• Piazza San Marco - Begin the tour at Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, the central public square in Venice and a focal point of the city’s cultural, political, and social activities. Encircled by remarkable landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile (bell tower), and the Doge’s Palace, it boasts intricate architecture and lively open spaces. Dubbed “the drawing room of Europe,” it has been a gathering place for centuries, enticing visitors with its historical allure, cafés, and vibrant ambiance. It is also renowned for its occasional flooding, known as acqua alta.
• Doge’s Palace - The Doge’s Palace is a splendid Gothic masterpiece that once served as the residence of the Doge and the heart of Venetian governance. On the Secret Itineraries Tour, visitors gain exclusive access to hidden areas of the palace, including the Doge’s private chambers, the somber prison cells, and the interrogation rooms, providing a captivating insight into the Republic’s power and intrigue. This behind-the-scenes experience unveils the lesser-known tales of Venice’s political history and its most notorious prisoners, such as Giacomo Casanova, making it a memorable journey into the past.
• Ponte dei Sospiri - The Bridge of Sighs is a historic and iconic enclosed bridge linking the Doge’s Palace to the New Prison. Constructed in 1600, the limestone structure features small windows with stone bars and is celebrated for its ornate Baroque design. Its name derives from the legend that prisoners, crossing the bridge on their way to imprisonment or execution, would sigh at their last view of Venice through its windows. Today, it stands as a popular symbol of Venice and a romantic attraction. Visitors will walk through the bridge to enter the New Prison.
• Palazzo delle Prigioni - The New Prison, or Palazzo delle Prigioni in Italian, is situated across the Bridge of Sighs from the Doge’s Palace and was constructed in the late 16th century to accommodate the city’s prisoners. Designed to enhance conditions compared to earlier facilities, it features stark, somber cells and narrow corridors, offering a vivid glimpse into the justice system of the Venetian Republic. Visitors can explore this historic site at their own pace after crossing the iconic bridge, imagining the lives of the inmates and the weight of their final moments of freedom.

• Skip the Line Access to Doge’s Palace
• Access to Secret Rooms
• Expert English Speaking Guide
• Audio headsets when appropriate
• Free time at the ‘New Prison’

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities

Discover the hidden history of Venice with the Secret Itineraries Tour of the Doge’s Palace, offering skip-the-line entry. Delve into the lesser-known sections of this iconic site, such as secret archives, council chambers, the torture chamber, and the attic prison cell from which Casanova famously escaped. Gain insights from an expert guide into the secrets of the Venetian Republic, with tales of political intrigue, daring escapes, and the city’s ascent to power.

Admire masterpieces by Venetian artists like Tintoretto and Veronese as you explore grand council rooms and opulent halls adorned with world-famous art, including the world’s longest canvas painting.

End your visit at the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners once glimpsed their last view of Venice, and explore the Palazzo delle Prigioni at your leisure. This guided tour blends history, art, and exclusive access to unveil Venice’s most captivating secrets.

• Please note that Doge’s Palace doesn’t admit bulky luggage (any luggage whose sum of the three sides exceeds 1 linear meter)
• Please note that the Municipality of Venice will implement an Access Fee on specific dates in 2025. To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend reviewing the official guidelines and registration procedures via the provided link before planning your visit (Official Link for Registration - https://cda.ve.it/en/ )
• Please note: due to the tour content, children under the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.