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Venice Doge's Palace & Prisons Tour

4.6 Great 655 reviews
|
2h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
655 reviews
5
494
4
101
3
27
2
18
1
15
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Guidekin's take

Palace only in our Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours comparison.

Trade-off: Base tier English only; closures not refunded.

Last checked: September 22, 2026. Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Overview

Guidekin summary

Skip the queue into the Doge's Palace with a licensed guide for the state chambers, Tintoretto and Veronese canvases, the Bridge of Sighs and the prisons. Minimum numbers apply, so a quiet date can be cancelled with a refund or alternative; palace closures are not refunded and it runs in all weather. 4.59 from 655 reviews for 2h.

From the guide

Skip the lines at the iconic Doge’s Palace in Venice and uncover its highlights and secrets on a 2-hour tour. Walk right past the main entrance queues with your knowledgeable guide, and delve into the magnificent palace’s history as you explore its lavish public chambers. See prized Italian Renaissance artwork by Tintoretto and Veronese, and learn about the dark deeds of the city’s former rulers and secret service. Then, wander across the world-famous Bridge of Sighs and end your tour with a visit to the New Prisons.

Tour options

The operator sells this tour in 2 versions. Prices are the operator's current list for two travellers; the calendar shows the exact figure for your date and party.

Small Group Tour

from €95 / person
Guide: English

Private Tour

from €229 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: English

Private tour conducted exclusively for you, your family and friends. Tour in English, other languages on request.

Compared with other Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #25 of 26€952h4.59 (655)shared
Venice Deluxe Tour€2203h4.98 (825)shared
Private or Semi Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's Basilica Guided Tour€1992h 30m4.97 (421)private
Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Semi-Private Tour, Max 6 People€1892h 30m4.96 (237)shared

Ranked #25 of 26 in Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €12 to €580, median €105; typical length 3h. 3 of 26 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 26 Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departures: 18 start times between 09:00 and 17:00
Available year-round

This tour runs daily, with 18 start times between 09:00 and 17:00 depending on the date. It runs year-round. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked September 22, 2026.

What's Included

Headset to hear the guide clearly when there are more than 8 participants in the group
Local expert English-speaking licensed guide
Skip-the-line tickets to the Doge's Palace

What's Not Included

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Palazzo Ducale Stop 1
Enjoy a 2 hrs in depht tour of the Doges Palace and visit the famous Prisons.
2h
Admission included
Scala dei Giganti di Palazzo Ducale Stop 2
While standing in the courtyard as your guide will introduce you to the Doges Palace architecture and history, see and learn about the Giant Staircase leading up to the Palace and used for formal entrances.
20 min
Admission included
Ponte dei Sospiri Stop 3
Walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs connecting the Doge's Palace to the Prisons and learn why it was given this name.
Pass by
Porta Della Carta Stop 4
Learn about the Main entrance of the Doges Palace, the paper door that links the Doges Palace to St Mark's Basilica.
Pass by

Departure & Return

Start point

Entrance to the Royal Gardens, on the waterfront of St Mark's Square - You'll meet Avventure Bellissime tour coordinator outside the gardens, in front of the wrought iron Gate holding a sign with the name of the tour and Avventure Bellissime logo written on it.

Additional Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • At times, Doges Palace can close without notice. No refunds are available as these events are beyond our control.
  • 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

Cancellation Policy

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

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund
From € 95 / person