Venice Doge’s Palace Evening Tour & St. Mark’s at Twilight

venice’s piazza san marco at blue hour

Tour Overview

Experience the magic of Venice after the daytime crowds begin to fade on a private evening tour of St. Mark’s Square and the magnificent Doge’s Palace.

Step into the Doge’s Palace as evening settles over Venice and discover the former seat of power of the Venetian Republic in a quieter, more atmospheric setting. With your licensed local guide and professional historian, explore the magnificent institutional chambers and uncover the stories of the doges, political intrigue, justice and the extraordinary artworks that decorated the heart of Venetian government.

Continue through the palace to the magnificent Chamber of the Great Council, one of the largest and most impressive ceremonial halls in Europe. Then cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs into the historic prisons, discovering the contrast between the splendor of Venetian political power and the darker world of justice, imprisonment and punishment.

After leaving the palace, enjoy a twilight stroll through St. Mark’s Square, when the illuminated monuments and evening atmosphere reveal a different side of Venice. Admire the Bell Tower, Clock Tower and St. Mark’s Basilica from outside as your guide brings the history of Venice’s most famous square to life.

Tour Highlights

  • Experience St. Mark’s Square at twilight
  • Admire St. Mark’s Basilica, Bell Tower and Clock Tower from outside
  • Enjoy a 1.5-hour guided visit inside the Doge’s Palace
  • Discover the magnificent Giant’s Staircase and Golden Staircase
  • Explore the magnificent College Hall and masterpieces by Paolo Veronese
  • Discover Tintoretto’s monumental Paradise in the Chamber of the Great Council
  • Admire important works by Tintoretto and other masters throughout the palace
  • Explore the Senate Chamber, with its remarkable paintings and historic timepieces
  • Visit the Armoury and discover weapons and armor connected with Venice’s military history
  • Cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs
  • Explore the historic prisons of the Doge’s Palace
  • Discover the history, art and political power of the Venetian Republic
  • Enjoy the experience with a licensed local guide and professional historian

What’s Included

  • 2-hour private evening guided tour
  • 1.5-hour guided visit inside the Doge’s Palace
  • Pre-booked skip-the-line admission to the Doge’s Palace
  • Doge’s Palace entrance fee included, with pre-booked skip-the-line admission
  • Guided twilight walk through St. Mark’s Square
  • Exterior views of St. Mark’s Basilica, Bell Tower and Clock Tower
  • Visit to the Bridge of Sighs and historic prisons
  • Visit to the Armoury
  • Expert commentary on masterpieces by Tintoretto, Veronese and other Venetian masters
  • Licensed local guide and professional historian
  • Complimentary Museo Correr ticket for an independent visit

Not Included

  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation and transfers
  • Guided visit inside the Museo Correr

Tour Details

Duration: 2 hours

Tour Type: Private evening tour

Location: St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace

Meeting Point: St. Mark’s Square, next to the main entrance of the Doge’s Palace

Ending Point: St. Mark’s Square

Language: English

Guide: Licensed local guide and professional historian

Admission: Doge’s Palace entrance fee and pre-booked skip-the-line ticket included

Season: May to 27 September

Available Days: Friday and Saturday evenings

Evening Opening: Doge’s Palace open until 11:00 PM

Bonus Admission: Complimentary Museo Correr ticket for an independent visit

Important Information

This private evening tour is available every day from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, offering the opportunity to discover the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square as the daytime crowds begin to fade.

Your Doge’s Palace entrance fee and pre-booked skip-the-line admission are included in the tour.

Your admission also includes a complimentary ticket to the Museo Correr, which can be used for an independent visit during the museum’s applicable opening hours.

Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled starting time.

Tour Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily

Extended Evening Opening: Fridays and Saturdays until 11:00 PM, seasonally through 27 September

Ready to Discover Venice at Twilight?

Experience the Doge’s Palace after the daytime crowds begin to fade, discovering Venetian art, history and political power with a licensed local guide and professional historian.