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

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.

• 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

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.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Occasionally St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are closed to the public, without previous notice, due to high tides or particular festivities
If option with Doge's Palace selected: The prisons and the armory of the Doge's Palace are not wheelchair-accessible
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Please remember that the basilica is a holy place and attire must be appropriate: Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks of Italy cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress
Backpacks are prohibited inside of St. Mark's Basilica.
If option with Doge's Palace selected: Please note that there may be a break of up to 2 hours between your Doge’s Palace tour and your exclusive After Hour Visit, due to temporary earlier closing time at the Doge’s Palace. Your guide in this case will provide bar/restaurant recommendations
From August 6th 2021, all Italy sites we visit will require clients and guides alike to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test completed within 48 hours prior to entry. They will also require a legal form of ID matching the vaccination or test results. More info on the Italian Government website
Most travelers can participate
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers