Name: Best Doge's Palace Tours with Expert Guides
Brand: The Tour Guy
Rating: 4.98 (1094 reviews)

Amalfi Coast

Amsterdam

Assisi

Athens

Barcelona

Bath

Bologna

Capri

Cinque Terre

Como

Dublin

Florence

Girona

Giverny

Granada

Istanbul

La Spezia

Las Vegas

Lisbon

London

Madrid

Milan

Naples

New York

Normandy

Paris

Phoenix

Pisa

Pompeii

Porto

Positano

Prague

Rome

San Francisco

Santorini

Segovia

Seville (Sevilla)

Sicily

Sintra

Sorrento

Taormina

The Grand Canyon

Toledo

Tuscany

Vatican

Venice

Versailles

Skip the lines to the Hall of Mirrors with a friendly English speaking guide and roundtrip transport

Skip the line

Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris

Enter the Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum, and see St. Peter’s Dome, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!

Skip the Line

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Exclusive Access

Best Views of the Colosseum and Circus Maximus

Palatine Hill

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate

Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms and Creation of Man

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Explore St. Mark's Square's most iconic attractions with skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide

St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride

Get to know Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and Napoleon's Coronation like never before

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

Travel the River Thames by boat then dive into British history at London's famous fortress

Tower Bridge

Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London

Private Tours

Food & Wine Tours

Gondola Tours

Day Trips from Venice

St. Mark’s Basilica

Doge’s Palace

Murano & Burano

Prosecco Hills

St. Mark's Square

Verona

Polignano a Mare

Jerusalem

The Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s most visited landmarks, but without expert guidance, its true and dark history can remain hidden behind its grand facade. Our tours peel back the layers, revealing the palace's sinister past—from the chambers of power to the infamous prison cells. Together, we'll cross the Bridge of Sighs and uncover Venice's secrets that most miss, whether through a guided half-day tour, a full-day city experience, or even an exclusive private exploration complete with gondola rides.

The Doge's Palace is one of Venice's most significant historical landmarks, but gaining genuine insight into its dark and intricate past requires expert guidance. Our tours not only get you past the long lines but also take you straight to the heart of Venetian history, revealing secrets that lie behind the grandeur. Whether you're interested in a half-day exploration, a full-day adventure, or an exclusive private tour, we offer a range of experiences to suit every traveler's desire to uncover the hidden stories of this iconic site.

Our St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride lets you experience two of Venice’s top attractions in a single day and a memorable gondola ride through the enchanting canals of Venice. With skip-the-line access and an expert guide to show you both the beauty and the hidden history, you’ll uncover stories and details you would never find on your own. As one guest shared, “Our guide’s knowledge brought the entire palace to life—we saw so much more than we would have on our own!”

For those wanting a broader experience, the Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano combines the majesty of the Doge’s Palace with the artistry of Murano’s glassblowing and Burano’s lacemaking. “An incredible day that showed us Venice from so many different angles,” noted one satisfied traveler.

Our Venice in a Day Tour with Gondola Ride offers a comprehensive introduction to the city, covering the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and more—all with the charm of a Venetian gondola ride. A guest remarked, “The gondola ride was the perfect ending to a wonderful day of exploration.”

For those looking for a more private experience, our Venice Doge’s Palace Private Tour takes you through the grand Gothic palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the ancient dungeons—all with the undivided attention of a dedicated guide. “Having a private guide gave us a whole new understanding of Venice’s history—it was worth every penny,” said one enthusiastic guest.

Whether you’re exploring the dark history and grandeur of the palace, cruising the canals, or delving into Venice’s artistic heritage, our tours promise an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, bringing the past vividly to life.

Book tours of the iconic royal palace and Venetian prison!

The BEST Doge's Palace Tours

Step off a gondola to the impressive sight of the Doge's Palace. Free Cancellation, 1000s of 5-star reviews, and plenty of options makes The Tour Guy an easy choice!

Best Doge's Palace Tours with Expert Guides

Skip the Line - Discover the St Marks Basilica and Doges Palace alongside an expert guide

End near Piazza San Marco - As the tour comes to an end near St. Mark's Square, you are ideally located to continue exploring Venice or unwind after a day of discovery.

