Venice Doge's Palace Guided Tour & SECRET ITINERARIES Option

Venice , Italy

Venice Doge's Palace Guided Tour & SECRET ITINERARIES Option

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(44 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

Our Doge's Palace tour offers a deeper look into Venice’s history. Led by expert guides, you'll explore key rooms and stories that shaped the Republic, from political decisions to daily life behind the palace walls. During the visit, you will cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs, just as Casanova once did when he made his daring escape from the dark and wet prisons of the Doge's Palace.

If you're looking to elevate your visit with a truly exclusive experience, the Secret Itineraries of the Doge’s Palace reveal the hidden side of Venetian power. This special tour goes beyond the public halls, uncovering restricted areas where covert trials and political intrigue unfolded. Explore private offices, secret archives, and chilling spaces like the Chamber of Torture and the cramped Pozzi cells. Perfect for history lovers and curious minds, the Secret Itineraries offer a rare, immersive glimpse into the shadowy heart of the Venetian Republic.

Available options

Secret Doge Palace & Basilica

English Guided Tour: Choose this option to enjoy an English guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica, and Doge's Palace with Secret itineraries.

Doge Palace Tour in Italian

Italian

Secret Doge Palace

English Guided Tour: Choose this option to enjoy the Doge's Palace visit with the special secret itineraries path.

Doge Palace Tour in German

German

Doge Palace Tour in English

English

Doge Palace Tour in French

French

Doge Palace Tour in Spanish

Spanish

What's included

Bridge of Sighs Access

Doge's Palace Prisons Access

History Gallery: a unique Vr experience of Piazza San Marco in the past

St. Mark's Basilica Visit (if option is selected)

Priority Ticket to Doge's Palace

Audio-receiver device/headphones to hear the guide clearly

Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries (if option is selected)

Priority Access to Royal Palace & San Marco Museum (not included in the Secret Doge Palace Option)

Professional Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Admire the most beautiful square in the world, Piazza San Marco.

Stop 2

Discover the majestic Doge's Palace.

Cross one of the most iconic bridges in Venice.

What's not included

Hotel pick up and Drop Off

Food & drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.3

17 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 3.8

27 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Suggested comfortable clothing

The tour may be shared with guests not in the same group

Unfortunately, this tour is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or people with mobility disabilities

Small group

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

The secret itineraries option is not suitable for children under 6 years old, pregnant women or individuals with claustrophobia.

Following new regulations effective July 1st, all travelers visiting St. Mark’s Basilica must provide their full names — not just the lead traveler. Failure to do so may result in denied entry

Meeting point

From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.

Important notes

Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the departure time.
If you choose the Secret Itineraries option, please arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before the departure time.

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