Doge's Palace small group tour with a local guide
Attractions & guided tours

Doge's Palace small group tour with a local guide

5/5
Excellent
Based on 5 reviews
from
£55.00
Free cancellation
language
Language: English , Italian
mobile_voucher
Mobile voucher accepted
duration
Duration: Flexible
Do this because
  • Step inside Doge's Palace, a key symbol of the city’s political and cultural history
  • Admire its Gothic exterior and step inside to see lavish artwork and important rooms
  • Walk over the Bridge of Sighs and learn about prison life in the cells
  • Enjoy an intimate experience in a small group of up to 10 people
  • Follow your expert guide with unrivalled historical knowledge of Dodge’s Palace
What to expect

This small-group guided tour takes you inside Doge’s Palace, the heart of power in Venetian Republic. Get ready for Gothic architecture, lavish decorations, opulent rooms and uncover the sinister side of the palace. Illaria, one of our local guides, says, ‘The palace is connected to prison cells via the Bridge of Sighs; a chilling name that comes from the last sigh of seeing beautiful Venice for the last time.’

After you make your way through the courtyard – admiring the top-class views of the Gothic exterior, step inside to be dazzled by the Golden Staircase. Marvel at the statues of Hercules and Atlas and tilt your heads up for a ceiling spectacular. Your guide will share stories of the Doge and his role in Venice’s political system too. ‘A unique feature used was via ‘mouths of truth’; carved stone boxes, usually a lion’s head, used to post complaint letters. The oldest dates back to 1618 and can be found inside the palace’, says guide Illaria.

Snap a picture of Tintoretto’s Paradiso in The Grand Council Chamber, see weapons in the Armoury and wander around the Doge’s Apartments too. Up next is the haunting walk over the Bridge of Sighs. Walk in the footsteps of the prisoners and follow your guide into the gloomy prison cells. Illaria says, ‘The prisons were some of the most secure in the world, but there’s the legendary escape of Casanova. He daringly made a hole in the cell ceiling and made his way out – free to tell the tale.’

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What's included
  • check 1.5 - 2-hour guided tour
  • check Friendly and local guide
Where

Colonna di San Todaro, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Meeting point:
Meet your destination insider between the two big columns in the square (Colonne di San Marco e San Todaro), 10 minutes before the departure of the tour.
What to remember
  • You will visit in a small, shared group of up to 10 people. The small-group size gives you a personalized experience away from the crowds
  • This tour is only partly wheelchair accessible: although most of the palace is accessible, the prison and Armoury are not
Read more
Provider
Musement S.p.A.
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

5/5

Based on 5 reviews from verified customers

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Review categories

Safety

5/5

Service

5/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

5/5

  • Anonymous

    From Italy - November 2023

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Una bellissima giornata, in compagnia di Luigina, guida esperta e molto preparata. Abbiamo saltato la fila, e grazie alla guida che ci ha subito port ...

  • Chris

    From United Kingdom - August 2023

    Travelled with a group of friends

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    The guide Alissea was amazing, friendly and very informative bringing the history of the Doge palace to life in an ease going way pointing out key fea ...

  • Anonymous

    From France - June 2022

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Anonymous

    From Germany - November 2021

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Die Führung war hervorragend. Luigina Busato spricht perfekt deutsch, ist sehr freundlich und kennt den Palast bis ins Detail. Ich kann die private Fü ...

  • Anonymous

    - October 2018

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Visite très riche et très intéressante. Indispensable pour mieux comprendre l’histoire de Venise

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