Discover the enchanting beauty of Venice’s hidden gem, St Mark’s Basilica, on an exclusive after-hours tour. Avoid the crowds and enjoy the grandeur and spirituality of this architectural masterpiece. Led by knowledgeable guides, this enlightening experience allows you to marvel at priceless treasures like the Pala d’Oro.
For a deeper dive into Venetian history, add a visit to the Doge’s Palace and a walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore the wonders of Venice’s rich cultural heritage.
Good To Know

- The St. Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Tour offers the opportunity to visit the basilica and admire its treasures without the crowds.
- The tour includes a visit to the crypt where the remains of St. Mark are believed to lie.
- There is an option to upgrade the tour to also include a visit to the Doge’s Palace and cross the Bridge of Sighs.
- The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history and architecture of Venice, and offer special arrangements for group members with mobility issues.
Tour Details

One can find all the necessary details for the St. Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge’s Palace in Venice. The tour has a duration of 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, offering visitors ample time to explore these magnificent landmarks.
It’s important to note that the tour is conducted in English and has a meeting point at Museo Correr, P.za San Marco. The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time, so it’s advisable to arrive on time.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that St. Mark’s Basilica isn’t wheelchair accessible, and large bags or backpacks aren’t allowed inside. Plus, visitors must dress appropriately, ensuring their shoulders and knees are covered due to the religious nature of the basilica.
Lastly, it’s important to mention that the sites visited during the tour are subject to occasional closures, but the tour operators ensure compliance with all local government regulations. With a limited capacity of 25 people, this small-group tour guarantees personal attention from a knowledgeable guide.
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Tour Highlights
The highlights of the St. Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge’s Palace include:
- Admire the stunning Pala d’Oro treasures in the Basilica without the usual crowds.
- Explore the crypt and learn about the history and significance of St. Mark’s remains.
- Upgrade your tour to include a visit to the impressive Doge’s Palace and experience crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs.
- Enjoy a small-group tour with a knowledgeable guide for a more personalized experience.
This tour offers an exclusive opportunity to appreciate the exquisite Pala d’Oro treasures up close, away from the bustling crowds. You’ll have the chance to explore the crypt, where the remains of St. Mark are believed to rest, and learn about the fascinating history surrounding them. For those wanting to delve deeper into Venice’s history, upgrading the tour to include a visit to the Doge’s Palace and crossing the iconic Bridge of Sighs is highly recommended. With a small-group setting and an expert guide, this tour promises an engaging and memorable experience.
Nighttime Tour Experience
Nighttime tours of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace offer visitors a unique and enchanting experience, with the opportunity to explore these iconic landmarks without the usual crowds. The evening lighting adds a magical touch, creating a captivating atmosphere as you wander through the centuries-old halls and corridors.
Unlike the bustling daytime visits, the nighttime tour allows for a more intimate and less crowded visit, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and grandeur of these architectural marvels. The break in between the two sections of the tour is perfect for reflection and taking in the surroundings.
With the absence of the usual tourist crowds, you can truly enjoy the history and artistry of these magnificent buildings.
Knowledgeable Guides
The knowledgeable guides on the Venice: St Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Tour provide valuable insights into the origins and development of Venice, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. With their expertise and passion for the city, these guides offer a deeper understanding of the historical significance of St Mark’s Basilica and its connection to the vibrant culture of Venice. Here are some reasons why their insights are highly recommended:
Guide Andrea, a conservation architect, shares in-depth knowledge about the architectural features and preservation efforts of the basilica.
Guide Romy provides captivating background history for each area visited, making the tour richer and more immersive.
Guide Niko is adept at uncovering hidden gems along the way, offering a unique perspective on the city’s lesser-known attractions.
Guide Iola, with her extensive knowledge of Venetian history, arranges special accommodations for group members with mobility issues and ensures a seamless experience for all.
With these guides, visitors can truly appreciate the historical and cultural significance of Venice, making their tour unforgettable.
Traveler Feedback
One traveler found the tour helpful, while others provided feedback and suggestions for improvement.
One reviewer mentioned that the tour of the basilica was great but felt that the timing was too late. It’s important for the tour organizers to consider the preferences of their customers and perhaps offer earlier time slots for those who prefer to explore the basilica during the daytime.
Another reviewer highlighted an issue with the audio equipment, mentioning that they lost connection to their earpiece in a large group. To ensure a seamless experience for all participants, it’s crucial for the tour operators to regularly check and maintain their audio equipment to avoid any technical glitches.
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Directions
Visitors to the St. Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge’s Palace can easily find the meeting point at Museo Correr in Venice. To make the most of their visit, here are some helpful directions and tips:
Public transportation: Visitors can take a vaporetto (water bus) to the San Marco – Vallaresso stop, which is just a short walk away from Museo Correr. This convenient mode of transportation allows travelers to enjoy the scenic views of Venice’s canals while making their way to the meeting point.
Landmarks in Venice: Museo Correr is located in Piazza San Marco, which is one of the most famous squares in Venice. Visitors can explore other nearby landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Campanile, and the Bridge of Sighs before or after their tour.
Easy navigation: Museo Correr is easily accessible and well signposted, making it simple for visitors to find their way. The meeting point is centrally located, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city.
Local assistance: If visitors have any trouble finding the meeting point, they can always ask the friendly locals for directions. The people of Venice are known for their hospitality and are usually more than happy to help travelers navigate their way around the city.
Common Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the St. Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Tour?
Yes, there is a dress code for the St. Mark’s Basilica after-hours tour. Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees due to the religious nature of the basilica. Photography and video recording are not allowed.
Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?
During the after-hours tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, photography and video recording are not allowed. However, visitors can still capture stunning photos by following these tips: use a low-light camera, stabilize the camera, and take advantage of the beautiful evening lighting.
How Many People Are Usually in a Tour Group?
Tour groups for the St. Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Tour can accommodate up to 25 people. The tour duration ranges from 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on whether the optional Doge’s Palace visit is included.
Can Children Participate in the Tour?
Children are welcome on the tour, but there are no specific age restrictions mentioned. The small-group setting allows for personal attention, making it an engaging and informative experience for all participants.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The cancellation policy for the tour allows for a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The dress code for the St. Mark’s Basilica after-hours tour requires individuals to cover their shoulders and knees.
The Sum Up
Experience the enchantment of Venice like never before with the St Mark’s Basilica after-hours tour. Avoid the crowds and enjoy the grandeur and spirituality of this architectural masterpiece.
Marvel at the Pala d’Oro and explore the rich history and culture of Venice with knowledgeable guides.
For an even more unforgettable experience, add a visit to the Doge’s Palace and cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to discover the wonders of St Mark’s Basilica and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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