Doge's Palace

Visit the Doge's Palace, an important historic landmark that served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. As you explore the seat of a 1,000-year republic, you’ll travel back in time to the Middle Ages. Marvel at the rich details of the magnificent gold staircase and spectacular works of art. Relive the anguish of the prisoners as they crossed the famous Bridge of Sighs. Your admission ticket also includes entry to the Correr Museum on St. Mark's Square. The building was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy.

Escape the crowds on a late afternoon guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and discover 2 of the icons of Venice away from the crowds. Meet your guide by the statue of the winged lion on St. Mark’s Square. Then, enter the Doge's Palace to learn more about the center of power during the Venetian Republic. See the sumptuous apartments of the Venetian rulers, as well as the Hall of the Great Council with its stunning frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto. Hear secret stories behind the art, such as why one doge in the painted series is covered by a black veil. Learn how the were dukes were elected, and what they did. Explore the massive armory and spooky prisons. Cross the Bridge of Sighs on the inside, and hear why it is not quite as romantic as you might have thought! After a short break, continue to the Byzantine basilica of St. Mark's, and see its gilt decorations after the crowds have left for the day. A custodian of the cathedral will unlock its doors so that you can experience like only a doge could. Marvel at the gemstones of the Pala d’Oro altarpiece. Visit the crypt, where the bones of St. Mark are said to be kept. Admire mosaics in the soft glimmer of the evening light, and learn about Venetian art and history from your passionate guide.

Depart from the railway station on Piazzale Roma and journey to Murano, famous for its glass-blowing industry. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the still-thriving tradition has been passed down over generations and each glass blower has developed their own personal style. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration and learn to recognize the difference between the various artisans and brands during your 1-hour stay on the island. Then, continue to the island of Burano, known for its crochet work and brightly colored houses. Get picture-perfect views of the landmarks of Burano, such as the leaning bell tower and the main square of Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, named after a major 18th-century Venetian composer. Look in some of the lace shops during your 1.5-hour visit to the island. Then, conclude your travels on Piazza San Marco and see sights such as the Doge's Palace and Campanile as you stroll around the famous colonnades.

Admire the San Marco Civic Museums, such as the Doge’s Palace, Correr Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana. You can also explore the history of the Jewish communities of Venice at the Ghetto Museum. Founded in 1953, and situated between the city’s 2 most historic synagogues, the museum is both devoted to the cycle of Jewish festivities and objects used for the liturgy, and explores the history of the Venetian Jews through images and objects. Museums of St. Mark's Square (available with the Venice Museum Pass and Venice Museum Pass Plus): • Doge's Palace • Correr Museum • National Archaeological Museum • Biblioteca Marciana If you select the Venice Museum Pass Plus option you will also enjoy entry to the following civic museums: • Ca' Rezzonico • Carlo Goldoni's House • Mocenigo Palace • Ca' Pesaro (Modern Art Gallery and Oriental Art Gallery) • Glass Museum (Murano) • Lace Museum (Burano) • Natural History Museum Both options include the following historic churches in the Chorus Pass: • Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio • Chiesa di Santo Stefano • Santa Maria dei Miracoli • San Giovanni Elemosinario • Ca’ San Polo • Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari • San Giacomo dell'Orio • San Stae • Sant'Alvise • San Pietro di Castello • San Redentore • Santa Maria di Rosario • San Sebastiano • San Giobbe • San Giuseppe di Castello • San Vidal • San Giacomo di Rialto.

Save precious time and skip the long lines to the former seat of power in Venice. Enjoy fast track entry to the magnificent Doge's Palace and wander around the amazing halls and corridors at your own pace. Cross the Bridge of Sighs from the inside to reach the prisons where criminals were kept, including Casanova! Use the handy guide book, provided in your chosen language, to learn the history of the palace and its masterpieces of art. Continue to the nearby Museo Correr to explore the way of life of the locals of Venice through the centuries on the upper floors of the Procuratorie Nuove. Create your own adventure and use the 8 suggested itineraries in the guide book to discover the different palaces of St. Mark’s Square. See sculptures, paintings and libraries that reveal the true might of the city's naval history.

Embark on a private gondola ride from just outside Hotel Danieli, near St. Mark's Square. Cruise through the small canals in some of the most ancient parts of the city and discover the city like a true Venetian. First, sail down the Rio del Palazzo and pass under the famous Bridge of Sighs. Pass through the Rio di Santa Maria Formosa, admiring the elegant apartments of shops on either side. Follow Rio di San Severo to finish your short journey in the Basin of San Marco. For a romantic experience, choose to include a musician and singer to serenade you as you ride through the canals.

