Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace
Venice, Italy

Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace

Outty Ranking 75 4.7 · 1,586 traveler reviews1.3 hoursFrom $148
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Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 1,586 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace worth booking?

Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace is a 1.3-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $148 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 1,586 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
75 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (1,586)
Duration
1.3 hours
From
$148 per person

Enjoy the luxury of avoiding the crowds and explore St Mark’s Basilica on an after-hours tour. Include an optional visit to Doge's Palace (if selected at the time of booking). Inside St Mark’s Basilica, admire treasured mosaics and a Byzantine altarpiece, and then follow your guide into the crypt where St Mark himself is believed to rest. Upgrade for late access to the Doge’s Palace by selecting the upgrade option at time of booking. With this option learn about the Higher Council Hall, the Doge's apartments, and the Bridge of Sighs as you explore. Please note that there may be a break of up to 1 hour between your Doge’s Palace tour and your exclusive After Hour Visit, due to temporary earlier closing time at the Doge’s Palace. Your guide in this case will provide bar/restaurant recommendations

What you get

    About this experience

    Enjoy the luxury of avoiding the crowds and explore St Mark’s Basilica on an after-hours tour. Include an optional visit to Doge's Palace (if selected at the time of booking). Inside St Mark’s Basilica, admire treasured mosaics and a Byzantine altarpiece, and then follow your guide into the crypt where St Mark himself is believed to rest. Upgrade for late access to the Doge’s Palace by selecting the upgrade option at time of booking. With this option learn about the Higher Council Hall, the Doge's apartments, and the Bridge of Sighs as you explore. Please note that there may be a break of up to 1 hour between your Doge’s Palace tour and your exclusive After Hour Visit, due to temporary earlier closing time at the Doge’s Palace. Your guide in this case will provide bar/restaurant recommendations

    What's included

    Included

    • Local English-speaking guide
    • Bridge of Sighs (only if option with Doge Palace selected)
    • Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior)
    • Exclusive access ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (after closing)
    • Doge’s Palace (only if option with Doge Palace selected)
    • Marciana Library (exterior)
    • Pala d’Oro Altarpiece
    • St. Mark's Crypt
    • Expertly guided walking tour
    • Doge’s Palace tickets (only if option with Doge Palace purchased at time of booking) - €25
    • New Prisons (only if option with Doge Palace selected)
    • St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. Piazza San Marco

      Piazza San Marco

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Exterior view & Photo stop

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Basilica di San Marco

      Basilica di San Marco, Veneto The best way to see St Mark's Basilica is without the crowds. Inside, take a deep breath. You’re experiencing St. Mark’s empty! No standing elbow-to-elbow with other tourists, no seeing the church as if through a strobe light from hundreds of popping flashbulbs, no noise from the crowds. Instead, you’re alone with your guide and the custodian. So you can experience the basilica as it should be experienced: in tranquility and peace.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Palazzo Ducale

      The Doge Palace visit is included only when selecting the St. Mark's with Doge's Palace option at time of booking. Upgrade for late access to the Doge’s Palace by selecting the upgrade option at time of booking. With this option visit the armory, New Prisons and incredible council rooms and frescos of Palazzo Ducale. Travelling in small groups of 15 people or fewer, you’ll enter the Palace at the last entry time, finding one of Venice’s most popular attractions much quieter than at other times during the day.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Torre dell'Orologio

      The Torre d'Orologio is included with the Doge Palace option only.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. The Bridge of sights visit is included with the Doge Palace option only. On this guided tour you’ll have the opportunity to explore the massive armory, and the spooky prisons. Finish with a visit inside the Bridge of Sighs, where your guide will tell you why it’s not quite as romantic as you thought.

      15 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Venice

    Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    St. Mark's Square

    Options you can book

    • St. Mark's with Doge's Palace

      This tour visits St. Mark's Basilica after-hours and includes the Doge's Palace. Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

    • Private - St. Mark's Basilica

      Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes St. Mark's Basilica Standalone: This tour visits St. Mark's Basilica after hours and does not include the Doge's Palace.

    • St Mark's Basilica standalone

      Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes St. Mark's Basilica standalone: This tour visits St. Mark's Basilica after hours and does not include the Doge's Palace.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Walks - Italy & Spain

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
    • No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
    • If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
    • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
    • All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
    • Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.

    Photos

    Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace, photo 2Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace, photo 3Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace, photo 4Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace, photo 5Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace, photo 6Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,585 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    1,585 verified traveler reviews for Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1,373
    4 star
    86
    3 star
    41
    2 star
    18
    1 star
    67
    Sort
    kristendM9070GE · October 2026

    Great tour, beautiful experience and wonderful guide!

    The tour of both Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica was absolutely incredible. The tour guide, Shannon, was well informed, engaging and made the late evening tour easy to power through. We did the nighttime tour, which was extra special as we were the only tour in the palace, and one of only three smaller groups at the church. More or less, you have the place to yourself which was so unique in such beautiful places with rich history. Highly recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    J5271KUmeganc · October 2026

    Intimate and informative!

    Shannon was incredibly knowledgeable, easy to listen to and a joy to spend the late evening with! She brought life to the spaces and great passion to to the subject.

    via Tripadvisor

    Debbie_C · October 2026

    St marks after dark

    Incredibly informative and visually stunning. Shannon was a brilliant guide. We learned and were shown more than we expected.

    via Viator

    OnAir65277612594 · October 2026

    Awesome tour

    Amazing experience. Shannon was so knowledgeable and it really is such a unique opportunity to see the church.

    via Tripadvisor

    kalp-51 · October 2026

    Don’t miss the Light show

    Great visit . Our guide Shannon shared lots of information in a very comprehensive way

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $148 to $589
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    555
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain, who run 54 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.1 and 2 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Walks - Italy & Spain runs

    Why this scores 75

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)78
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)45
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)71
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.

    How much does Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace cost?

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    Prices start at $148 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 Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace take?

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    Plan for about 1.3 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 Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 1,586 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Venice, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace?

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    Around 555 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 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace 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 Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace?

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    Included: Local English-speaking guide; Bridge of Sighs (only if option with Doge Palace selected); Bell Tower in St. Mark's Square (exterior); Exclusive access ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (after closing); and Doge’s Palace (only if option with Doge Palace selected). Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace?

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    Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace 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 Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace?

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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 Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility i. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace 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.

    What do travelers say about Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace?

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    Across 1,586 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace?

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    There are 3 options to choose from, including St. Mark's with Doge's Palace, Private - St. Mark's Basilica, St Mark's Basilica standalone. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Venice: St Mark's Basilica After-Hours Tour with Optional Doge's Palace.

    Pick your date