Doge's Palace: exclusive tour with access to the secret itineraries and skip the line access to St Mark's Basilica
Jump with us behind the scenes of the Doge’s Palace of Venice and deviate from the touristic routes to unveil secret archives, courtrooms, torture chambers and even the prison cells where the famous Casanova was locked up!
Your expert, local guide will lead you through the Secret Itineraries of the Doge's Palace and entertain you with interesting anecdotes while you explore a place usually inaccessible to the majority of tourists. Travel back in time as you walk on creaky floors to discover hidden rooms and antique cabinets. Some parts of the palace remained secret to most people living in Venice for centuries!
The Doge's Palace used to be the home to the Doge and the heart of the city and the Most Serene Venetian Republic for seven hundred years. The general assembly used to meet here to make all important decisions for the city of Venice. Follow the guide to visit the Doge’s own lavish apartments, the Hall of the Great Council and the Sala della Scrutinio. The palace used to house a magnificent gallery of masterpieces and works of art: today you can admire paintings by Veronese and Tintoretto, as well as works by Vecellio, Zelorri e Vicentino.
Walk in the footsteps of the famed Casanova as you visit his prison cell. The legendary brigand did manage to escape from jail! You will also get the chance to visit Venice's most historic sites, such as Palace Armory (inside), Bridge of Sighs (inside), St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Bell tower (outside) and The Marciana Library (outside).
At the end of your Doge’s Palace Tour, get a comprehensive tour of St. Mark’s Basilica. With access to the group entrance you’ll avoid long general access lines. Here you will get a deep look at the way that Venice built a mercantile empire that once spanned the entire Mediterranean. As you gape at the mosaics and other treasures inside, your expert Venetian guide will explain how the city begged, borrowed, and yes, stole, almost all of them as it grew from a tiny island to one of the biggest powers in the Medieval world.
