St. Mark's Basilica Night Tour with Optional Doge's Palace at Correr Museum (Museo Correr)

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

Experience Venice's most famous church without the daytime crowds on this exclusive after-hours tour of St. Mark's Basilica. You'll explore the golden mosaics and hidden treasures of this 11th-century Byzantine masterpiece with an expert English-speaking guide, then have the option to continue into the historic Doge's Palace.

Your evening begins in St. Mark's Square as the last tourists depart and the soft lighting transforms the piazza into something magical. With special night access, you'll step inside St. Mark's Basilica to discover over 43,000 square feet of glittering mosaics that tell stories of saints, emperors and Venice's rise to power. The silence allows you to truly appreciate the craftsmanship that took centuries to complete.

The tour includes access to the atmospheric crypt and the Pala d'Oro, an altar screen adorned with nearly 2,000 precious stones that ranks among Venice's greatest artistic treasures. If you choose the optional upgrade, you'll also explore the grand chambers of Doge's Palace, where Venice's rulers once governed their maritime empire.

What is Included

• After-hours admission to St. Mark's Basilica
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Audio headsets to hear your guide clearly
• Access to the basilica crypt (when tide permits)
• Entry to see the Pala d'Oro altarpiece
• Optional Doge's Palace admission (if selected)

Good to Know

The tour meets in St. Mark's Square and lasts approximately 1 hour for the basilica-only option, or 2 hours with the Doge's Palace extension. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.

This tour is not wheelchair accessible due to steps throughout the historical sites. Dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered, as this is an active place of worship. Bring only small bags, as there's no luggage storage available and large bags are not permitted.

Photography without flash is allowed, but keep voices low inside the basilica to maintain the peaceful atmosphere. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into Venice's Byzantine heritage, making this an ideal way to understand the city's unique position between East and West. For more Venice experiences, consider a traditional gondola ride or explore the city's artistic treasures with a Venice walking tour.