Venice: Doge’s Palace Prisons & Secret Itineraries Guided Tour
Unlock the hidden history of Venice on the Secret Itineraries Tour of the Doge’s Palace, featuring skip-the-line access. Explore the lesser-seen areas of this iconic landmark, including secret archives, council chambers, the torture chamber, and the attic prison cell where Casanova famously escaped. Learn from your expert Guide the secrets of the Venetian Republic with stories of political intrigue, daring escapes, and the city’s rise to power.
Marvel at masterpieces by Venetian artists like Tintoretto and Veronese as you tour grand council rooms and opulent halls adorned with world-renowned art, including the world’s longest canvas painting.
Conclude your visit at the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners once took their last view of Venice, and explore the Palazzo delle Prigioni at your own pace. This guided tour combines history, art, and exclusive access to reveal Venice’s most fascinating secrets.
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Doge's Palace Secret Itinerary
What's included in Venice: Doge’s Palace Prisons & Secret Itineraries Guided Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Piazza San Marco
Your tour starts on the Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, the main public square in Venice and a hub of the city's cultural, political, and social life. Surrounded by stunning landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica, the Campanile (bell tower), and the Doge's Palace, it features intricate architecture and lively open spaces. Known as "the drawing room of Europe," it has been a meeting place for centuries, attracting visitors with its historical charm, cafés, and vibrant atmosphere. It is also famous for its periodic flooding, known as *acqua alta*.
Doge's Palace
The Doge's Palace is a magnificent Gothic masterpiece that once served as the residence of the Doge and the center of Venetian government. As a visitor on the Secret Itineraries Tour, you will gain exclusive access to hidden areas of the palace, including the Doge's private chambers, the grim prison cells, and the interrogation rooms, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Republic's power and intrigue. This behind-the-scenes experience reveals the lesser-known stories of Venice's political history and its most infamous prisoners, such as Giacomo Casanova, making it an unforgettable journey into the past.
Ponte dei Sospiri
The Bridge of Sighs is a historic and iconic enclosed bridge connecting the Doge's Palace to the New Prison. Built in 1600, the limestone structure features small windows with stone bars and is known for its ornate design in the Baroque style. Its name comes from the legend that prisoners, crossing the bridge on their way to imprisonment or execution, would sigh at their last glimpse of Venice through its windows. Today, it is a popular symbol of Venice and a romantic attraction. You will walk through the bridge to enter the New Prison
Inclusions
- Access to Secret Rooms
- Expert English Speaking Guide
- Skip the Line Access to Doge's Palace
- Audio headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
- Free time at the "New Prison"
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that Doge's Palace doesn't admit bulky luggage (any luggage whose sum of the three sides exceeds 1 linear meter)
- Please note that the Municipality of Venice will implement an Access Fee on specific dates in 2025. To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend reviewing the official guidelines and registration procedures via the provided link before planning your visit (Official Link for Registration - https://cda.ve.it/en/ )
- Please note: due to the tour content, children under the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Meet in front of the Doge's Palace, facing the lagoon on the left side of Ponte della Paglia, the bridge with the view of the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs).
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• Please ensure to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. We are unable to accommodate late arrivals. Missed tours or tickets due to late arrivals cannot be refunded. Our City Wonders guide carry a branded flag for easy recognition at the meeting point. • Please note that the Municipality of Venice will implement an Access Fee on specific dates in 2024. To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend reviewing the official guidelines and registration procedures via the provided link before planning your visit: https://cda.ve.it/en/ (Official Link for Registration). • Gratuities to guides providing excellent service are appreciated • Extra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. As a result, we may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. Extra measures may also restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, we strongly suggest that you avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour. • We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours. • We recommend that customers who are not familiar with Venice give themselves ample time to find meeting points.
