A NIGHT TOUR OF SAINT MARK’S BASILICA WITH LIVITALY

I’m always seeking out new and unique travel experiences. From eating scorpions in Beijing to horseback riding in Cuba to dining in an art gallery in Paris, I love finding fun ways to make my trips more memorable. So, when the opportunity arose to participate in a night tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice, I jumped at the chance!

I met up with 9 other bloggers to experience this exclusive tour inside Saint Mark. LivItaly recently launched this special night tour, which grants after-hours access to small groups in one of Italy’s most famous landmarks. It is truly is unforgettable!

INSIDE SAINT MARK’S BASILICA AT NIGHT

We met our guide, Marie, just after nightfall in San Marco Square. She explained the many paintings and sculptures on the church’s façade while we waited to go inside. When the doors opened just after 9pm, we were ushered into the dimly lit atrium. Marie then shared the history of the gilded dome ceilings, intricate paintings and hand-cut Byzantine marble adorning the floors. 

We then moved into the main sanctuary. All the lights were off as we sat in complete silence. It was surreal! Then, a soft glow appeared and slowly illuminated the golden ceilings. We gazed up in wonder until it was time for the next surprise.

Marie led us through a back door behind the sanctuary, down a stone staircase and into the crypt. This area is typically off limits to the public, but guests on LivItaly’s tour get exclusive access! We then had some time to explore more of the sanctuary including the famous altarpiece, the Pala d’Oro. Visitors usually only get a quick glance of this incredible work of art, but we were given time to examine the details up close, take photos and learn more about its history.

As the tour came to an end, we were all buzzing with excitement. It felt like we had truly experienced something special!

WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR SPECIAL

Saint Mark’s Basilica is one of the most famous churches in the world and one of the most popular attractions in Venice. It receives thousands of visitors each day making it impossible to spend more than a few minutes exploring during regular hours.

But guests of LivItaly’s night tour will never be in a group larger than 6 and no more than 100 people will be in the church at one time. You’ll learn the church’s in depth history, get exclusive access to areas that are typically off limits to the public and have no plenty of time to discover the church’s many details and marvel at its grandeur.

Unlike other tours that rush you through the main attractions, if there is a particular area you’d like to learn more about or have extra time to explore, LivItaly will cater the tour to your desires to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

If you want to avoid large crowds, learn about the Basilica’s history in depth, explore the church in a more intimate setting, gain exclusive access to restricted areas and have a truly unique and unforgettable experience, then you will LOVE this tour!

BOOKING DETAILS

LivItaly is a family owned company that prides itself on offering small group and private tours throughout Italy. This night tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica, which recently launched, is offered throughout the year and lasts 90 minutes. Pricing is as follows: Adults 109€, students 104€, teens 99€ and children ages 5-12 94€. This may seem pricier than your average tour, but that’s because you’re gaining exclusive after-hours access to this world famous landmark!

I’m so grateful I got to experience Saint Mark’s Basilica at night. It is something I will not soon forget. If you’re interested in booking a night tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica, click here!

Have you visited Venice? If so, did you tour the Basilica? Would you like the opportunity to explore the church at night? If you’ve never been to Venice, is it on your list? Share your comments below!

Thank you to LivItaly for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.