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Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
- An in-depth experience of the Doge's Palace awaits on this expertly crafted tour in the language of your choice.
- Walk through opulent gold-ceiling rooms as you hear their unbelievable stories – like the Council of Ten Chamber that used to house Venice's secret police!
- Look out for detailed sculptures that adorn the façade, like Noah's Drunkenness by Filippo Calendario, and Adam and Eve by Antonio Rizzo.
- Short on time and have an itch for the unordinary? Select the mysteries and secrets tour to explore the Piombi and Pozzi prisons, and uncover dark conspiracies!
- After your tour, explore the 3 museums in St. Mark's Square on your own: Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.
- An in-depth experience of the Doge's Palace awaits on this expertly crafted tour in the language of your choice.
- Walk through opulent gold-ceiling rooms as you hear their unbelievable stories – like the Council of Ten Chamber that used to house Venice's secret police!
- Look out for detailed sculptures that adorn the façade, like Noah's Drunkenness by Filippo Calendario, and Adam and Eve by Antonio Rizzo.
- Short on time and have an itch for the unordinary? Select the mysteries and secrets tour to explore the Piombi and Pozzi prisons, and uncover dark conspiracies!
- After your tour, explore the 3 museums in St. Mark's Square on your own: Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Doge's Palace with skip-the-line entry
- English, German, French, Spanish or Italian-speaking guide
- Headsets
- Access to:
- Express 'mysteries and secrets' guided tour of Doge's Palace (if selected)
- Access to the Old Prisons of Piombi and Pozzi (if selected)
- Tip: Capture stunning views of the Grand Canal from the palace's balconies, offering a unique perspective of Venice's iconic waterways.
- Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and any type of commercial photography is a no-go inside the venue.
- Please note that the Secret Itineraries, Prisons and Armoury are not accessible by wheelchair and pram/stroller.
- Ramps and elevators are available at the venue for easy access.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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What our guests say
Natalie
Nov 2024Verified booking
Sonata our tour guide was very informative, clear spoken English and was great with us, giving us lots of information Thank you so much Donata. Would definitely recommend
Susan
Nov 2024Verified booking
The guide Paula was good & caring My disappointment was that I thought I was booking the "Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries tour"but actually your Tour company 's title for the tour was "Doge's Palace Guided Tour - Mysteries and Secrets English Guided Tour". There was nothing 'secret' about the tour it went to all the conventional tourist areas. When I went back to your offices after the tour to query the lack of 'Attic tour, Bonaparte ballroom, etc' your representative advised me that the 'Secret Itineraries tour' is only available direct from the Doge's Palace. Tough luck. I agree I should have reviewed the tour details more closely but I feel that your company by naming the tour as you have is trying to pick up on tourists to Venice like myself who do an online search and expect truth in advertising. I am disappointed with your company. I would also like to mention as a warning to other tourists in the area - that there were 2 well dressed young Asian lady pickpockets who almost stole my wallet from my bag just prior to my arriving at your Office. The walkway was not crowded so I was able to hear them undo the zip on my backpack, luckily. My warning is a general one and is not a reflection on your Company.
David
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide was very personable, knowledgeable and interacted well with the group. She made the experience more enjoyable by moving our tour to areas in rooms providing the best views. Overall she was excellent.
Rachel
Oct 2024Verified booking
Being inside the palace was awesome Finding Headouts office beforehand was a bit challenging and I recommend giving yourself plenty of time before the tour. Skipping the line with our guide was brilliant. Whilst the tour was called "mysteries and secrets" it was really just a history... not many secrets revealed.
Valerie
Oct 2024Verified booking
The Ducal Palace tour did not disappoint in terms of the incredible construction and artistic masterpieces. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Norbert
Oct 2024Verified booking
The best thing about the tour was Elisabeth, our tour guide. Very knowledgeable, she rounded off her knowledge with humorous interludes and conducted the tour in a very pleasant manner. Thank you very much!
View original review in German
Jim
Oct 2024Verified booking
The guide was fantastic and the tour itself very worthwhile - we got a lot more out of the experience than we would have if we just walked around on our own.
