In this exclusive tour, we’ll get you the privileged access to explore the mightiest Venetian monuments, the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. . With a small group of 15 participants (maximum), you will have a Venice experience that is out of the ordinary.
A VIP guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, including the sumptuous Doge’s apartments and the Hall of the Great Council, finishing with a visit inside the Bridge of Sighs. Shortly after closing hours, a basilica guard will unlock the St. Mark's Basilica door for the tour group. You will get to see Pala d’Oro, the Byzantine altarpiece, the lit up golden mosaics, the Crypt underneath the altarpiece and a glimpse of the reputed bones of St. Mark.
Doge’s Palace
Start with a guided tour of the Doge's Palace. For seven hundred years, the remarkable Palace has been the home of not only the Doge but of Venice’s independent government and courts. It was also used as prisons, hence, the name Doge’s Prisons was derived from its historical facts. Visit the center of Venice’s power and history at Palazzo Ducale, including the sumptuous Doge’s apartments and the Hall of the Great Council, with its stunning frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto. Discover the secret stories behind the artworks, why a painted doge series is covered by a black veil. Learn the history of Venice’s famed Dukes, of how they were chosen, what they did and why you will never covet such a position for yourself! On this guided tour you’ll have the opportunity to explore the massive armory and the spooky Doge’s Prisons. We’ll finish touring the Doge’s Palace inside the Bridge of Sighs, where your guide will tell you why it’s not quite as romantic as you might have thought.
St. Mark's Basilica
After a short break we will continue onto St. Mark's Basilica at closing hours, where a custodian will unlock the Basilica’s doors for you. As you walk inside Venice’s most important site, take a deep breath because you’re experiencing St. Mark’s Basilica like no other. You’ll experience the Basilica as it should be experienced, in tranquility and peace. You will also get to see the Pala d’Oro, the spectacular Byzantine altarpiece that uses more than 1,900 gems! Because it is a VIP tour of the Basilica, you can go where others can’t visit. The custodian will unlock the treasured Crypt for you, where the bones of St. Mark are said to have been kept. Plus, you can see the detailed stained walls from the past floods that have devastated Venice. The Crypt used to be flooded every time when high tide hits the city! Aside from the privileged VIP tour of the Basilica, the sunset rays casting upon the golden mosaics, making it the best time to see the mosaics shine most beautifully with all 43,000 square feet are lit up, glimmering and sparkling in the dark! The entrancing experience will have a more enhancing value with the guidance of an expert guide, who’s passionate about Venetian art and history. You’ll hear the swashbuckling tale of how St. Mark’s Basilica became the well-known St. Mark. It is a story that pivots on kidnapping and dangerous sea voyage! You’ll learn where the precious marbles that decorate St. Mark’s really came from.
A Vip tour in Venice
Experience the core Venetian gems of the Doge’s Palace and see it like almost no one else. Enjoy the illuminated mosaics at night in St. Mark’s Basilica, without the lines or the crowds. We promise you’ll feel like you didn’t just “do” these sites but you will experience them in the most rewarding, fascinating way possible.
A Private alternative
If you wish to have a fully private tour, take a look at our Private Tour of St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.
