• You and your small cohort will rendezvous with your guide at one of Italy’s most renowned squares - St Mark’s Square, a gem of Italian Gothic charm situated just off the canal’s edge. The significance of this particular square began to mount over a millennium ago, with the erection of its inaugural chapel in 819 AD.

Your LivItaly tour guide will elucidate on how this square ascended to prominence and the driving forces behind St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, lending an enchanting backdrop. Gain insights about the cultural dynamics that shaped the splendid architecture of the adjacent edifices – Eastern and Venetian Gothic.

• Next, your guide will escort you to the Doge’s Palace, initially a 10th-century fortification, later transfigured into a palazzo under the reign of Doge Sebastiano Ziani. The palace’s growth was so extensive over time that it abutted the side walls of St Mark’s Basilica. Understand the fascinating chromatic transformation of the Doge’s Palace frontage from day to night.

• Your journey will include a trip to the renowned Bridge of Sighs, famed as the last scenic snapshot for inmates en route to detention, regarded as one of their final and most poignant panoramas of the picturesque Venetian lagoon. An image that still resonates today.

• Upon conclusion of your Doge’s Palace tour, you will proceed to Saint Mark’s Basilica. With regular visitor entry ceased, the gates will swing open EXCLUSIVELY for us. Upon entering, the darkness within the basilica may astonish you, but settle into the pews, prepared for the breathtaking, gradual illumination of the distinguished ceiling mosaics – a spectacle for night visitors alone. The mosaics narrate tales from the Old Testament, including representations of Noah, Adam, and Moses. Grasp how some scholars believe these mosaics mimic the miniatures of ancient medieval renderings of the Bible – a historical tale overhead, all bathed in light, creating an extraordinarily memorable ambiance.

One major advantage of this tour is the opportunity to admire the Pala D’oro ancient altar piece up close, an endeavour seemingly unachievable amid the bustling daytime throngs. Appreciate the gold and silver metalwork finesse, embellished with 1300 pearls and 1900 gemstones.

Our visitors will also have access to the vaults housing the remains of esteemed Venetians. Gain knowledge about how the crypt was relocated in the 16th century to avoid flood devastation and remained sealed for over 200 years, only to be reopened in the 19th century.

The most thrilling part, undoubtedly, is that you and your group will command the basilica all to yourselves for a segment of your tour - a rare and special experience reserved exclusively for our guests.

• Exclusive After Hours entrance to Saint Mark’s Basilica
• Professional Local Expert Guide
• Night tour of the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs
• Small Group of ONLY 6 people MAX

• Gratuities (optional)