Low
Oct 2024Verified booking
A must go place to visit in Venice. The history, culture and civilisation of this place is amazing. One can just imagine the amount of trade that was happening during that time. Max our guide was very knowledgeable. Ask and he will answer. Don't miss it
Cynthia
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide was excellent, lots of information but easy to understand. Experience at our meeting place made it an easy start to the tour
Tammy
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our ticketing experience was pretty straightforward, and the meeting point for our tour was quite clear. We enjoyed our experience, our guide was very informative
Helmut
Oct 2024Verified booking
The lady who guided us had an excellent knowledge of history. She managed to explain the essential things in detail and limit the excess of pictures and impressions to the essentials. Everything was clear and understandable, leaving a lasting impression.
View original review in German
Alistair
Oct 2024Verified booking
Guide was pleasant and helpful and it's an amazing place, the additional VR experience was also very good. The skip the line element didn't seem very smooth and it seemed slower than those who were just joining the queue
Deborah
Oct 2024Verified booking
The tour itself was fine but I paid for access to the Piombi and didn't get it. I asked the guide and she said the cells where Casanova had been held were up at the top of the building .... but the tour had finished and there was no mention of getting to see them. She was in a rush to go to another tour so i was feeling confused and disappointed. I felt as though we spent a lot of money and didn't really get what I paid for and it felt a bit rushed.
Veronica
Oct 2024Verified booking
The guide Elena was very informative and funny. She made it very easy to understand the history of Venice and the Palace.
Elvira
Oct 2024Verified booking
Our guide was amazing! Im so bad with names but I think her name was Eleonora. Anyways, she really made the story come to life, making it relatable. The only down side was that I thought I booked a secret guided tour and this felt like a regular guided tour.
Ivan
Sep 2024Verified booking
It was advertised as a mysteries and secrets tour to make it sound similar to the secret itineraries tour but was in fact a generic tour of the palace which is not what I wanted
Elizabeth
Sep 2024Verified booking
Our guide provided a detailed account of the political significance of the Palazzo Ducale, and its history. We were then able to wander through the rooms of state and the prisons at our leisure. Directions to the meeting place were easy to follow and our guide spoke very good English.
Carl
Sep 2024Verified booking
We had the secrets tour thought we would be shown casonova jail and main prison. We were shown neither but walked ourselves around the prison. When we queried we were told had to get the tour with Secrets which is what we had.
Denis
Sep 2024Verified booking
The guide was excellent, entertaining as well as informative. We thought we had booked the secrets tour but got the regular tour
Caitlin
Sep 2024Verified booking
Our guide was fantastic! He took the time to answer our questions and make the tour fun and informative. We loved how he immersed us into the history of Venice and the Doge's palace
Shona
Aug 2024Verified booking
Our tour guide was excellent, she was very knowledgeable and passionate about Venice and this came across during our tour. I would highly recommend this tour and highly recommend our guide.
Evgeni
Aug 2024Verified booking
Number of groups were taking from the ticket office to the Palace and we had to run through crowded street. It would be easier to meet at the skeep the line sign. Only there groups had been assembled in our case. The tour began 35 min later... the guide had a pation ... to finish the tour as fast as possible. She made this tour so boring and not informative. Most of painting were not even pointed out at. The audio guide would be a much better option.
Jamie
Aug 2024Verified booking
Valentina, our guide, was excellent. Very knowledgeable and passionate about her subject. It was an informative and enjoyable hour
Michaela
Aug 2024Verified booking
Although the guide was giving us a lot of information, and try her best, the pronounciation was quite bad. Was very hard to understand. She had a very strong Italian accent. We paid 198€ and for this money the tour was very overpriced.
Karen
Jul 2024Verified booking
Very easy and well organized! Your guide was excellent with good information it not dry & did her best to keep the tour moving and yet accommodate the different speeds among the group.
Doge's Palace Secret itineraries tour
Top things to do in Venice
Practical information about Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
- Duration: 50 minutes for an express tour & 1.5 hours for an elaborate secret & mysteries tour
- Languages: English, Italian, French (subject to seasonal availability)
- Accessibility: Due to narrow staircases and uneven floors, this tour is not recommended for visitors with mobility limitations, claustrophobia, vertigo, heart conditions, or expecting mothers. Children under 6 are also not permitted.
