Venice

Night Tours

Escape the crowds on a late afternoon guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and discover 2 of the icons of Venice away from the crowds. Meet your guide by the statue of the winged lion on St. Mark’s Square. Then, enter the Doge's Palace to learn more about the center of power during the Venetian Republic. See the sumptuous apartments of the Venetian rulers, as well as the Hall of the Great Council with its stunning frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto. Hear secret stories behind the art, such as why one doge in the painted series is covered by a black veil. Learn how the were dukes were elected, and what they did. Explore the massive armory and spooky prisons. Cross the Bridge of Sighs on the inside, and hear why it is not quite as romantic as you might have thought! After a short break, continue to the Byzantine basilica of St. Mark's, and see its gilt decorations after the crowds have left for the day. A custodian of the cathedral will unlock its doors so that you can experience like only a doge could. Marvel at the gemstones of the Pala d’Oro altarpiece. Visit the crypt, where the bones of St. Mark are said to be kept. Admire mosaics in the soft glimmer of the evening light, and learn about Venetian art and history from your passionate guide.

Experience the mysterious atmosphere as night falls on the Cannaregio district of Venice. On this 2-hour tour a qualified guide will lead you to hidden corners and quiet places, while entertaining you with legends about this unique area. Your group will make its way through the maze of ancient narrow streets that visitors seldom see. Hear some of the darkest and most obscure stories about Venice. Learn about the ghosts of Cannaregio and of the continuous ghost appearances reported by the region’s current inhabitants.

Enjoy the sound of silence and the gentle evening breeze coming from the water of Venetian canals while relaxing on a 30-minute gondola tour. Admire Venice at its best: coloured by the sunset and the reflections coming from the water. Take advantage of a private ride and choose who you would like to share it with up to a maximum of 5 people. Offer to the person you love the feeling of a romantic date on a gondola or share this thrilling adventure with your friends or family. Book in advance and schedule your tour when best suits you. You will save time and avoid negotiations on the spot. Make sure you arrive on time at the meeting point and get ready to start your tour! ITINERARY Starting from the Hotel Bauer gondola station, situated only 5-minute walk from St Mark’s Square, you will then ride the canals and follow the routes off the beaten path. Sit back and enjoy being surrounded by the play of lights on the water and the sound of the gentle swaying of the gondola when the sun sets. You will see the most well-known landmarks from the Grand Canal but you will also be fascinated by the lesser-known areas of the city at night.

See Venice come to life as the locals come out to unwind in one of the top areas in town, the Cannaregio district. Visit 3 of the best spots for a drink and a typical local bite like Cicchetti and Ombra. Visit beautiful sights with your local guide and nightlife expert. Enjoy local drinks such as wine, beer, cocktails, or non-alcoholic beverages paired with delicious bites typical of the region as you hop from hotspot to hotspot. Vegetarian alternatives cover every taste. Immerse yourself in Venices' vibrant nightlife with your tour guide and get to know the city.

Share precious moments with a loved one on a 30-minute gondola ride of Venice at night, and experience the city from a unique mode of transport. It has been estimated that there were up to 10,000 gondolas operating on the canals of Venice during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, there are just 400 still in active service. Get the opportunity to experience Venice like a local - of centuries gone by! Learn how each part of the boat has symbolic meanings, such as the significance of the 5 or 6 pettini (prongs) on the ferro (prow) to symbolize the sestieri (districts) of the city. Made of iron to balance the weight of the gondolier, the 'S' shape is said to evoke the flow of the Grand Canal.

Enjoy exclusive, after-hours access into one of the most prestigious landmarks of Venice, the incredible Saint Mark's Basilica, preceded by a thorough and enchanted tour of the Doge's Palace, all in a semi-private group. Meet your guide in one of Italy’s most famous piazzas – St Mark’s Square – noted for its charming, Italian-Gothic beauty, just off the shores of the canal. Head to the Doge’s Palace and learn about the amazing color-changing facade of the Doge’s Palace and why it changes color from day to night. Go to the famous Bridge of Sighs, the last sight for prisoners on their march towards imprisonment. Make your way to Saint Mark's Basilica, the gates of which will have already closed for all other visitors, but will reopen exclusively for you. Admire the Pala D’oro ancient altarpiece up close, an act that is seemingly impossible during hurried daytime crowds. See the crypts where noble Venetians have been laid to rest. Be completely alone in the basilica for the portion of your tour – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Discover an entirely different Venice as you make your way through a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, where shadows linger and footsteps echo. Imagine a dark silent Venice with no lighting, eerie and spooky. Learn about the public executions in St. Marks Square, the inhumane mental asylums situated on the lagoon islands. Anecdotes of the courtesans, casinos and brothels and of course Casanova and 'the last kissing spot.' There's a story of the mysterious footprints, headless body and the head seen floating in a canal, the assassin alleyway and the murdered women dressed in white. Secret courtyards and architectural gems hidden in the silent alleys, such as the impressive spiral staircase. Finally, the story of the ill-fated Theatre, La Fenice and mystery of the last fire.

As the sun sets, Venice shows its most intimate side. Enjoy the dreamlike beauty of Venice by night on this guided walk through the city. Discover hidden gems among dark and mysterious calles (streets) while passing iconic Venice sights. This is a night tour you will remember: Venice is even more beautiful at night when its monuments and most secret hidden gems are illuminated by dim streetlights. Enter the intricate maze of narrow streets that wind through Venice to discover ancient stories, legends, and mysteries that are best revealed in the night of the city. Stroll through the most significant corners of Venice when churches and ancient palaces are silhouetted against the magic of the night sky. Lose yourself in the myriad reflections created by the buildings in the waters of the Grand Canal. 

Enjoy a romantic dinner in one of Venice's most famous restaurants a few steps away from St. Mark's Square. Afterward, take in an exquisite concert of classical music in The Church of San Vidal. Choose between either a 2 or 3-course meal, including wine, water, coffee and dessert (see options). After dinner, enter the Church of San Vidal. The church provides the perfect baroque atmosphere for your concert. Hear the works of Venetian masters such as Vivaldi, Albinoni, and Marcello. A la Carte Menu: Hors d’oeuvre Italian Cold Cuts Fresh Tomato with Mozzarella and Fresh Basil Double Fish Hors d’oeuvre (Fried and Marinated Sardines with Onions and Marinated Salmon) Octopus salad First Course Ricotta Cheese & Spinach Ravioli with Butter and Sage Sauce Risotto with Seafood Lasagne Bolognese-style Second course Filet of Seabass with Pink Pepper and Dill sauce and Seasonal Vegetables Steak with Peas Cuttlefish with Polenta Grilled Vegetables and “Dobbiaco” Cheese Dessert Tiramisù Homemade Ice Cream Panna Cotta

Have a superb dinner with wine tasting in one of the best restaurants in Venice. In the elegant surroundings of a very well known Venetian restaurant just a few minutes walk from Saint Mark's Square, you can enjoy a four-course dinner accompanied by four wonderful wines. Depending on your choice from the tailor-made menu, the restaurant's sommelier will suggest wines to accompany the food you choose. This is a great way to get to know the local wines and also the local food in Venice. This dinner is outstanding value in comparison with the average cost of dining out in Venice with some exceptional wines. This restaurant is noted as one of the Top 10 best restaurants in Venice. In the summer months dine in the elegant surroundings of a Venetian courtyard, or in the winter in the unique interior resembling an old sailing vessel.