Doge's Palace Guided Tours

Are there guided tours to the Doge's Palace?

Guided tours are available for visitors who want structured access to the palace's history and restricted areas. The most notable options are the Secret Itineraries Tour and the Hidden Treasures Tour, both led by official guides. Tours are scheduled at set times in multiple languages and require advance booking.

Tour are also a good way to get last minute tickets to the Doge's Palace, since they usually have extra availability even with a short notice.

Available Tickets

Guided tour of Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's with terrace

Local English-speaking guide
Reserved early entrance to Doge's Palace
Reserved entrance to Saint Mark's Basilica + Terrace
Free cancellation up to 7 days

★★★★½ 4.5 (4.9k+ reviews) · Viator

Walking tour Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica

English–speaking guide
Skip–the–line access to St. Mark's Basilica
Skip–the–line access to the Doge's Palace
Admission to the St. Mark's Basilica Museum and its terrace (depending on selection)
Free cancellation

★★★★½ 4.5 (2.8k+ reviews) · Civitatis

Guided tour of Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's with gondola ride

Local guide in English, French or Spanish
Reserved early entrance to Doge's Palace
Reserved entrance to Saint Mark's Basilica
Gondola ride
Free cancellation

★★★★½ 4.5 (4.9k+ reviews) · Musement

Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace

3-hour small group tour
English-speaking guide
Reserved entrance to Doge's Palace
Reserved entrance to Saint Mark's Basilica
Free cancellation

★★★★½ 4.7 (3.5k+ reviews) · GetYourGuide

Guided tour Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace

English–speaking guide
Skip–the–line access to St. Mark's Basilica
Skip–the–line access to the Doge's Palace
Admission to the St. Mark's Basilica Museum and its terrace
Free cancellation

★★★★½ 4.5 (2.8k+ reviews) · Tiqets

Types of tours

Combo tours

There are a lot of options for combo tours in Venice, most of them including the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. These tours are usually very informative, especially on a first visit to Venice, to get the necessary overview and context to better appreciate the historical relevance of the incredible monuments of the city.

Secret Itineraries Tour

This guided tour takes visitors through areas of the palace not included in the standard route, such as the former offices of state administration, interrogation rooms, and the prisons. It provides insight into the political and judicial workings of the Venetian Republic.

Hidden Treasures Tour

This itinerary focuses on the Doge's private rooms and other less-visited spaces, showcasing artworks, furnishings, and decorative details that reflect the wealth and tastes of Venice's rulers.

FAQs and tips

What are the Secret Itineraries and Hidden Treasures tours?

These are guided tours through off-limits and historically significant areas of the palace, such as chambers of governance or the Doge’s private rooms, with access not included in regular admission.

How long does the Secret Itineraries Tour last?

Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it includes access to the regular palace route without a guide.

Are there scheduled times and languages for guided tours?

Yes. For Secret Itineraries: Italian at 11:00 and 12:30; English at 10:00, 11:30, and 13:00; French at 10:30 and 12:00. More departures are available on request.

Are tours accessible to visitors with mobility issues?

It depends. The areas from the official special tours include narrow, steep staircases and tight spaces, making them unsuitable for visitors with mobility impairments, those prone to claustrophobia/vertigo, pregnant women, or those with cardio-respiratory conditions. But other guided tours, which include the regular Doge's Palace and other popular attractions in Venice might be suitable for people with disabilities.