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

604 reviews

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.

Book Now

Total Customer Reviews: 604

Verified Ratings
4.8 /5
based on 604 Walks’ customer ratings
Rating summary by category
Guide
4.8/5
Guest Support
4.7/5
Latest reviews
Excellent
This was absolutely the highlight of our trip. Having been through St. Marks Basilica and Dodge's Palace during peak season previously, this experience felt unreal. We are so thankful to our Guide and Walks for providing this incredible experience that we will never forget. Highly recommend.
Verified · Laura · Feb 06, 2024 · USA · Female · 25 to 34 years
Excellent
Excellent tour. Elena was extremely knowledgable. She was able to answer all of our questions, and she was humorous. I would say she's one of the two best tour guides we have had throughout our 25 years of traveling abroad. The tour was extensive and covered everything that we needed to know about Venice, the Doge's palace, and the Basilica. It also included areas that no other tour groups or people are allowed to see. What a wonderful experience. We will be booking with them again when we travel to other places.
Verified · Chao-I · Jan 30, 2024 · USA · Female · 55 to 64 years
Excellent
It was simply fabulous... The after-hours access to St Mark's, with the lighting was something to behold. To start in the dark and have the lights gradually reveal the splendour that is St Marks was unforgettable. Romy our guide was perfect giving us the story behind the story which brings everything alive.
Verified · Linda · Jan 07, 2024 · United Kingdom · Female · 65 to 74 years
Excellent
Great tour- skip the lines and see the basilica with very few people . The reveal of the ceiling at night was an sight to remember. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and we learned so much about Venice - highly recommend!
Verified · Gretchen · Oct 11, 2023 · USA · Female · 45 to 54 years
Excellent
These sites are absolutely spectacular! Having them practically to ourselves felt like a total luxury. If youre lucky enough to get Nico, I hope you appreciate his quick dry humor. Hes naturally funny and he gave many interesting insights on art and history in an entertaining way.
Verified · Sara · Oct 04, 2023 · USA · Female · 45 to 54 years

Meeting Point

Meeting Point Map ⟶

Meeting Point
This tour meets underneath the Portico, just outside the entrance of the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, 30124. The Correr Museum is directly opposite the entrance of St. Mark's Basilica. Your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. 

Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.

FAQs

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No. Unfortunately, due to site restrictions we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this tour. If you use a wheelchair and book this tour by accident, we are happy to offer you credit for a future tour that is wheelchair accessible anywhere in the world, or a full refund.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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