Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
Go behind the scenes on a 2.5-hour tour of the Doge’s Palace and discover the secret itinerary of the rulers of the Venetian Empire. See the secret archives, offices, and torture chambers, as well as the palace attic and top-security prison cells.
Highlights
- View of secret prison chambers & archives of Doge's Palace
- Skip-the-line access and exclusive tour limited to 20 people
- Special visit to Casanova's prison cell & torture chamber
- Route including the best general access areas and apartments
- Hear fascinating stories of Venice's history from your guide
What's included
- Special access to the Doge’s Palace Secret itineraries
- Skip-the-line Doge's Palace tickets
- Expert Walks of Italy tour guide
- Small group of maximum 20 pax
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Overview
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!
See parts of the Doge's Palace that most visitors and many Venetians don't even know exist on this special access tour. Open to just 20 people at a time, this exclusive tour explores secret prisons, archives, offices, and even a torture chamber in Palazzo Ducale to reveal a darker side of history.
For those with an interest in art, history, literature, or scandal, the Doge's Palace is by far the most interesting building in Venice. Home to the world's oldest republic, it's quite literally a repository for its greatest secret and artworks all laid bare on this in-depth tour, offering a much more detailed picture of life in the Republic of Venice.
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. Your VIP experiences ends with crossing the famed Bridge of Sighs to see the New Prisons on this small-group tour.
Points of interest
Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Bridge of Sighs, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Piazza San Marco, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Additional Information
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.
The prisons and secret itineraries are not wheelchair-accessible, nor is the route suitable for those with walking disabilities or for pregnant women.
Tour not suitable for people that are claustrophobic
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Mobile tickets will be accepted
Know before you go
Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.
Tour not suitable for people that are claustrophobic
There is no air conditioning in the secret passages, meaning the narrow spaces can get very hot in summer.
All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable.
