
Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 93 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour worth booking?
Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour is a 3.5-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $430 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 93 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (93)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $430 per person
This Private Night Doge's Palace and St Mark's Tour is a perfect way to visit two of the most famous sights in the city. You will begin in St Mark's square, where you will hear all about the long history of this famous piazza, as you make your way to the Doge's Palace. Your private guide will regale you with the stories of famous prisoners who were kept in the dungeons of the Palace, as you roam the opulent rooms, prisons, courts and halls of the Doge’s Palace. Then, you will make your way to St. Mark's once it has already closed its doors. That's right! With this tour, you will have exclusive After Hours access: only you, your group, and your tour guide!! Once inside the basilica, you will be mesmerised by a spectacular light show highlighting the sacred art and mosaics which adorn the golden mosaic ceilings. You will also see the Pala d'Oro altar, and descend into the crypt where St Mark himself is laid to rest. We guarantee this to be a once in a lifetime experience!
What you get
About this experience
This Private Night Doge's Palace and St Mark's Tour is a perfect way to visit two of the most famous sights in the city. You will begin in St Mark's square, where you will hear all about the long history of this famous piazza, as you make your way to the Doge's Palace. Your private guide will regale you with the stories of famous prisoners who were kept in the dungeons of the Palace, as you roam the opulent rooms, prisons, courts and halls of the Doge’s Palace. Then, you will make your way to St. Mark's once it has already closed its doors. That's right! With this tour, you will have exclusive After Hours access: only you, your group, and your tour guide!! Once inside the basilica, you will be mesmerised by a spectacular light show highlighting the sacred art and mosaics which adorn the golden mosaic ceilings. You will also see the Pala d'Oro altar, and descend into the crypt where St Mark himself is laid to rest. We guarantee this to be a once in a lifetime experience!
What's included
Included
- Exclusive Access into St Mark's after it has closed!
- Private, Professional, Expert and Local Tour Guide
- Admire the Pala d'Oro, and descend into the crypt where St Mark himself is buried
- Discover the Doge's Palace, touring the prisons, apartments and courts of this historic Palazzo
- Enjoy a magical light show of the Golden Mosaics inside St Mark's Basilica
Not included
- Food and Drink
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Piazza San Marco
Your Private Night Doge’s Palace and St. Mark's Tour starts in one of the most beautiful and famous squares in all of Venice – St Mark’s Square – which has stood through wars, flooding, changes in governments for over a millennium. As you admire the square's romantic, historic and powerful atmosphere, your guide will give you a good idea of the timelines and history of this famous piazza before, as you make your way inside the Doge’s Palace.
30 minutes here
Palazzo Ducale
An exemplary work of Venetian Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was once the seat of the Venetian Republic and their leader, the Doge. For over 700 years, this impressive palace has housed 120 powerful Doges, as well as government offices, prison cells and the Court. You will be mesmerized by the stories your guide will share with you as you stroll through the Doge’s private, ornate apartments and impressive halls with their enormous paintings and frescoes. Walking through the corridors with your private guide you will appreciate the whole gamut of Venice’s history, not only the romantic and polished side, but also its most secret and mysterious corners. This tour takes you behind the scenes, allowing you to learn about the fear and authority the Palazzo Ducale used to represent. Your private guide will regale you with the stories of famous prisoners who were kept in the dungeons of the Doge’s Palace...discover the most famous one!
90 minutes here · Admission included
Basilica di San Marco
By the time you exit the Doge’s Palace the sun will have set and darkness will have taken its place, offering the perfect atmosphere for your next stop. There will be no crowds and no waiting in line as we have EXCLUSIVE access to the basilica at night, so only you, your group, and your tour guide will be admitted. Imagine being alone at night in St Mark’s!! When you enter, the church will be in complete darkness and your guide will help you find the perfect pew. Get your camera ready, as one by one the lights will be turned on to reveal gorgeous golden ceiling mosaics. This is truly a one of a kind experience, which will leave you with unforgettable memories, making history come to life – and light! 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
- pt, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- LivTours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Please note that tour starting times are subject to change based on ticket availability
- Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
- 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 92 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
92 verified traveler reviews for Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Doge Palace
Great tour! LivTour guide was amazing, knew all the History and some secrets…
via Tripadvisor
La serata perfetta
We've been on a three week tour of Italy. It seems that every review I'm posting tops the prior in terms of superlatives. I have to say this tour, particularly with Brankica Beric was the superlative of superlatives. She is a walking encyclopedia of things Venetian. Being able to access the Palace and St. Mark's after the crowds left and explore with a private guide as knowledgeable as Brankica has to be the highlight of this trip. She is incredibly personable, funny and relatable and more importantly her passion for the history of the city is jaw dropping. If you have the ability I can't say enough about this tour and particularly booking it with Brankica either through Viatour or directly with the tour company LivTours.
via Tripadvisor
Magnifica
I have to say that this private tour was worth every dollar of the cost and probably more. Brankica is a living, walking, encyclopedia of Venice. Couple that with the after hours access to Saint Mark’s and the palace, and it made for probably the highlight of what has already been an over the top trip through Rome and Florence and now Venice. I’ve left a few reviews during this trip journey, full of superlatives, but Brankica is truly the superlative of superlatives when it comes to tour guides. She’s warm, personable, funny, and the pace with which she can bring up historical context around anything and everything you can see and ask about is truly mind boggling. My only regret was the buildings had a predetermined closing time, because it would’ve enjoyed spending several more hours wandering around Venice with her. I can’t say enough if you have the opportunity to book this specific tour and specifically to ask for Brankica, I cannot but guarantee it will be one of the most memorable and impactful things that you’re able to do in Venice. Truly enjoyed her company, her experience, her knowledge, and her wisdom, and hope that others are able to share it as well
via Viator
Highly recommend
Rob was the best tour guide we have ever had period we definitely enjoyed the tour and thought it was just amazing period we learned things that we would never have known had it not been for her period 10 out of 10 would highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Rob, thank you for such an incredible review! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable evening exploring Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica with Rob. It means a great deal to know that her knowledge helped you discover details and stories you might otherwise have missed. A 10/10 recommendation is wonderful to hear, and we’re so happy the experience left such a strong impression. Thank you for choosing LivTours for your time in Venice!
via Tripadvisor
Outstanding Experience at Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s
Paula’s tour was absolutely incredible. Her depth of knowledge about the history of Venice and the landmarks is immense, but also her passion for the city is clear. She added to the experience far beyond if we had toured on our own. 11 out of 10 experience.
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, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Price range
- $430 to $749
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 33
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
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 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour cost?
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Prices start at $430 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 Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour 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 Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 93 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 Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour?
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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 Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour 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 Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour?
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Around 33 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 Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour 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 Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour?
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Included: Exclusive Access into St Mark's after it has closed!; Private, Professional, Expert and Local Tour Guide; Admire the Pala d'Oro, and descend into the crypt where St Mark himself is buried; Discover the Doge's Palace, touring the prisons, apartments and courts of this historic Pa; and Enjoy a magical light show of the Golden Mosaics inside St Mark's Basilica. Not included: Food and Drink; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour?
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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 Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour?
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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.
Is Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour 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 Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour?
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Across 93 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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