A visit to Venice wouldn’t be the same without stops at its two most famous landmarks: St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We take you beyond the traditional route, going 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. This is the only tour in Venice that visits all of these sites with a small group of maximum 12 people!

Sights included:

• Secret Passages of the Doge’s Palace (including Casanova’s prison cell, torture chamber & secret archives)
• Doge's Palace (including Hall of the Great Council, courtrooms, the Doges’ apartments, and Sala della Scrutinio)
• Palace Armory (inside)
• Prisons (inside)
• Bridge of Sighs (inside)
• St. Mark's Basilica
• St. Mark's Basilica panoramic terrace (bronze horses)
• St. Mark's Square
• Bell tower (outside)
• Torre d'Orologio (outside)
  
• Marciana Library (outside)

Why take this tour?

• Gain exclusive VIP Access to the Secret Passages of the Doge’s Palace, a hidden labyrinth of secret archives, offices, torture chambers and top-security prison cells
• The only tour in Venice that visits all these sites and explores the backstage of the Doge’s Palace with a small group (maximum 12!)
• Privileged entrance to Venice’s top landmarks: St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace
• Your expert guide reveals Venice’s dark secrets, fascinating stories and entertaining anecdotes 
• A complete and comprehensive tour, exploring both Venice’s religious and political seatsin depth

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Tour description:

Discover St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in the most complete and rewarding way possible: with an expert guide, entertaining anecdotes… and by exploring what 99% of visitors to the Doge’s Palace never get to see. We’re talking, of course, about the Secret Passages, the palace’s hidden labyrinth of secret meeting halls, offices, torture chambers and top-security prison cells!

By exploring the Secret Passages, you get away from the crowds elsewhere in...

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GROUP TOUR NOTE: There may be other available running days for this tour that are not listed on the website. If this tour is not bookable on your chosen date, please email us at info@walksofitaly.com to request availability. If you are interested in participating in a group tour in January or at a later date, please send us an email with your contact information and the date(s) in which you will be in Venice. In the rare chance that the tour booking exceeds the acceptable tour capacity, we will contact you as soon as possible with a full refund. 

PRIVATE TOUR NOTE: Private tours can ONLY be organized upon request and pending reservation availability. Please send your request to info@walksofitaly.com. When sending your request, please provide us with the exact number of participants (age included) and the date and time of interest. If you are flexible with your tour start time/day, it would be best if you could let us know the different times you could possibly take the tour, in order of preference.

NOTE: The prisons and secret passages are not wheelchair-accessible, and the route is not suitable for those with walking disabilities nor for pregnant women. All visitors to the secret passages must be over 6 years of age. St. Mark's Basilica can be subject to unforeseen closures due to particular liturgical celebrations. If the Basilica is closed, your guide will give you explanations from the outside. Please remember that the Basilica is a holy place and attire must be appropriate for the visit. Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks of Italy cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress. Backpacks are prohibited inside of St. Mark's Basilica.

The Doge's Palace elevator is currently undergoing maintenance. Please contact us at info@walksofitaly.com if you have walking disabilities or if you are in a wheelchair. We can then work out a suitable alternative.

If you are not able to book your desired Venice tour online, please contact us via phone (US:+1-202-684-6916 | IT:+39-334-974-4274) or email (info@walksofitaly.com) as we may have additional availability. We will respond to you within 24 hours.

This tour runs rain or shine. However, occasionally St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are closed to the public (without notice) due to high tides or particular festivities.

The Apartment of the Doge (only) will be closed to the public until the end of August 2013, due to a temporary exhibition held in that section of the Doge's Palace. 

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