Venice , Italy

Doge's Palace Guided Tour

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(288 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Skip the line at the Doge’s Palace, and discover the center of the political power of Venice during its golden age. On this 1-hour tour, admire masterpieces by artists such as Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto, and see richly decorated rooms, sumptuous sculptures, and decorative elements. Accompanied by a guide, you'll become immersed in the fascinating history of Venice as you cross the famous Bridge of Sighs and visit the dungeons where Giacomo Casanova was imprisoned. Select a departure time when booking.

Available options

ITALIANO

SPANISH

GERMAN

FRENCH

ENGLISH

What's included

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The duration of the Doge's Palace tour in Venice will be about an hour, during which you can admire the Opera Museum, the Lodge Atrium, the famous Golden Staircase, the Institutional Chambers

Stop 2 Pass by

St. Mark's Square is Venice on parade, where everyone comes to see and be seen. It is Venice's only square with the title of "piazza" — the rest are called "campo." Life has revolved around this piazza since the days of the Republic, when it was a market, as well as the center of civic and religious life. Considered one of the finest squares in the world and certainly Venice's prime attraction, it is surrounded on three sides by the stately arcades of public buildings and on the fourth, by Basilica di San Marco and Campanile

Stop 3 Pass by

Known as ‘Golden Basilica’ from the predominant colour of the mosaics and numerous valuables kept inside, St Mark’s Basilica combines faith and the pomp of the ancient Republic of Venice. With its five domes, the finely carved front with bas-reliefs, sculptures and mosaics, St Mark’s Church in Venice is a treasure of inestimable value.

Stop 4 Pass by

Giving the broad expanse of Piazza San Marco its vertical dimension is the campanile, the tall brick bell tower for the basilica. It towers above the corner of the arcaded Procuratie Nuove, linking the Piazza and the Piazzetta. The campanile is so tall that it was used by approaching ships as a beacon to guide them home. It was begun in the 10th century and completed in the 12th century, but its pointed roof and gilded pinnacle weren't added until the 15th century. On July 14, 1902, it collapsed into the piazza, but, in 1912, it has been rebuilt 'as it was and where it was'.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

240 reviews

5★

102

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 3.9

48 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before tour departure time

At the tour departure point, you will meet a representative who will check your voucher and give you information to do the tour

No credit or refunds will be given in the case of a no-show (if you don't show up at the meeting point at the time indicated on your voucher)

This is a group tour, which means there might be other participants on the tour with you

Please note: Due to the particular morphological structure of Venice and the logistical problems resulting from it, it cannot be guaranteed that the whole tour is accessible to people with limited mobility. This means that those with walking difficulties and wheelchair users might not be able to access some parts of the itinerary

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Meeting point

The meeting point is ten to fifteen minutes before the start of the tour at the TURIVE meeting point, located on Calle larga de l' Ascension, near the post office.

Important notes

•The meeting point is near the postal office in Calle de l'Ascension, behind the Correr Museum and St Mark Square.
• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the indicated departure time
• At the tour departure point you will meet a TURIVE staff member who will check your vouchers and give information to do the tour.
• Collective tour (there might be other participants going on the tour with you)
• Due to the particular morphological structure of Venice, we cannot guarantee that people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users could access the whole tour
• No credit or refunds will be given in the case of a no show (if you don't show up at the meeting point at the time indicated on your voucher). Therefore we advise you to locate in advance the departure point and how to get there in order to avoid being late or any inconveniences that will prevent you from being at the meeting point in time for the departure

For emergencies on site, please contact us at +39 041 8877441 or customersupport@insidecom.it or chat with us on Venetoinside Facebook Messenger from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm CET.

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly