Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 124 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People worth booking?
Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People is a 3.5-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $319 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 124 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (124)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $319 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Professional Local Expert Guide
- Exclusive After Hours entrance to Saint Mark's Basilica
- Night tour of the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
- Small Group of ONLY 6 people MAX
Not included
- Gratuities (optional)
What you'll see and do
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.
30 minutes here
Palazzo Ducale
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 here · Admission included
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.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Basilica di San Marco
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. 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. An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- LivTours
Know before you go
- 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
- There is no photography permitted inside St Mark’s Basilica.
- Please note that tour starting times are subject to change based on ticket availability
- Due to the highly variable nighttime opening and closing times of Doge’s and St. Mark’s, your tour may need to take up to a 1.5 hour break between the two sites, in which case your guide will recommend a local restaurant or bar in which to wait. In some cases, however, there will be no break. In all cases, the total duration of the guided tour will ALWAYS be three hours, regardless of the break time.
- An original, valid photo ID is required for entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers’ full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry to the attraction.
- Admission to St. Mark’s Basilica is included (valued from €50 per person).
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 123 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
123 verified traveler reviews for Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic Tour of Doges and St. Marks
Nico was an excellent guide, we really enjoyed our tour and would highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
A very special evening in Venice
We thoroughly enjoyed the Venice Evening Tour of the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica with Grazia. Beginning at the Doge’s Palace in the evening, without the usual daytime crowds, gave us the opportunity to really appreciate both the magnificent rooms and the fascinating — and sometimes rather dark — history of Venice. Grazia was an excellent guide: warm, engaging and extremely knowledgeable, with a wonderful ability to bring the stories and personalities of Venice’s past to life. The evening then became even more memorable when we entered St Mark’s Basilica after hours. Walking into the Basilica in darkness and then watching as the lights were gradually illuminated to reveal the extraordinary golden mosaics was quite breathtaking. Being able to experience the Basilica so quietly, and to see areas such as the Pala d’Oro and crypt without the normal crowds, made it feel genuinely special. The small group size was also a real plus — relaxed, personal and with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. A fascinating and beautifully paced evening, and one of the highlights of our time in Venice. Thank you, Grazia, for making it such a memorable experience.
via Tripadvisor
Insider insights of St Mark’s and Doges Palace
Adriana is an obvious Venice insider, knowledgeable about the city’s religious and political history. She provided us with many unique detailed insights as we toured Doges Palace. And the night tour of St Mark’s is stunning as the inside of the basilica slowly illuminates to reveal a multitude of mosaics, icons, and statues, all described meticulously by Adriana. You should request Adriana if you have a choice of guides. You will not regret it!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
The tour guide was excellent. Did a very good job explaining everything in detail.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour guide
Lara was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Great tour guide
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 43
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by LivTours, who run 151 experiences we rank across 17 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.8 and 5 in the 90+ Club.
See everything LivTours runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People cost?
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Prices start at $319 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Venice usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Venice is not rushed.
Is Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 124 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Venice, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People?
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Around 43 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Venice can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Venice and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Venice within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Venice?
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On Outty we rank every Venice experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Venice Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with wine by Cooking Italy, Eating Venice Small Group Food & Drinks Tour, Tour of The Real Hidden Venice. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Venice?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People?
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Included: Professional Local Expert Guide; Exclusive After Hours entrance to Saint Mark's Basilica; Night tour of the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs; and Small Group of ONLY 6 people MAX. Not included: Gratuities (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Venice. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's After Hours Small Group Max 6 People?
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Across 124 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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