Doge Palace and Venetian City Guided Walking Tour

Venice , Italy

Doge Palace and Venetian City Guided Walking Tour

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About this experience

Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Venice with our guided walking tour and skip-the-line access to Doge's Palace. Explore the opulent chambers of the palace, learn about the fascinating history of the Venetian Republic, and marvel at the city's stunning architecture. Stroll through charming alleyways, encounter hidden squares, and gain valuable insights from our expert guides. Experience Venice like a local and create unforgettable memories.

Available options

Spanish Guided Tour

German Guided Tour

English Guided Tour

French Guided Tour

Italian Guided Tour

What's included

Official certified guide

Ticket to the Museum of St Marks and Pala d’Oro

Radio system to hear the guide

Guided City Walking Tour in Venice

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Embark on a captivating journey through Venice's rich history and architectural marvels with our guided tour. Begin at St. Mark's Campanile, where you'll gain insights into the Venetian dukes, council, and the city's rise and fall as a European trading power.
Skip the lines and enter Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Byzantine and Oriental architecture. Admire the intricate golden staircase and explore the grand rooms adorned with countless artistic masterpieces by Tintoretto, Veronese, and other renowned artists.

Stop 2

Descend into the palace's Armory, a vast collection of weapons and armaments, and experience the chilling atmosphere of the prisons. Cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs, once a passageway for prisoners to their cells, and feel the weight of history.

Your tour continues with a walking exploration of Venice's iconic landmarks. Discover Campo SS. Giovanni e Paolo, home to the largest church in Venice, and marvel at the Scuola Grande di San Marco, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture.
Stroll through the charming alleys, crossing picturesque bridges and uncovering hidden gems like Marco Polo's house. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Mercerie, a historic shopping street, and admire the stunning Rialto Bridge.
Conclude your tour at Teatro La Fenice, a renowned Italian theatre with a captivating history. Discover the Gothic spiral staircase and soak in the beauty of this architectural gem.
Our guided tour offers a perfect blend of art, architecture, and history, providing an unforgettable introduction to Venice's captivating city.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transportation to or from attractions

Entrance tickets to the attractions

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

The walking tour will only operate outside of each attraction and entrance tickets are not included.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved.

Due to recent safety concerns, some lines to enter the Doge's Palace may occur even for skip-the-line ticket holders.

The tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of religious functions (in these cases it can be rearranged or refunded).

For security reasons sacks, bags or knapsacks are not allowed inside the Palace.

On certain dates, most travellers 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.

The tour does not operate in case of exceptional high tide or in case of religious functions (in these cases it can be rearranged or refunded).

Please note that the tour requires a minimum number of two guests to run.

Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.

Please note that if you arrive after the tour start time you will not be able to join and will not be refunded or have your tour rescheduled.

There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.

The customers choosing the Doge's Palace tour at 09.00am, join the Walking guided tour at 15.30pm after attending Doge's Palace.

Not recommended for participants suffering from claustrophobia, vertigo of cardio-respiratory disorders.

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the Columns of San Marco at Colonna di San Marco, Piazzetta S. Marco, 30124 Venezia

Important notes

1. Doge's Palace Tour

Meeting Point
Meet your guide next to the Columns of San Marco at Colonna di San Marco, Piazzetta S. Marco, 30124 Venezia. Please be present at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure time in order to avoid any delay. The tour will operate at 09.00am according to the selected option.

2. Walking Guided Tour

Meeting Point
Meet your guide next to the Columns of San Marco at Colonna di San Marco, Piazzetta S. Marco, 30124 Venezia. Please be present at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure time in order to avoid any delay. The tour will operate at 15.30pm according to the selected option.

The customers choosing the Doge's Palace tour at 09.00am, join the Walking guided tour at 15.30pm after attending Doge's Palace.

The entrance tickets will be delivered by the guide or our representative at the meeting point before the start of the tour. (The staff will have a flag pole with the company logo, or signage with names printed).

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