St. Mark Basilica - With skip-the-line tickets, head straight inside the historic basilica, whose magnificent domes and lavish gold mosaics are sure to impress.

Doge's Palace - Thanks to fast-track entry, step into the opulent 14th-century palace where the Doge of Venice, the highest authority, once lived and ruled.

Grand Ballroom - Gaze up at the towering ceilings and detailed frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto in the Grand Ballroom, the former seat of Venice's council.

Golden Staircase - Deemed the most valuable staircase ever built, the Golden Staircase leads to the palace’s third floor, where Venice was ruled for centuries. 

Prison cells and dungeon - Descend into the gloomy depths of the palace and tune in as your guide details the grim fate of those who breached Venice’s stringent laws.

Bridge of Sighs - Ponder the same bridge prisoners once glimpsed their final views of Venice from, which is now a symbol of both beauty and despair.

Gondola ride - Board a historic gondola, steered by a skilled Venetian gondolier, for a captivating journey through legendary canals.

Skip the line tickets

Passionate English-speaking guide

Gondola Ride

St. Mark's Basilica

Doge's Palace

Bridge of Sighs

Wheelchair accessible

Visit St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, and the hidden areas of Venice

Thumbnail - Meet your guide at St. Mark’s Square

End inside Doge's Palace - After six hours of guided discovery, your Venice tour concludes inside Doge’s Palace. Feel free to continue exploring at your leisure!

St. Mark's Basilica - With skip-the-line tickets, pass the queue and enter the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, whose opulent gold mosaics are sure to impress.

Rialto Bridge - Walk across the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal and learn how it has long been an essential link in Venetian trade.

Rialto Market - Witness the buzz of the Rialto Market, where Venetians have shopped for fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies since the 11th century.

Gondola ride - Take a 30-minute gondola ride, an essential Venetian experience, to drift under bridges, past historic palazzos, and through ancient canals.

Lunch break - Settle in for lunch at a café near St. Mark’s Square. If you’re unsure which to choose, ask your guide for recommendations.

Doge's Palace - Skip the line to explore a citadel of power, where the Doge ruled Venice and fate was often decided in opulent, frescoed halls.

Golden Staircase - Pause to admire the formal entrance to the upper floors of Doge’s Palace, meticulously adorned with golden stuccos and frescoes. 

Bridge of Sighs - Cross the famed bridge, dating back to the 17th century, that allowed prisoners a last look at Venice's beauty before their incarceration.

30-minute Venetian gondola ride

Venice walking tour

Group size of 15

Tour guide gratuities

Meal

Venice in a Day Tour with Gondola Ride

Do more in a day: St. Mark's, Doge's Palace, glassblowing and lacemaking demos, and a gondola ride

Skip the Line - Meet your guide at St. Marks Square

Burano Island - A 30-minute boat ride later, you’ll find yourself docking on Burano. Hop out and begin your discovery of this vibrant and historic island.

Lace making demonstration - Learn the secrets of Burano's famous lace, handcrafted by women whose generational expertise is woven into each exquisite piece.

Return to Venice - Before bidding farewell, take in lessor-known islands and Venice’s grand architecture from afar as you zip across the Venetian Lagoon.

St. Mark's Basilica - With skip-the-line tickets, head straight inside the historic basilica, whose magnificent domes and lavish gold mosaics are sure to impress.

Break time - Grab some coffee, use the restroom, or find a place to sit during this 10 minute break.

Gondola ride - Board a historic gondola, steered by a skilled Venetian gondolier, for a captivating 30-minute journey through legendary canals.

Lunch break - Settle in for a lunch at a nearby café. If you’re unsure which to visit, ask your guide for recommendations!

Murano Island - Save time with a pre-arranged water taxi, whisking you to a tranquil island renowned for its colored buildings and glassmaking heritage.

Glass blowing demonstration - Attend a glassblowing session with a Murano artisan, who will explain the detailed art of color selection, creation, and challenges.

