Venice: Doge's Palace Guided Tour With Tickets & Optional Gondola
Active
2h
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
Visit the iconic Doge's Palace in Venice on a small group guided tour.
Head in faster with pre-reserved tickets and bypass the lines.
Delve into Venetian history on a tour that showcases the highlights of the city.
See the opulent apartments and the Hall of the Great Council at Doge's Palace.
Take a walk over the Bridge of Sighs and see the Old Prisons.
Choose to include an optional 30-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal.
Discover the charming canals and picturesque spots of Venice by traditional gondola.
Available options
Group Tour - NO Gondola
Group Tour - NO Gondola: Choose this option if you are only planning to visit Doge's palace. This option does not include a gondola ride.<br/>Tour in English
Group Tour & Shared Gondola
Group Tour & Shared Gondola: Choose this option for a 30-minute shared gondola ride along the Grand Canal.<br/>Tour in English
Group Tour & Private Gondola
Group Tour – Private Gondola: Choose this option for a 30-minute private gondola ride along the Grand Canal after the Doge's Palace visit.
What's included
Skip the line tickets for Doge's Palace
Expert local guides for insider knowledge
Admission to Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana
30-minute Grand Canal gondola ride (if option selected)
2 hours guided tour at a relaxed pace
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet your expert guide at the famous St. Mark’s Square and start getting to know the city and its origins. See the most renowned public space in the city and, learn about its historical, social, and political importance.
Learn about the Clock Tower and the Marble Lions which are all part of St Mark’s history.
2
Stop 2
Follow your guide at a relaxed pace to visit the Doge’s Palace with pre-reserved tickets straight into this opulent palazzo. Bypass the long lines to explore the political heart of an Empire.
Learn about the supreme authority and wealth of the ruling Venetian Doges in the Gothic architecture of the palace.
Ask about the talented 14th-century sculptors that worked on the palace and enjoy stunning views across the Lagoon as you explore this world-famous landmark.
3
Learn why the New Prisons were built, and understand the significance of the Bridge of Sighs, another highlight of Venice. Listen to the extraordinary story of the famous Casanova and his life in Venice. Leave your guide with enough knowledge to enjoy the rest of your stay in Venice on your own.
4
Stop 4
Your admission ticket also includes entry to the Correr Museum on St. Mark's Square. The building was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy. Enjoy the Correr Museum at your own leisure after the guided tour has ended.
5
Choose to Include a Gondola Ride along the Grand Canal.
Depending on your selected option, complete your tour of the Doge’s Palace with an enchanting gondola ride, the perfect end to your day in Venice. After exploring the palace's rich history, your local guide will take you to the nearby pier where you will board a traditional gondola. Step aboard a traditional gondola for a 30-minute journey through Venice's picturesque canals, passing hidden corners and magnificent palaces. This relaxing ride is a must-do experience to conclude your visit to Venice.
What's not included
Transport to the meeting spot
Guided Tour of the Correr Museum
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
163 reviews
5★
133
4★
13
3★
9
2★
4
1★
4
Tripadvisor
4.7
6 reviews
5★
4
4★
2
3★
0
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note that if you take the 14:00 (2 pm) tour, Correr Museum will be closed before your tour finishes. Therefore, you will have Correr tickets for the next day.
Please note that carrying any type of weapon or sharp objects, such as a knife, is not allowed for this tour.
Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. This is due to the timed entry of the tickets.
Please be advised that it is not possible to join the tour after it has commenced.
If you choose the optional gondola ride, your guide will lead you to the pier at the end of the Doge’s Palace tour.
Please note that the gondola ride is shared with other participants from your tour, just like it’s always been in Venetian tradition.
Each gondola accommodates up to 5 guests. If your group is larger, you’ll be placed on separate gondolas.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, you will be contacted before your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Meeting point
We meet in Saint Mark’s Square near the waterfront by the two large columns. Our guide will be under the one with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.”
Important notes
Please locate your guide at the meeting spot. They will have your actual pre-reserved tickets for the Palace.
Do not bring large bags or luggage. These items are not allowed and there is no place to leave them so you will be denied entry.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
