Venice
1 hr 30 mins
Times vary
Max 25

Highlights

  • After closing time, when visitors have been seen out, a guard unlocks the doors of St. Mark’s Basilica just for us to explore the city’s most important building completely alone!
  • See all general access areas of St. Mark’s Basilica and unlock doors to visit special sections such as the crypt—where the bones of St. Mark himself are said to lie—and the Pala d’Oro.
  • Explore in a small group of 25 people maximum with an expert tour guide at the helm, who will share stories and help you spot hidden details. Access to this St. Mark's Basilica after hours tour is limited to Walks of Italy groups only and we’ve capped it at four groups per day.

Preview the experience

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Tour description

Enter St. Mark's Basilica after closing time exclusively with Walks of Italy.

Your St. Mark's Basilica after hours tour starts at St. Mark’s Square, where your guide will set the scene for your adventure with thrilling anecdotes and swashbuckling stories. As a bit of background before you step inside, you'll learn about the history of Venice and St. Mark’s Basilica—like how it received its precious relics via a ninth-century kidnapping! Then comes the real treat.

All of the passersby will wonder where you’re going as a custodian unlocks the Basilica’s doors just for you and ushers you right in. Inside, take a deep breath. You’re experiencing St. Mark’s Basilica as almost nobody else has ever been able to (aside from the Doge himself)—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 small group so you can experience the Basilica as it should be seen: in tranquility and peace.

Enjoy a VIP St. Mark's Basilica tour after hours, visiting areas usually closed to the public.

Of course you won't have to queue outside the Basilica since entrance won't be granted to anyone but Walks of Italy groups. When you get inside, you'll feel the real benefit of this.

During the day, there are long lines to see the stunning Pala d’Oro, a Byzantine altarpiece that uses more than 1,900 gems. But on this St. Mark's Basilica after hours tour, you'll have it all to yourself so you can walk right up without the wait.

Since you’re alone in the Basilica, you'll also have the rare opportunity to go where other visitors can’t. The custodian will unlock areas such as the crypt, said to be the place where the bones of St. Mark are kept. Here you can also see the stained walls from the past floods that devastated Venice—the crypt used to be flooded every time the high tide hit the city.

But that's not all. There's another hidden advantage to visiting St. Mark's Basilica at night. This is when the gold mosaics are at their most beautiful, with all 43,000 square feet lit up, glimmering and sparkling in the dark.

Explore St. Mark's in the company of a small group and expert guide for a truly intimate experience.

If just seeing the Basilica this way wasn't enticing enough, there’s also your guide: an expert who’s passionate about Venetian art and history—and about sharing it with you in the most fun way possible. You’ll hear the tale of how St. Mark’s became St. Mark’s, a story that pivots on a prophecy, a kidnapping, and a dangerous sea voyage!

Throughout your St. Mark’s Basilica after hours tour, you’ll travel in small groups of only 25 people or less. As Walks of Italy is the only company with this access, we can also guarantee that there will be no more than four groups inside the Basilica when you visit.

Walk with us inside the heart of Venice, witnessing the Basilica as it was meant to be seen—imposing, impressive, and exquisite—for an evening that will give you memories to last a lifetime.

Sites visited

  • St. Mark’s Square
  • St. Mark’s Basilica
  • The Crypt of St. Mark’s
  • The Pala d’Oro altarpiece

Included

Verified guest reviews

4.8 / 5
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Peter

Mar 10, 2024

Hello, the night tour in San Marco was great. Jole had a lot of interesting things to tell us about the history of Venice and San Marco. She was able to include all individualities in the group and did justice to everyone. The interior view of the illuminated, golden ceiling is overwhelming and unforgettable. A must-see when in Venice... Peter

Suzanne

Mar 09, 2024

Iole was so charming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We were so glad we took this tour. Made this incredible place come alive.

Linda

Feb 28, 2024

The opportunity to experience this is limited so if you get the chance, take it. The Basilica after dark is awesome and our guide's knowledge enhanced an already incredible experience.

David

Dec 16, 2023

Our guide Iola, was the best I ever had!

Gyorgy

Oct 19, 2023

Excellent tour thanks to the unique possibility to see San Marco fully illuminated in the evening and the also exelent tour guide and tour assistant.

Know before you book

Make it a perfect day

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Spend an unforgettable day in Venice by enjoying some of the best local cuisine, exploring the Doge’s Palace, and wrapping up with this VIP tour of St. Mark’s Basilica after dark.

From $90
Free Cancellation