Meet your expert guide at St. Mark’s Square and start delving into the origins of Venice. See the most renowned public space in the city and find out its historical, social, and political importance. Learn about the Clock Tower and the Marble Lions. Continue to the Basilica of St.Mark and enter the cathedral with pre-reserved tickets. Savor its amazing sheer size and the fascinating golden mosaics. Learn about its opulent design and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power. Bask in all the exotic elements of Venetian Renaissance Art. Listen to the story of the life-size horses of St Mark’s Basilica, and have all your questions answered. Follow your guide through Doge’s Palace at a relaxed pace. Acquaint yourself with the supreme authority and wealth of the ruling Venetian Doges in the palace’s Gothic architecture. Learn about the 14th-century sculptors that worked on the palace. Enjoy stunning views across the Lagoon as you explore this world-famous landmark. Continue to the Old Prison that was part of the Doge’s Palace, learn why the New Prisons were built, and understand the significance of the Bridge of Sighs, another highlight of Venice. Listen to the extraordinary story of the famous Casanova and his life in Venice. Choose a small group of 12 people or less, with local tour guides to tell you the stories behind these top attractions. Meanwhile, pre-reserved, skip-the-line tickets potentially save you hours of waiting in line.

Enjoy exclusive, after-hours access into one of the most prestigious landmarks of Venice, the incredible Saint Mark's Basilica, preceded by a thorough and enchanted tour of the Doge's Palace, all in a semi-private group. Meet your guide in one of Italy’s most famous piazzas – St Mark’s Square – noted for its charming, Italian-Gothic beauty, just off the shores of the canal. Head to the Doge’s Palace and learn about the amazing color-changing facade of the Doge’s Palace and why it changes color from day to night. Go to the famous Bridge of Sighs, the last sight for prisoners on their march towards imprisonment. Make your way to Saint Mark's Basilica, the gates of which will have already closed for all other visitors, but will reopen exclusively for you. Admire the Pala D’oro ancient altarpiece up close, an act that is seemingly impossible during hurried daytime crowds. See the crypts where noble Venetians have been laid to rest. Be completely alone in the basilica for the portion of your tour – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Explore all of Venice's most famous sights with a licensed guide in a small group tour! After meeting your private licensed guide, start with a tour of Venice's famous St. Mark's Square, at the very heart of the city, and directly in front of the impressive Basilica of San Marco. Step inside the Basilica to admire its beautiful mosaics, as well as the famous Pala d'Oro altarpiece, decorated with 300 sapphires, 300 emeralds, 15 rubies, 1,300 pearls and hundreds of other precious stones. Then stop by the nearby Campanile and Clock Tower before continuing on to the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), an impressive Gothic palace dating back to the 14th century which was transformed into a museum in 1923. From there, take a moment to admire the famous Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the New Prison. During this small group guided walk, you'll also see the beautiful spiral staircase of the Palazzo Contarini, along with plenty of the city's charming squares and wonderful views over the Grand Canal. Stop by the Fenice Theatre, the famous Venetian opera house which was destroyed twice by fire and reconstructed both times. The tour ends at the Rialto Bridge, another of the city's most famous landmarks and the perfect spot to take a picture of the iconic scenery.

Get to know Venice at your own pace on this interactive scavenger hunt walking tour played on your phone. Decipher riddles, interact with the most important attractions of the city, and unlock interesting facts.  After downloading the scavenger hunt tour on your mobile device (via a link and login credentials received upon booking), use the mobile app and integrated maps to reach 10 of Venice’s most important attractions on foot. At each stop, learn about the attraction and solve a location-based riddle that can only be solved if you reach the specific location. Use logic, imagination, observation, and team spirit to unlock the correct code and reveal the next destination of the tour. Start the activity whenever you like and enjoy the flexibility to pause your game at any time to take a break, snap the perfect photos, stop for lunch, or visit a museum. Choose to continue the tour later or save the rest for another day. As you walk through the city, you will see Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, Campo San Polo, Rialto Bridge, Campo S. Salvador, Teatro La Fenice, St. Mark’s Square, Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Chiesa di San Zaccaria, San Giorgio dei Greci, and more.