Venice: Doge's Palace & Prisons Tour

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Landmarks & monuments Art Culture & history Tours Guided tours Private tours UNESCO sites Educational activities Architecture Castle & palace tours Museums & exhibitions Rainy-day activities Archaeology Sightseeing

Explore the Doge's Palace on this small-group tour. Learn about the Venetian political institution, the Council of Ten, and the Doge's Apartments. Cross the Bridge of Sighs and visit the Prisons.

Highlights

  • Explore the Doge's Palace and learn about the Venetian's unique government
  • Follow your guide with headphones to ensure you hear every fascinating story
  • Enjoy a small group tour for a more intimate experience
  • Skip the line tickets

Description

After meeting your guide outside the Royal Gardens in central Venice, walk to the nearby Doge’s Palace at St Mark’s Square. Admire the magnificent Gothic exterior, and then skip straight to the front of the queue so you can head inside and start exploring. Follow your guide through the palace’s public rooms adorned from floor to ceiling with gilded decor and murals, including paintings by Renaissance masters Tintoretto and Veronese. As you explore, your guide will share details about the powerful doges who ruled the Venetian Republic for centuries. Hear about their fearsome governing tactics, and then step across the famous Bridge of Sighs into the connected prison network where enemies of the republic were locked up. After you’ve emerged back into the daylight of St Mark’s Square, enjoy a lunch break ( not included) , before starting the second part of your tour. Meet your tour back in St Mark’s Square and learn about the crown jewel of this piazza — St Mark’s Basilica. Head to the front of the line and step inside the awe-inspiring cathedral. Admire the soaring golden domes, marble mosaics and intricate murals of the lavish interior. You’ll have approximately 30 minutes inside the Basilica to explore. Next, escape the crowds of St Mark’s Square and follow your guide through lesser-known backstreets. Learn about some of Venice’s hidden gems, such as the Gothic San Zaccaria Church or Campo Santa Maria Formosa and Hidden Venice, as your guide shares tales of the city’s colorful characters and history. Your tour concludes back at the original departure point in St Mark’s Square. 

Includes

English speaking Local guide Skip-the-line tickets Headsets to clearly hear what the guide says

Important Information

  • This tour is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or people with walking disabilities. However, please contact us directly and we will be able to take you on alternative routes suitable for you At times, Doges Palace closes without notice. No refunds are available as these events are beyond our control This tour will take place rain or shine This tour will only operate with a minimum of 8 participants

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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