
Doge’s Palace tickets (if option with Doge Palace selected)
Small groups of 20 people or fewer
Entry/Admission - Basilica di San Marco
Entry/Admission - Doge's Palace
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 90-210 minutes
Mobile tickets accepted
Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Walks

About operator:

Walks of Italy offers one-of-a-kind experiences in Venice, both on land AND on the water! As featured in Rick Steves' guidebooks. Day trips, activities & guided tours in Italy's greatest destinations. Our tours are truly small group (maximum 12) or private, giving you the maximum choice and flexibility for all budgets. Discounts offered for seniors, students & children, so bring the whole family! Unlike other companies, Walks of Italy secures EXCLUSIVE access to sites across Italy, unlocking hidden gems like the private suburban baths in Pompeii, Doge's Secret Passages in Venice, a private Renaissance palace in Florence, the Colosseum's underground & top tier in Rome, and even VIP access to the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City—just to name a few! All our guides are hand-picked, English-fluent passionate experts in their local regions. Our company is committed to the principles of sustainability in travel, providing carbon offsets for transfers, patronizing local artisans and farmers, and bringing you off the beaten path away from tourist crowds whenever possible. Walk with us, and fill your vacation with unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime!