Exclusive Alone In St. Mark's And Doge's Palace Tour

St. Mark's Basilica is one of the most impressive churches in the world, and on this VIP tour, you'll have it almost entirely to yourself. In the late evening, caretakers switch on the lights to illuminate 43,000 sq ft of gold mosaics. Stand beneath the glittering ceilings and gape at these incredible works, the oldest of which dates back to the 11th century. Then explore quiet areas of the church usually unseen by the public.

Your evening starts with a guided Doge's Palace tour. This was once the heart of a maritime empire that stretched all the way to Turkey. As your expert guide tells you the story of Venice's epic rise and fall as a European trading power, you'll explore rooms like the Armory and the Hall of the Great Council. Venice is the world's oldest republic, and this enormous hall is where the city’s general assembly made important decisions, beneath beautiful paintings by their master painters, Veronese and Tintoretto.

You'll also peek into the 18th century prisons, where the darker work of Venetian governing was carried out. Learn the true story behind the 'romantic' Bridge of Sighs as you cross its length, peeking out at the crowds below.

Visiting at last entry-time, your Doge's Palace tour happens during the quietest time of day, allowing you the time and space to really appreciate this incredible building. There's also the luxury of hearing your guide as clear as a bell.

Afterwards you'll head over to St. Mark's Basilica, which will already have closed for the evening. As your small group approaches, a guard will appear and open the door. Access at this time is only open to Walks groups, so you'll find the normally-busy church almost deserted. Step inside to experience St Mark's Basilica in all its shimmering glory, enormous ceiling mosaics lighting up the interior with their golden glow.

As you explore the church, including the crypt, you'll stop at beautiful artifacts like the main altar and the famous Byzantine altarpiece, the Pala d'Oro. These parts of the church either require additional tickets or are so crowded during opening hours that most visitors avoid them entirely. But not tonight, and not your group.

As you explore, your guide will tell you why this incredible building, with its riches and relics plundered from around the world, is the perfect representation of what Venice was at that time: a meeting point of the world, funded largely by piracy.

No one since the last Doge of Venice has been able to enter St. Mark's Basilica with so few people inside, making this a truly unique experience. With a small group of 15 people and your engaging local guide, this is the perfect way to visit one of the most unique churches in the world.