Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
Venice is known for its beauty, charm and history but it is also known for its crowds. This tour is designed in a way to allow each tour group to be as small and intimate as possible so our small groups are no larger than 6 people per tour guide. This ensures that you get the full experience from start to finish, and truly enjoy and live the sites as should be done. Italians take great care when it comes to hospitality, and that is what a small group of 6 offers. This particular tour is even more personalized with EXCLUSIVE access into one of the most prestigious landmarks of Venice – VIP access after hours to the incredible Saint Mark's Basilica, preceded by a thorough and enchanted tour of the Doge's Palace and the infamous Bridge of Sighs.
Perfect for all ages and history levels. Book this incredible experience today!
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Exclusive After Hours entrance to Saint Mark's Basilica
Professional Local Expert Guide
Night tour of the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
Small Group of ONLY 6 people MAX
Gratuities (optional)
Departure Point
Piazzetta S. Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
The meeting point is under the winged lion's column in Saint Mark's Square, closest side to Grand Canal. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign.
Return Details
Piazzetta S. Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
The meeting point is under the winged lion's column in Saint Mark's Square, closest side to Grand Canal. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign.
Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy You and your small group will meet your guide in one of Italy’s most famous piazzas – St Mark’s Square – noted for its charming, Italian-Gothic beauty just off the shores of the canal. This very square began to gain cultural relevance over 1000 years ago with its first chapel construction in 819 AD.
Your LivItaly tour guide will tell you just how this square came to importance and the inspiration for St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s palace which create its majestic backdrop. Learn about the cultural influences which have contributed to the architectural beauty of the surrounding buildings – Eastern and Venentian Gothic. 30 minutes
Doge's Palace, Venice, Italy Your guide will then take you to the Doge’s Palace, originally built as a 10th century fortress and later transformed into a palazzo under Doge Sebastiano Ziani. The palace expanded so much throughout time that it eventually even reached the side walls of St Mark’s Basilica. Learn about the amazing color-changing facade of the Doge’s Palace and why it changes color from day to night. 60 minutes
Ponte dei Sospiri, Venice, Italy Your tour will also take you to the famous Bridge of Sighs, a last sight for prisoners on their march towards imprisonment, known as one of their last and most memorable views of the beautiful Venetian lagoon. A sight worth remembering even today. 30 minutes
Basilica di San Marco, Venice, Italy As your Doge's Palace tour ends, you will make your way to Saint Mark's Basilica, the gates of which will have already closed for all other visitors, but will reopen EXCLUSIVELY for us. As you walk in you will be surprised by the darkness within the basilica, but sit on the pews and get ready for a spectacular slow illumination of the prestigious ceiling mosaics – a light show privy only to night visitors. The mosaics depict stories from the Old Testament, images of Noah, Adam and Moses. Learn how according to some scholars, these mosaics replicate the miniatures of ancient medieval manuscripts of the Bible – a historic narrative above, all illuminated to create an ambiance which is absolutely unforgettable.
One of the perks of this tour is being able to see the Pala D’oro ancient altar piece up close, an act that is seemingly impossible during hurried daytime crowds. Admire the craftsmanship of gold and silver metal work as well as the 1300 pearls and 1900 gem stones that adorn it.
Our guests will also get to see the crypts where noble Venetians have been laid to rest. Learn how the crypt was moved in the 16th century to avoid flood damage and how it was sealed off for over two centuries only to be reopened in the 19th century.
But the best part of it all is clearly the fact that you and your group will be completely alone in the basilica for the portion of your tour – a once in a lifetime experience reserved exclusively for our guests.
90 minutes
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
elenaoJ5867TK
20 Mar 2025
Nico was very knowledgeable and lead us on a great tour. We learned so much and my friends and I had a great time exploring and learning about historical Venice !!
F6618KLsabrinam
20 Mar 2025
I’ve been on hundreds of tours all over Europe and Nico is the BEST tour guide I’ve ever had. He is passionate about history and loves Venice. He keeps the tour fun, interesting and easy to understand. He uses lots of stories to make things exciting. He’s also funny and very easygoing. We loved Nico
Road18971234131
20 Mar 2025
We had such a wonderful time touring Doge’s Palace. Nico was extremely knowledgeable with his history background. I would highly recommend picking Nico for your tour guide, you won’t be disappointed!
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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