VIP Doge's Palace Secret Passages & Casanova Prison Tour
A visit to Venice wouldn’t be the same without delving into its long and fascinating history as the world’s oldest republic. Go beyond the traditional route, stepping behind the scenes of the Doge’s Palace to explore the secret archives, offices, torture chambers, and the palace attic, home to top-security prison cells, including that of the famed Casanova! Tickets to Ca’ Rezzonico, the grand Baroque palace where Casanova lived in 1756, are also included in the price of your tour and you'll be able to wander its lavish halls at your own pace.
Options
VIP Secret Itineraries Doges Palace Tour
What's included in VIP Doge's Palace Secret Passages & Casanova Prison Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Doge's Palace
With your guide, a Venetian art expert and historian, enjoy skip-the-line access to the Doge's Palace and make a beeline for backstage. After a guard opens a special door, enter the hidden side of the palace to see the prison cell where Casanova was held, hear the unlikely tale of his escape, and visit the archives to learn how secrets were kept. See hidden council rooms to learn of the system of checks and balances that made Venice the world's oldest republic and enter the best general access areas such as huge audience rooms, ballrooms with incredible paintings by Veronese and Tintoretto, and the private apartments of the Duke of Venice. You even cross the famed Bridge of Sighs to see the New Prisons on this small-group tour. Say goodbye to your guide in St. Mark's Square and continue exploring Casanova's Venice at Ca’ Rezzonico, the grand Baroque palace where Casanova lived in 1756. Your ticket is included in the price and you'll be able to wander its lavish halls at your own pace.
Inclusions
- Ca'Rezzonico tickets (self-guided visit)
- Special access to the Doge’s Palace Secret itineraries
- Expert Walks of Italy tour guide
- Small group of maximum 20 pax
- Skip-the-line Doge's Palace tickets
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Due to Doge's Palace regulations, children under the age of 6 are not permitted inside the secret itineraries and therefore cannot take this tour.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
- If access is restricted due to private events inside the Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
- This tour is not suitable for people who are claustrophobic.
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Guests should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity, including standing for extended periods and climbing stairs, which may not be suitable for travelers with certain health conditions or mobility limitations.
- Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesday; on these days, you will receive the ticket for the next days
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows. • All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour. • Backpacks are prohibited inside the Doge's palace. Free storage is available but please note you must return to the entrance to pick up your items at the end of the tour. • There is no air conditioning in the secret passages, meaning the narrow spaces can get very hot in summer. • If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). The guide will modify the itinerary to include alternate dry paths whenever possible. • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated. • Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesday; on these days, you will receive the ticket for the next days
