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The Magnificent Doges Palace, Venice - Skip the line
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Key Highlights
- Enjoy fast track entry to one of Venice’s main attractions
- Led by an expert guide, gain insights about the Doge’s Palace
- See the intricate work of the Palace chambers and glorious paintings by the great Venetian masters
- Unveil the dark secrets of the prison cells and hear shocking stories
- Track the notorious Casanova’s brilliant prison escape
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Activity Schedule
When does it run?
01 Apr - 31 Oct: Monday - Saturday: 12:15pm & Sunday: 3:00pm
Duration1 hour
Start time12:15pm & 3:00pm
Meeting PointMeeting Point: The meeting point is between the two columns by the water front in Saint Marks square. Look for our assistant who will be holding an orange umbrella.
Please read the below instructions carefully to help you find the meeting point.
Arriving by Boat (Vaporetto): Arriving close to the Saint Marks square area get off the boat No:1 or No:2 at the Valleresso boat stop and turn right walking along the water front, cross over a small bridge passing a row of small kiosks, then cross a second small bridge and continue walking along the water front until you arrive to the two large columns in Saint Marks Square.
Arriving by water taxi:: Please ask the water taxi driver to take you to Saint Marks square to the taxi drop off point “Todero”. Get off the boat and make your way to the two large columns in Saint Marks square which are slightly to your right when you get off the water taxi.
Arriving by Foot: Make your way to Saint Marks square and passing Saint Marks Basilica and the Doges Palace you will see the two large columns. This is your meeting point.
GPS Coordinates: 45.433394, 12.339805
Please report at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start time. This is mandatory to allow time for pre-departure briefing.
Ending PointThe tour ends at The Doge’s Palace
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Overview & Itinerary
Overview
Explore the magnificent Doge's Palace, once the center of the imperial power of Venice. Walk the corridors of history with an expert guide and learn about the singular government of the Venetian Republic in its heyday.
Admire the splendid Palace chambers with their decorated ceilings and glorious paintings by Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and others.
Gain insights into the dark side of the 'Serene Republic'. Hear shocking stories of plot and intrigue, deadly power struggles and rough justice.
Walk eerie narrow passages to the dreaded lead-roofed prison cells. Marvel at the amazing story of the notorious Casanova's incredible break-out from the supposedly escape-proof lock-up.
Note: This tour operates from 01 April to 31 October
Itinerary
Meet the English-speaking guide for your Doge's Palace Secret History Tour between the two columns by the water front in Saint Marks Square Look for the Orange Umbrella.
Walk with your guide to the imposing Doge's Palace nearby. If there are more than 10 people on the tour you will be issued with head-sets so that everyone can hear the commentary properly.
The Doge’s Palace “Palazzo Ducale” is a magnificent combination of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the centre of the Venetian Empire and the seat of the Venetian Government. It was once the residence of the Doge, the elected ruler of the city.
Listen to the informative guide as you pass through its lavish chambers, which display masterpieces by Tintoretto, Titian, Veronese and Bellini. Hear about the different roles played by the Doge and his counsellors, be entertained by your informative guide and learn about the history of the Venetian legends as you walk through the eerie, narrow passageways towards the prison cells whilst learning about the prisoners and of course, Casanova, perhaps Venice’s most famous and intriguing escapee.
If you wish to spend more time inside the Doge’s Palace, independently after the tour your museum pass will allow you to do so.
Your tour ends at the Doge’s Palace.
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- English-speaking guide (plus a headset if more than 10 people are on the tour)
- Entrance fee to Doge’s Palace
Exclusions
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
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Please note & Additional info
Please note
You will be given a headset if more than 10 people are booked on the tour
Please call the activity operator at least 24 hours prior to start of the tour for reconfirming departure details
The tour includes only a small part of the secrets itineraries in August as there are seasonal closures.
Entrance fee to Doge’s Palace (16€ per passenger and children free from 0 to 5 years old) is not included and must be paid on the day of the tour.
We recommend that you print this document which has a range of information on how to reach the meeting point.Additional info
The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details and local telephone numbers at the destination. They will happily answer any logistical questions you may have -
Reviews
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Excellent Tour
An excellent tour of the main attractions within the Doges Palace. We were glad to be able to stay within the Palace at the end of the tour, and spend a bit more time looking...
Erica Bream -
Excellent Tour
We had been to the Doges Palace some years ago and felt we wanted to go for a return trip. We found our Guide in exactly the right place with no problems. Our guide (Andreas) was...
Mr John N Cleverton -
Really informative!
Myself, as well as others, didnt realise that the tour did not include the entrance fee to the Doge's Palace, so we quickly had to pay, but they helped my daughter queue up to...
Mrs J Godden - Read all
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Excellent Tour