Tour Highlights
Skip the line access ticket to the Doge's Palace
Free time to explore St Mark's and its surrounding monuments
A chance to learn the history behind the Doge's Palace
Watch a glass craftsman at work
Tour Details
Operates: Daily (March – October)
Starts: 2:15pm
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Adult: €55
Children: €46 Infant 0- 5 old travel free
Group size: Maximum 25
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian, German and French. Please select your preferred language when you book.
For security reasons suitcases, backpacks or larger bags are not allowed inside the Doge’s Palace, the storage service is available and is free of charge.
This tour is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or people with walking disabilities.
Tour code: DOGEPM
Itinerary
Meet your guide at St Mark's Square - Clock Tower near the exchange office by 2:00pm
Explore inside the Doge's Palace and marvel at the dozen of masterpieces adorning each room
Admire the opulent Golden Stairway - Scala d'Oro - and enjoy the striking beauty of the stucco ceiling
View the Bridge of Sighs and imagine life as a prisoner of the Venetian Republic
Considered one of the world’s greatest examples of Gothic architecture, Doge’s Palace is a must-visit landmark for visitors making their way to Venice. Featuring an unmistakable facade that towers above the bustling St. Mark’s Square, this sprawling structure was once the centre of power for the Venetian Republic, a dynasty that changed the face of European politics and culture forever.
Make the most of your time spent at one of Venice’s most popular destinations and join our expert history-loving guide as you skip the long queue with our special tickets. Once inside, you’ll soon understand just why this place is considered so important. Across several ornate rooms, there are ancient masterpieces everywhere you look, with many dating back to the European Middle Ages. Roam the distinct spaces with your guide as you learn about the fascinating tales behind the works. Meanwhile, there are plenty of other facts to soak up as you discover how this place was once the home of the Doge’s of Venice, otherwise known as the city’s supreme authority.
Perhaps the most lavish room here is the Scala d’Oro, the Golden Staircase, which was built to give the palace’s special guests a supremely opulent entrance to the upper floors. Built between 1530 and 1559, this is undoubtedly one of the most extravagant places you’ll find in any of Venice’s galleries or historic landmarks. As you move through more of the palace’s rooms, you’ll eventually come to the Bridge of Sighs, a stunningly constructed pathway that crosses across a canal and links Doge’s Palace to the Venetian prison cells beyond. Throughout the era of the Doges, political prisoners were often kept here in terrible circumstances. One famous example is the Italian author and adventurer Giacomo Casanova, who was sentenced to five years here before cunningly escaping. Head inside these desolate cells and see for yourself how many citizens served long sentences in awful conditions.
Whether you’re just visiting for the day or staying long-term, any journey to Venice needs to include a tour of Doge’s Palace. Celebrated as one of the city’s most impressive buildings, don’t miss your chance to explore this truly unique structure and its remarkable history throughout this 75-minute afternoon tour.
What's Included?
Skip the line access to Doge’s Palace
Entrance fee to St Mark’s Square and free time to explore the square and its monuments
Local and licensed guide
Witness a glass craftsman at work
Meeting Point
The meeting point for this tour is at St Mark’s Square – Clock Tower near the Exchange office. Please be advised to be waiting 15 minutes prior to your departure time. You will be sent through an email with full instructions once you have completed the booking.
