Doge's Palace small group or private tour with a local guide
Overview
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!
What's Included
- Entrance to St Mark's Square Museum
- 2-hour private tour
- Tickets and guided visit inside the Doge's Palace including the New Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs
- Friendly and local guide
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Guided visit inside St Mark's Square Museums
Meeting Location
Piazza San Marco
30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Doge's Palace
1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Bridge of Sighs (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Doge’s Palace small group or private tour with a local guide?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-39613P182
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 15 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- Entrance to St Mark's Square Museum.
- 2-hour private tour.
- Tickets and guided visit inside the Doge's Palace including the New Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs.
- Friendly and local guide.
- Transportation to the meeting point.
- Guided visit inside St Mark's Square Museums.
The minimum age to participate is 18. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Doge's Palace small group or private tour with a local guide is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Doge’s Palace small group or private tour with a local guide will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Entrance to St Mark's Square Museum
- 2-hour private tour
- Tickets and guided visit inside the Doge's Palace including the New Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs
- Friendly and local guide
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Guided visit inside St Mark's Square Museums
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