Skip the line Basilica tickets

Skip the line Doge's Palace tickets

Gondola ride

Roundtrip transportation to Murano and Burano

Glassblowing in Murano

Lacemaking in Burano

Optional free-time

Group size of 20

Wheelchair accessible 

Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano

Dive into Venice's dark history at its grand Gothic palace, Bridge of Sighs, and ancient dungeons

The Golden Staircase - Lavishly decorated staircase still today leads up to the apartments once used by the doge!

Golden Staircase

The Giant Staircase - Before exploring further galleries and rooms, we get a look at this grandiose staircase.

Giants Staircase

Eerie prison cells - See the darker side of the Doge's Palace and you visit prison cells where Venetian prisoners suffered in grim conditions.

Prison Cells

Bridge of Sighs - While millions of visitors look at this bridge from the distance, see it from the inside. Experience it through the eyes of a prisoner, headed to face judgement. 

The Palace Courtyard - Marvel at the glorious internal courtyard of the palace, and imagine the lush parties that the Doge used to throw over here.

Palace Courtyard

Skip-the-line entry to Doge's Palace

Private guided tour the palace highlights

See famous artwork and the Golden Staircase

Bridge of Sighs, prison cells, and much more

A passionate, English-speaking private guide

Venice Doge's Palace Private Tour

Uncover the storied history of Venice’s most iconic landmarks including the top of the Basilica

End at the Basilica​  - Your unique tour of Venice ends at the Basilica.​

Doge's Palace​ - Enter the ancient residence of the Doge of Venice avoiding long lines.​

Giant's Staircase​ - Listen to your guide as she tells you all the stories about this historical building.

Palace interior​ - Paolo Veranese's canvases and other intricate decorations are a must-see during your visit.​

Bridge of Sights​ - This historical bridge connects the palace to the old prison.​

St. Mark's Basilica​ - Proceed with the short walk that will lead you to the Basilica.​

Pala d'Oro​ - Admire this magnificent altarpiece and learn all about its significance.​

Basilica's Terrace​ - Climb up to this unique vantage point and admire Venice from a unique viewpoint.​

Skip-the-line tickets

Basilica

Doge Palace

Basilica terrace

Hotel pickup

Guide gratuities

The Doge's Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Terraces Skip-the-Line Tour

Skip the lines and explore Venice’s top landmarks with a private guide before gliding through canals

St. Mark’s Basilica - Skip the lines and enter this awe-inspiring cathedral, where golden mosaics illuminate intricate domes and centuries of Venetian faith and power unfold before you.

Doge’s Palace - With fast-track access, step inside this ornate Gothic palace, once the residence of Venice’s rulers, where grand halls and secret chambers reveal the city’s powerful past.

Grand Ballroom - Stand beneath the opulent ceilings of this vast ceremonial hall, where Venice’s elite once gathered, surrounded by masterpieces by Veronese and Tintoretto.

Golden Staircase - Follow the elegant curve of this gilded masterpiece, an architectural symbol of the Doge’s grandeur, leading to the chambers where Venice’s fate was once decided.

Prison Cells and Dungeon - Venture into the dark corridors of Venice’s notorious prison, where echoes of past prisoners and stories of daring escapes bring this eerie space to life.

Bridge of Sighs - Step onto this legendary bridge, where prisoners once took a final look at Venice’s beauty before facing their grim fate, an unforgettable blend of history and romance.

Gondola Ride - Glide through the city’s serene canals on a traditional Venetian gondola, soaking in the charm of hidden waterways and centuries-old bridges.

End near Piazza San Marco - Conclude your experience back in St. Mark’s Square, perfectly positioned to continue your exploration or relax and reflect on your Venetian adventure.

Private English-speaking guide

Private tour

Guide gratuity

Hotel pick up

Meals

Private Venice Tour: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Gondola Ride

Easily visit these colorful Venetian islands by boat and see traditional glassblowing and lacemaking

Boat Tour

Murano and Burano in a Half Day Boat Tour

Explore colorful streets and ancient trades in Murano and Burano with a private boat and local guide