Magpie
4.6(2,297 reviews)

Doge's Palace small group or private tour with a local guide

2 hours
Commentary: Guide · en
Venice, Italy

About this activity

Discover Venice’s Doge’s Palace with a local guide—marvel at Gothic grandeur, iconic artwork, and the Bridge of Sighs. Choose a small group or private tour for a truly immersive adventure!

Highlights

  • Venice Doge’s Palace guided tour.
  • Explore Bridge of Sighs secrets.
  • Small group or private tours Venice.
  • Local guide reveals Venetian history.
  • Gothic architecture and stunning artwork.

Full description

Ready to channel your inner Sherlock? Step into the UNESCO-listed Doge’s Palace, a stunning symbol of Venetian power and grandeur. Gothic vibes, lavish decor, and spine-tingling secrets await—especially as you cross the eerie Bridge of Sighs to the New Prisons. “It’s not just a name,” says Illaria, one of our local guides, “it’s where prisoners caught their last glimpse of Venice.”

 Start with insta-worthy shots of the courtyard, grand façade, and quirky lion mouth letterboxes—the old Venetian complaint system. Inside, marvel at the Golden Staircase, statues of Hercules and Atlas, and incredible ceiling art. Wander through the Great Council Hall, where Tintoretto’s Paradise demands a selfie.

 Next, dive into the Armory—portraits, swords, armour—and the luxurious Doge’s Apartments. Finally, cross the Bridge of Sighs and hear thrilling tales, including Casanova’s legendary escape. A real-life adventure through Venice’s dramatic past!

Included / Excluded

  • 2-hour private tour
  • Friendly and local guide
  • Tickets and guided visit inside the Doge's Palace including the New Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs
  • Entrance to St Mark's Square Museum
  • Transportation to the meeting point
  • Guided visit inside St Mark's Square Museums

Meeting point

Start Location

Colonna di San Todaro, P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Important information

Know before you book

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • For security reasons sacks, bags or backpacks are not allowed inside Doge’s Palace

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothing and footwear

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Reviews

4.6(2,297 reviews)
GetYourGuide
Daphne
Sep 2026
5.0

The tour was very interesting and informative. It was good to learn about the history of the palace. We took the tour that included the shuttle bus. This was a life saver in the heat as there is 2 hours of walking through the palace itself before getting to go through the gardens. Our guide was fabulous! Thank you

GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide traveler
Sep 2026
5.0

exelente guia Rosa

GetYourGuide
Tiziana
Sep 2026
4.0

il tempo messo a disposizione di 1 ora è troppo poco. per visitare bene la cattedrale e spiegare il resto sarebbero necessarie 1,5/2 ore. Tutto molto bello. affreschi campo Santo superlativi. L,'eco ogni mezz'ora nel tabernacolo emozionante

Additional information

Not wheelchair accessible, For security reasons sacks, bags or backpacks are not allowed inside Doge’s Palace, On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it, You will visit in a small, shared group of up to 10 people. The small-group size gives you a personalized experience away from the crowds. Alternatively, you can opt for a private tour, This ticket includes entrance to all St Mark's Square Museums (Correr Museum, Archaeological Museum, Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana) which you will be free to explore after the guided tour has finished.