Exclusive Alone In St. Mark's & Doge's Palace Tour
3.5 hours
Max 25
Why take this tour?
Highlights
- Private access to St. Mark's Basilica after hours, only for Walks groups - no crowds, no lines!
- Experience being inside St.Mark's Basilica like almost no one else… Alone! Illuminated mosaics are even more breathtaking at night.
- Enter the Doge's Palace after closing time - on this tour you will see Venice's most famous sites in the best possible way!
- Explore both centres of Venice's power: church and politics!
- Enjoy the intimacy of our small groups with your enthusiastic, English-speaking guide.
- Sites Visited
- St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
- St. Mark's Basilica
- St. Mark's Crypt
- Pala d’Oro Altarpiece
- Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior)
- Clock Tower on St. Mark's Basilica (exterior)
- Marciana Library (exterior)
- Doge’s Palace
- New Prisons
- Bridge of Sighs
- Tour Includes
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Exclusive access ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (after closing)
- After-closing ticket to the Doge's Palace
- Headset
Take a flashlight! Explore both St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace after-hours.
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Verified Customer reviews
Verified ratings
4.8 /5
based on 655 Walks’ customer ratingsOverall rating
4.8 /5
655 reviewsRating summary by category
Latest reviews
Excellent
If you’re thinking about booking the after-hours San Marco Cathedral tour—do it, and if possible, ask for Elena. She’s, hands down, the best tour guide I’ve ever had. A true Venetian, a historian, and a stand-up comedian all in one. She made me laugh out loud in a cathedral—to the point I had to hold in my not-so-polite giggles more than once.
Her knowledge is absolutely mind-blowing. The way she remembers and delivers such a massive amount of historical detail right when it matters most is honestly impressive. She never overwhelms you—just the right story at the right time, always keeping you engaged.
But beyond her brilliance, the tour itself is worth every single penny. You avoid the crowds completely and have both the basilica and the museum almost entirely to yourself. That alone is priceless—especially for photos and quiet moments of awe.
And the after-hours experience of St. Mark’s Basilica? Pure magic. I won’t spoil it, but trust me—it feels like a private, VIP moment you’ll remember forever. Elena made it even more special.
This is not just a tour. It’s an experience. Book it—and if you’re lucky enough to get Elena, you’re in for something truly unforgettable
Tripadvisor customer · Carlos · Aug 02, 2025 Excellent
It’s super cool to see the church at night , not crowded . We had a teenager with us and she loves this as well . Our guide was a female that lives on Venice and is an archaeologist. She was fantastic. Well worth doing this
Tripadvisor customer · UmmaBAtraveller · Aug 01, 2025 Excellent
Elana was an awesome tour guide! We learned so much from her and she made it fun and interesting. Going for the after hours tour was a great experience. It was nice not having to push through people and actually be able to experience the Doge Palace and Basillica
Tripadvisor customer · Happiness318637 · Jul 29, 2025 Excellent
Very interesting and amazing history
GetYourGuide customer · United States · Jul 26, 2025 Excellent
Our tour guide was great. We started on time and had a break in the middle. Doge Palace is a little slow, but the bridge of sighs was worth it. St Marks at night was amazing.
Tripadvisor customer · Sam · Jul 23, 2025FAQs
What can I bring into the Doge's Palace?
You are permitted to enter the Doge's Palace with handbags and small backpacks. But any large backpacks or luggage are not permitted inside. You have to check them in the cloakroom.
Do I need to bring my passport/ID with me?
Yes! All guests (including children) must bring a government-issued ID/passport on the day of their tour. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument. The full names of all participants are required at the time of booking and must match the names on their ID/passport. Name changes are not permitted.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No. Unfortunately, due to site restrictions we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour. Guests should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity, including standing for extended periods and climbing stairs, which may not be suitable for travelers with certain health conditions or mobility limitations.
Can I take a bag with me into St. Mark's Basilica?
You can only take small bags into St. Mark's. Anything bigger than a purse - backpacks or luggage - is prohibited. There is no coat check either, so do not bring any large bags with you.
Does St. Mark's Basilica have a dress code?
Yes. Because it is a holy place, St. Mark's Basilica insists that both men and women wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. They can and will refuse entry to anyone who does not meet this standard and we can't do anything about it, so come prepared.
What can I bring with me on this tour?
St. Mark's Basilica has very tight rules about what you can and cannot bring inside. Anything bigger than a purse - including backpacks or luggage - is NOT allowed inside the Basilica. There is no coat check either, so do not bring any bags larger than a purse with you.
Does the Doge's Palace accommodate wheelchair users?
The Doge’s Palace is not wheelchair-friendly. Some parts are accessible, but the Secret Rooms, Prisons, and Armory and not. Our route, in particular, is not wheelchair-friendly so we do not recommend that wheelchair users take this tour.
Are there any breaks on this tour?
During this tour there is a short break (15 to 30 minutes) in between visiting the Doge's Palace and entering St. Mark's Basilica.
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