Venice Doge's Palace Tour and Access to Casanova's Prison

Venice , Italy

Venice Doge's Palace Tour and Access to Casanova's Prison

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About this experience

Meet your professional guide in Saint Mark’s Square and embark on a journey through the magnificent Doge’s Palace, a stunning blend of Byzantine, European, and Oriental architecture.

As you enter the grand courtyard, admire the intricate details of the famous Golden Staircase. Inside, step into the halls where the Duke (Doge) and his Council once governed the Serene Republic, surrounded by artistic masterpieces. Marvel at paintings by iconic Italian Renaissance artists, including Tintoretto’s monumental oil painting, the largest of its kind.

Your tour takes you through the famous Bridge of Sighs, named by Lord Byron for the last breath of prisoners who glimpsed Venice one final time before their imprisonment. Continue to the New Prisons, where you’ll learn about the darker side of Venetian history.

The tour concludes in the courtyard, where you can linger to absorb the rich history and timeless beauty of the Doge’s Palace at your own pace.

Available options

Venice Doge's Palace Tour and Access to Casanova's Prison

What's included

Personal audio system and headset for tour commentary

Guided Tour inside the Doge's Palace

Tour available in english, italian, german, french, spanish

Entrance fee

Skip-the-line entrance

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Venice is an iconic symbol of the city’s rich history and political power. Located on the Piazza San Marco, this stunning Gothic palace once served as the residence of the Doge, the highest authority in the Venetian Republic. Visitors can explore its grand halls, beautifully decorated with masterpieces by artists like Tintoretto and Veronese, and admire its opulent architecture. Highlights include the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, the largest room in the palace, and the impressive Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the prison. The palace also houses the Museo dell'Opera, showcasing original artwork and artifacts. As you walk through its corridors and chambers, you’ll experience the history of Venice’s government, law, and culture. A visit to the Doge’s Palace is a fascinating journey through Venetian history, offering a glimpse into the political, artistic, and architectural legacy of one of Europe’s most powerful republics.

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Hidden itineraries in the Doge's Palace

Food and drink

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Due to security checks, there may be queues to access the Doge's Palace.

The tour is shared, not private

If the chosen time is not available, you will be transferred to another time on the same day. These changes do not depend on us. Therefore, when making the reservation you are aware of this possibility, we will not accept subsequent complaints or refund requests. Example: If you choose the 11:45 time slot and the Palace ticket office closes at that time, you will be transferred to the first available time slot

Important notice for last minute bookings (same day or overnight): in case of lack of spaces, the customer will be accommodated the day following the booked date.

Please leave a Whatsapp number where you will be contacted by our support once you have booked the tour with us

Meeting point

Calle larga de l'Ascension 1256 - 30124 next to the San Marco Post Office (opposite St. Mark's Basilica). Look for the wooden kiosk. Turive assistant

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