Venice: St Marks Basilica After-Hours Tour With Optional Doges Palace

Visiting St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice is a must-do for any traveler. But the crowds and lines can be a real hassle. This after-hours tour offers a chance to explore the grand cathedral in peace, without the usual throngs of people. You’ll marvel at the stunning Byzantine altarpiece known as the Pala d’Oro and venture down to the crypt where St. Mark’s remains are said to lie. For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the tour can be upgraded to include a visit to the nearby Doge’s Palace. There, you’ll uncover the iconic apartments and cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs. It’s an opportunity to dig deeper into Venice’s rich history and architectural wonders.

Just The Basics

This tour allows visitors to explore St. Mark’s Basilica without the typical crowds, providing an intimate experience to admire the basilica’s valuable treasures.
The tour includes entry to the basilica’s crypt where St. Mark’s remains are believed to lie, offering a unique opportunity.
Visitors can upgrade to also visit the Doge’s Palace after the basilica tour, exploring the Doge’s apartments and crossing the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
The tour is guided, with a knowledgeable guide providing historical context and commentary throughout the experience.
The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes at St. Mark’s Basilica and 2 hours at the Doge’s Palace, if the optional upgrade is selected.

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Tour Overview

This after-hours, small-group tour allows visitors to explore St. Mark’s Basilica without the crowds, providing an intimate experience to admire its valuable treasures.

The tour includes entry to the basilica’s crypt, where St. Mark’s remains are believed to lie.

Visitors can also choose to upgrade and visit the Doge’s Palace after the basilica, exploring the Doge’s apartments and crossing the iconic Bridge of Sighs.

The tour duration is around 30 minutes for the basilica and 2 hours for the Doge’s Palace, with a small group size limited to 25 people.

A knowledgeable guide provides historical context and commentary throughout the experience.

Highlights

The tour allows visitors to admire the basilica’s valuable treasures, including the Pala d’Oro, a stunning Byzantine altarpiece. Guests can also venture down to the crypt where St. Mark’s remains are believed to lie.

The highlight of the Doge’s Palace portion is exploring the Doge’s apartments and crossing the iconic Bridge of Sighs. This bridge, which connects the palace to the prison, is so named because prisoners would sigh as they crossed it, knowing they’d likely never see the outside world again.

The tour provides an intimate, after-hours experience, allowing visitors to discover these remarkable sites without the usual crowds.

Tour Details

The tour lasts roughly 30 minutes at St. Mark’s Basilica and 2 hours at the Doge’s Palace.

A small group size is limited to 25 people, allowing for a more intimate experience. Throughout the tour, the guide provides historical commentary and context to enhance visitors’ understanding of these remarkable sites.

The tour begins at the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco and concludes in St. Mark’s Square.

Visitors should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and moderate walking is required. Plus, there’s a strict dress code for St. Mark’s Basilica – shoulders and knees must be covered.

Meeting and Pickup

Visitors meet at the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco to begin the tour, which concludes in St. Mark’s Square.

This convenient meeting point is easily accessible and allows the group to start their journey without any hassle. The tour guide will be waiting to welcome the group and provide any necessary instructions before setting off.

Once the tour has finished at St. Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace, guests can explore the iconic square at their leisure. The meeting and pickup logistics are designed to ensure a seamless experience, allowing travelers to make the most of their time in this captivating city.

Practical Information

Upon booking, travelers receive confirmation, though the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users due to moderate walking required.

Plus, a strict dress code applies for entry to St. Mark’s Basilica, requiring visitors to cover their shoulders and knees.

Occasional closures of the sites may occur due to religious observances or weather conditions.

Lastly, the cancellation policy allows for a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Visitors should plan accordingly, as the tour doesn’t accommodate for those unable to manage the walking or dress requirements.

Explore St. Mark’s Basilica

First, guests explore the opulent St. Mark’s Basilica, marveling at its valuable treasures, including the stunning Pala d’Oro.

They’ll venture into the crypt, where St. Mark’s remains are believed to lie, uncovering the history and significance of this sacred space.

The guide provides detailed historical commentary and context, bringing the basilica’s rich past to life.

Visitors won’t have to compete with crowds, as this is an after-hours tour, allowing them to fully enjoy the beauty and grandeur of this iconic Venetian landmark.

With the option to upgrade and visit the Doge’s Palace afterward, guests can deepen their understanding of Venice’s illustrious history and architecture.

Visit Doge’s Palace

After exploring the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, guests can opt to visit the iconic Doge’s Palace, seeing the lavish apartments and crossing the renowned Bridge of Sighs.

The tour takes about 2 hours, allowing ample time to discover the former residence of Venice’s rulers. Visitors will marvel at the stunning Doge’s apartments, adorned with opulent décor and breathtaking artworks.

The highlight is undoubtedly crossing the Bridge of Sighs, which offers a unique perspective of the city’s iconic canals. This optional add-on to the St. Mark’s Basilica tour provides a comprehensive insight into Venice’s illustrious history and architectural wonders.

Tour Cancellation Policy

The tour comes with a flexible cancellation policy – visitors can receive a full refund if they cancel their booking at least 24 hours before the tour’s start time. This policy ensures that customers have the freedom to adjust their plans without penalty.

If unexpected circumstances arise, or if travelers simply change their minds, they can cancel with confidence and get their money back. The tour operator understands that plans can shift, so they’ve implemented this hassle-free cancellation option to provide a seamless and stress-free experience.

Customers can book the tour knowing they’ve the option to cancel if needed, making this a convenient and risk-free choice for exploring Venice’s iconic St. Mark’s Basilica.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside St. Mark’s Basilica?

Yes, visitors can take photos inside St. Mark’s Basilica, but they must follow the strict dress code and refrain from using flash. Photography is generally permitted, though some areas may be off-limits or restricted.

Is the Tour Available in Multiple Languages?

The tour is available in multiple languages. Guests can choose from English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German tours, allowing them to fully understand and appreciate the history and significance of St. Mark’s Basilica.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. Pricing is the same for all participants. However, the small group size keeps the experience intimate and allows for personalized attention from the guide.

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You cannot bring food or drinks on this tour. The tour operator enforces a strict policy to maintain the integrity of the historic sites. Consuming food or beverages inside is not permitted.

How Long Do I Have to Explore on My Own?

Participants have limited time to explore on their own during the tour. The guided portion at St. Mark’s Basilica lasts around 30 minutes, while the optional visit to Doge’s Palace is about 2 hours long. Visitors won’t have much independent time.

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