- Booking: Advance booking is highly recommended due to limited tour availability.
- Timings: 9:15am - 2:45pm (daily)
Why choose the Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour?
- Go beyond the grand halls: Enter the secret areas of the Doge's Palace, including Pozzi and Piombi, hidden chambers, the torture room, and Casanova’s cell, which are not accessible with standard tickets.
- Unearth the untold stories: Go beyond the dates and names. Your expert guide will bring the palace's hidden history alive with captivating tales of intrigue, betrayal, and the whispers of the Venetian past.
- Witness justice, Venetian style: Understand the evolution of Venetian justice, from the halls where powerful magistrates deliberated to the instruments used to extract confessions (prepare to be surprised – it's not for the faint of heart!).
- An intimate exploration: Enjoy a more up-close and engaging experience with smaller tour groups, allowing for personalized interactions and easier movement through narrow passages.
- Take in the complete picture: Experience the full scope of the Doge's Palace, from its grand public halls to its concealed corners, offering a complete and immersive historical journey.
Highlights covered on a Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
Casanova's cell
Visit the infamous cell where Giacomo Casanova, the legendary adventurer and lover, was imprisoned. Learn about his daring escape in 1756, a feat that cemented his notoriety.
Frequently asked questions about Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour
How long is the Secret Itineraries Tour and what areas does it cover?
The 1 hour 15 minutes Secret Itineraries Tour ventures into hidden chambers and passageways. We have an express tour option of 50 minutes for an efficient and equally insightful exploration of all the Doge's Palace corners. You can see the chilling Pozzi prison cells, the notorious Piombi attic prisons, and the halls of power like the Council of Ten chamber. The tour takes you through the palace's hidden depths and the Venetian Republic's intriguing history.
Do I need to book the Secret Itineraries Tour in advance?
Absolutely! Due to the limited group size and high demand, booking the Secret Itineraries Tour in advance is essential. Spaces fill up quickly, so it's best to secure your spot as soon as possible.
Is the tour suitable for children and are there any age restrictions?
The Secret Itineraries Tour is accessible to older children, above 6 years old, who have an interest in history. However, due to the nature of the tour, which includes visits to dark, narrow, and sometimes steep passages, it may not be appropriate for very young children.
Are there any physical requirements or accessibility considerations for the tour?
The tour involves navigating narrow passages and steep stairs, which may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. Unfortunately, the Secret Itineraries Tour is not wheelchair accessible. You should be prepared for some physical exertion and wear comfortable shoes.
Can I take photographs during the Secret Itineraries Tour?
Photography policies can vary, but generally, photography may be restricted in certain areas of the Secret Itineraries Tour to preserve the historical integrity and privacy of the site. It’s best to check with the tour guide.
Are there any restrooms or facilities available during the tour?
There are restrooms available within the Doge's Palace, but it's important to note that due to the nature of the Secret Itineraries Tour venturing into hidden areas, there won't be access to restrooms during the 1.5-hour tour itself. We recommend using the facilities before the tour begins.
What is the best time of day to take the Secret Itineraries Tour to avoid crowds?
While the Secret Itineraries Tour itself has a limited group size, the Doge's Palace can get crowded throughout the day, especially during peak season. Opt for a tour offered in the morning, typically before 11:00 AM. This might give you a slight edge before the crowds build up later in the day. If you're yet to plan a Venice trip, consider taking the tour during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when overall tourist numbers might be lower.
Can I combine the Secret Itineraries Tour with a visit to the public areas of the Doge's Palace?
Yes! The Secret Itineraries Tour ticket actually includes access to the Doge's Palace public areas after the guided tour. This allows you to explore the magnificent halls, courtyards, and art galleries at your own pace.
Are audio guides or personal guides available for the Secret Itineraries Tour?
The Secret Itineraries Tour is led by a professional, live guide. This ensures a more personalized and engaging experience. The guide will share historical insights, answer your questions, and bring the hidden chambers to life with captivating narratives. However, audio guides are not available for the Secret Itineraries Tour.
