Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica & Doges Palace Evening Tour

Explore the enchanting city of Venice after dark on this captivating 3-hour evening tour. Venture inside the iconic Doge’s Palace and uncover its hidden prisons, then step into the renowned St. Mark’s Basilica when it’s closed to the public. Witness the basilica’s breathtaking Pala d’Oro and grandeur in a unique, crowd-free setting. This exclusive tour offers a fascinating perspective on Venice’s most renowned landmarks, delving into the city’s captivating stories and hidden gems. Prepare to be immersed in the beauty and history that come alive after the sun sets over the Floating City.

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided evening tour explores the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, including hidden prisons and captivating stories.
• Visitors can marvel at the ornate gilt decorations of the Doge’s Palace and enter St. Mark’s Basilica after it has closed to the public.
• The tour covers the Chamber of the Great Council, Bridge of Sighs, and New Prisons, providing a unique perspective on these Venetian landmarks.
• This exclusive experience allows visitors to explore in the absence of crowds, immersing them in the history and grandeur of the sites.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments, and a dress code applies for entry to the Basilica.

Tour Overview

On this 3-hour evening guided tour, visitors can explore the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and the grand Doge’s Palace in Venice, uncovering hidden prisons, hearing captivating stories, and marveling at the gilt decorations.

Guests will start at the Doge’s Palace, entering the Chamber of the Great Council, crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, and peering into the New Prisons.

The tour then moves to St. Mark’s Basilica, where visitors can admire the intricate Pala d’Oro after the site has closed to the public.

With a live guide to provide insider knowledge, this evening excursion offers a unique perspective on two of Venice’s most iconic landmarks.

Locations

The tour starts at the Doge’s Palace in St. Mark’s Square, where visitors explore the Chamber of the Great Council, cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, and peer into the New Prisons.

The highlights of this evening adventure include:

• Marveling at the ornate gilt decorations of the Doge’s Palace
• Stepping inside the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica after it has closed to the public
• Uncovering the hidden prisons and hearing the stories that echo through the corridors

From the starting point at the Doge’s Palace, the tour takes guests on an immersive journey through the rich history and architectural wonders of Venice’s most renowned landmarks.

Highlights

During the evening tour, visitors marvel at the ornate gilt decorations that adorn the Doge’s Palace.

They then step inside the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica after it has closed to the public, uncovering the hidden prisons and hearing the stories that echo through the corridors.

The tour’s highlights include the magnificent Chamber of the Great Council, the Bridge of Sighs, and the New Prisons.

As the tour progresses, guests are captivated by the opulence and grandeur of the Doge’s Palace and the stunning Pala d’Oro, an intricate gold altarpiece within St. Mark’s Basilica.

This evening excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore these iconic Venetian landmarks in a more intimate setting.

Inclusions

The evening tour includes entry to both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, allowing visitors to explore these iconic Venetian landmarks after they’ve closed to the public.

With a live guide leading the way, guests can expect to:

1. Marvel at the gilt decorations and stunning architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica.
2. Venture into the hidden prisons and traverse the famous Bridge of Sighs at the Doge’s Palace.
3. Hear captivating stories and insights about Venice’s history and culture.

This comprehensive tour provides an exclusive opportunity to experience the grandeur of these sites without the crowds, making it an unforgettable evening in the Floating City.

Important Information

This evening tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments. All individuals must also cover their shoulders and knees to enter the Basilica.

Despite running rain or shine, the tour may be closed without notice due to high tides or special events. Guests should be prepared for these potential issues and dress appropriately.

The tour explores hidden prisons, shares captivating stories, and allows visitors to marvel at the gilt decorations.

While access may be limited for some, those who can participate are sure to be enchanted by the grandeur of these Venetian landmarks during the evening hours.

Pricing and Booking

The evening tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace starts at €132.05 per person, and guests can reserve their spot now with the option to pay later.

This guided tour offers the opportunity to explore these iconic Venetian landmarks after closing hours, providing an intimate and immersive experience.

The tour includes:

1. Entry to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
2. A live guide who’ll share fascinating stories and historical insights.
3. The chance to marvel at the stunning gilt decorations and hidden prisons.

With limited availability, this tour is likely to sell out quickly. Guests are advised to secure their spot in advance to ensure they don’t miss this unique chance to discover the enchanting secrets of Venice’s most renowned attractions.

Directions

Starting location for the tour is the Doge’s Palace, located at S. Marco, 75. Guests should arrive at the meeting point a few minutes before the scheduled tour start time to ensure a smooth check-in process.

From there, the guided tour will take you to the highlights, including the Chamber of the Great Council, the Bridge of Sighs, the New Prisons, and St. Mark’s Basilica. The route is approximately 3 hours long, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Keep in mind that the tour may be affected by high tides or special events, so it’s a good idea to check for any updates before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Tour Guide Provide Audio Headsets for Better Hearing?

The tour guide likely provides audio headsets to participants to ensure they can clearly hear the commentary and stories throughout the tour. This allows guests to fully engage with the experience without straining to hear the guide.

Can We Take Photographs Inside the Basilica and Doge’s Palace?

Photography is generally permitted inside St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, though flash photography may be prohibited. Visitors should check with the tour guide or on-site staff for any specific restrictions before taking photos during the tour.

Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age or height restrictions for this tour. However, it’s not suitable for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues as there are many stairs and uneven surfaces throughout the sites.

Can We Leave the Tour Group at Any Time to Explore on Our Own?

Participants must stay with the tour group throughout the experience. Leaving the guided tour to explore on one’s own is not permitted, as it could disrupt the flow and schedule of the overall activity.

Is There a Dress Code for the Evening Tour or Can We Wear Casual Clothes?

There is a dress code for the evening tour – all individuals must cover their shoulders and knees to enter St. Mark’s Basilica. Casual clothing is not permitted, so visitors should dress conservatively for the tour.

Recap

This exclusive evening tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Venice’s iconic landmarks, the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, away from the crowds.

Visitors can marvel at the stunning architecture, ornate decorations, and hidden prisons, while experiencing the grandeur of these historic sites after they’ve closed to the public.

It’s a captivating way to uncover the city’s rich history and captivating stories.