St. Mark's Basilica Night Tour with Optional Doge's Palace

This exclusive tour will take you through one of the most unique and awe-inspiring churches in the world: St. Mark's Basilica. Here you’ll get to see the unique mix of Western and Byzantine art. Your expert guide will even take you through the epic story of its construction.

Most importantly, during this after-hours tour, you will not only get to visit St. Mark's Square but also the church and its 43,000 square feet of golden mosaics. You will then descend into the crypt to see where some of Venice's most famous inhabitants are buried (when it isn't flooded). Then you will get to see the beautiful altar and the famous Pala d'Oro altarpiece with nearly 2,000 precious gems. All of this, without noisy crowds - what more can one ask for?

If you've chosen it as an option, you'll also get to see Doge's Palace, a historic landmark that served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries.

St. Mark's Basilica Night Tour with Optional Doge's Palace

Dive into the splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica after hours, where your senses are captivated by the interplay of light and shadow in this sacred space. Explore the ancient Crypt, a hidden gem that unveils the church's historical underpinnings, and marvel at the Pala d’Oro Altarpiece, shimmering with golden mosaics beneath the night sky. Ascend the Bell Tower for panoramic views of Venice’s twinkling waters and delve into the 16th-century Marciana Library, a sanctuary of knowledge within this architectural wonder. Upgrade your journey to include the Doge's Palace, where Gothic elegance and Venetian power converge in an awe-inspiring spectacle. Crafted for explorers of the after-dark cityscape, devotees of sacred artistry, and seekers of historical grandeur, this tour weaves a tapestry of ancient faith and political might, offering memorable encounters to forge lasting connections while understanding that every step reveals Venice’s layered past.

Visit St. Mark's Basilica for Its Intimate After-Hours Experience

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica during the tour's highlight segment where you gain exclusive access after hours, revealing the church in a quieter yet more enchanting light. The basilica, adorned with over 85,000 square feet of dazzling mosaics—equivalent to covering 1.5 American football fields—illuminates under soft evening lighting, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive. As you wander through the Crypt, a secret passage leads to ancient foundations dating back centuries, offering a glimpse into the basilica’s spiritual origins. The Pala d’Oro Altarpiece, with its intricate gold leaf and precious gemstones, radiates under the night sky, a testament to the opulence of Venetian artistry. Ascending the Bell Tower provides panoramic views of St. Mark's Square bathed in moonlight, while the Marciana Library invites contemplation amidst Renaissance-era manuscripts and historical documents.

Experience Doge's Palace for Its Gothic Magnificence

Experience Doge’s Palace as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring both historical and architectural marvels. The palace stands as a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture, its intricate stone carvings and ornate arches telling tales of centuries past. Explore the opulent halls where Venetian rulers once held court, adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from the Republic’s golden age. Marvel at the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the prison across the canal, symbolizing both power and sorrow in Venice’s rich history. Each room within the Doge’s Palace reveals a new facet of the city's intricate political tapestry, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand the heart of Venetian governance.

Tour Highlights

• Discover St. Mark's Basilica after hours with exclusive access
• Explore the ancient Crypt’s historical foundations spectacularly
• Marvel at the Pala d’Oro Altarpiece gleaming under moonlight impressively
• Ascend the Bell Tower for panoramic views authentically
• Delve into the 16th-century Marciana Library included comprehensively
• Upgrade to visit the Gothic Doge's Palace uniquely

Unravel mysteries, embrace enchantment, and bask in historical grandeur for explorers of nocturnal Venice, devotees of sacred artistry, and seekers of political intrigue. This after-hours exploration weaves a magical tapestry of faith and power that resonates like a melody through the narrow streets of Venice, creating moments that linger like echoes across time.