Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People

based on 42 reviews

Duration:3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Location: Venice, Veneto

From $271.9

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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!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Piazza San Marco
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.
2. Doge's Palace
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.
3. Ponte dei Sospiri
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.
4. Basilica di San Marco
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.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : simonhQ5575RA
Highly recommended. Tour guide Pamela made the tour informative and interesting, sharing her knowledge of Venice.

Meeting at 17:30, the break of just over an hour during the tour for time to get something to eat made a pleasant evening before getting a water taxi back to the hotel by about 10pm.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-11 07:48:06

Posted By : Anne_J
Wonderful experience, very special. Would highly recommend guide very knowledgeable. Both the palace and st mark’s worth the expense
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Posted On : 2024-05-11 04:01:21

Posted By : F6370ORmaryr
Maria was absolutely amazing and the expert on the Doges Palace! We loved our time with her and would suggest asking for on this tour!
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Posted On : 2024-05-09 04:24:13

Posted By : Jeck51
An excellent visit to the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica, enhanced by the passion of our guide Sabrina who speaks excellent English and French. This after-hours visit is the best time to enjoy all the secrets of these places! Thanks again to Sabrina for making the visit thrilling and lively!
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Posted On : 2024-05-04 08:04:26

Posted By : N3230TYbeatricel
Sebrina was excellent. Best tour in Italy. She was so knowledgeable, she was very interested in making our experience the very best. If you are going to book a tour ask for her.
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Posted On : 2024-04-24 18:00:11

Posted By : joemA8353FI
Very informative
Marie was awesome
We love the palace
It was an awesome tour when you have such an educated guide
Thanks marie
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Posted On : 2024-04-24 07:46:50

Posted By : Curiosity45028033403
Maria was the best ! Love the history of everything. Would never have known if she didn’t have tour with her! Incredible!
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Posted On : 2024-04-24 07:45:12

Posted By : W1243ZMdavidw
Our guide Marie Therese was a veritable font of information. She knew every story behind each painting, ceiling or tile. Her knowledge and love of art & history were apparent. In addition to being a truly magical location to visit at night, we were grateful to have such an intriguing and engaging guide. I recommend this tour to anyone looking to get a deeper appreciation for Venetian art, history & heritage.
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Posted On : 2024-04-24 03:53:38

Posted By : vicki407
Our guide Octavia was incredibly knowledgeable and we learnt so much about the history of Venice and these two special places.
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Posted On : 2024-04-16 16:11:42

Posted By : Connector617728
An unique VIP tour specially being quiet alone in the Basilica ! An expérience of a lifetime !
Special thanks to Nico, very friendly and Who gave us lots of interesting comments.
Everything was perfect, trust the large renovations carve out.
We recommand 100%
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Posted On : 2024-04-09 16:12:16