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Venice Doge's Palace & Prisons Tour

4.6 · 659 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor 91% of star-rated reviews are 4★ or 5★ Venice Operated by Avventure Bellissime Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before
Duration
2h
Group
Group size varies by option: small group from €95 · private from €229
Guide languages
English
Start & pickup
18 start times between 09:00 and 17:00 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Tickets
Admission included
Booking
mobile ticket
Guidekin's take

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 659 reviews for 2h.

In our comparison: #24 of 25 in Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).

How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Options and prices

2 options from the operator, described in its own words. Prices are the operator's from-prices per adult for a party of two. Click an option to book it on Viator. Guide languages on every option: English.

OptionWhat the operator saysFrom, per adult
Small Group TourThe page price€95
Private TourPrivate tour conducted exclusively for you, your family and friends. Tour in English, other languages on request.€229 for 2+ people

Children from €65 (ages 7 to 12). Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 22 September 2026.

Included and not 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
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviews

4.6
659 ratings
Viator 511 · Tripadvisor 148

91% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 598 of 659

Star breakdown of all 659 ratings

5 stars
497 · 75%
4 stars
101 · 15%
3 stars
27 · 4%
2 stars
18 · 3%
1 star
16 · 2%

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the historical detail and prison visit; some find the guide's English hard to follow.

Praised

  • Detailed explanations of Venetian history, palace politics and artwork
  • Engaging storytelling and patient answers to questions
  • Guides involve children and adapt explanations to family groups
  • Crossing the Bridge of Sighs and exploring the prisons

Complaints

  • Some are directed inside the Royal Gardens instead of outside its gates, while others find the meeting point easily
  • Some struggle to follow the guide's English, while others find it clear
  • Some want more time to look around the palace, while others find the pace comfortable
  • Stairs can be difficult for visitors with limited mobility

Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (14 May 2025 to 30 September 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.

Latest reviews

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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.

Meeting point and route

Meeting point

Where
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. · Open in Google Maps
Departure
18 start times between 09:00 and 17:00 daily; scheduled year-round (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
Avventure Bellissime; booking and payment are completed on Viator

Itinerary

About this tour, from the operator

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.

Walking, children and accessibility

The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.

Walking and health

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Accessibility

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Good to know

  • Food not included bring or buy your own
  • Children from €65 ages 7 to 12

Cancellation policy

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

  • 1+ days: Full refund
  • 0-1 days: No refund

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

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #24 of 25€952h4.59 (659)varies by option
Venice Deluxe Tour€2203h4.98 (825)shared
Private or Semi Doge's Palace & Saint Mark's Basilica Guided Tour€1992h 30m4.97 (431)private
Venice Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Semi-Private Tour, Max 6 People€1892h 30m4.96 (248)shared

Ranked #24 of 25 in Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €12 to €580, median €103; typical length 3h. 3 of 25 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 25 Doge's Palace & St Mark's Tours

From €95 per adult · Small Group Tour