The Doge's Palace of Venice: Private 2.5-hour Walking Tour

Discover the fascinating history of Venice by exploring the magnificent Doge’s Palace (in Italian Palazzo Ducale), the former residence of the Doge of Venice and one of the most popular attractions in the heart of the city with a private tour guide. The Venetian Gothic Style 14th-century building became a museum in 1923 and visiting its rooms is the best way to learn about the past of "La Serenissima".

On your private tour you will:

• Meet your guide in St. Mark's Square, for an introduction to the area before entering the Doge's Palace;
• Explore the Doge's Palace as you learn about the sophisticated government systems of the Venetian Republic, also known as "The Most Serene Republic of Venice";
• Get acquainted with the Doge's of Venice, elected for life, these chief magistrates were the leaders of the Republic for over 1000 years;
• See the apartment rooms where the Doges resided while in power, and learn of their way of life and beliefs;
• Take in the magnificent Giants' (Scala dei Giganti) and Golden (Scala d'Oro) staircases, ceremonial masterpieces of their times, built respectively in the 15th and 16th centuries;
• Explore the opulent government rooms, including the Venetian Senate Hall that could accommodate up to 200 people, the Collegio Hall with ceiling breathtaking decorations by Veronese, and Tintoretto's "Paradise" painting, believed to be the world’s largest canvas painting, in the Grand Council Hall;
• Cross the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the interrogation rooms at the Doge's Palace with the New Prison, and learn how this famous bridge got its name;
• End your tour with a visit to the dark prison cells where you will learn of the strict justice system of the Serenissima, which considered itself incorruptible and utterly impartial.

There is no better way to understand the power which Venice had over the overworld than by a private, guided tour of Doge’s Palace.

For over a thousand years beginning in the eighth century, Venice was ruled by doges – elected magistrates who served for life. While the process for selecting doges changed throughout the millennium, the singular law was simply that no doge could pass his title on to a member of his own family.

While the original wood structure burned down, the building which stands today is still a staggering 700 years old. From its ornate wood carvings to its larger-than-life facades, the palace is more than just a historical sight – it’s an architectural masterpiece and a visual feast.

Whilst touring the palace, see works by Titian, Tintoretto, and Tiepolo amongst others.

Tour duration
2.5 hours 30 minutes

Type of tour
Walking tour: no transportation is included

Attractions along this route:

Bridge of Sighs
According to legend, convicts would sigh as they walked this bridge before being imprisoned in the Prigioni Nuove.

Doge's Palace
Originally home to Venice’s most powerful man, this Gothic masterpiece is one of the city’s top attractions.

St Mark’s Square
Enclosed by spectacular buildings, St Mark's is one of the most beautiful squares in the world.

Porta della Carta
This 15th-century gate was constructed as the entrance to the Doge's Palace.

Scala d'Oro
The Golden Staircase at the Dodge's Palace.

Doge's Palace prisons
The palace has been used from the residence of the Doge to the prison of the Venetian republic.

Scala dei Giganti
The inner courtyard's stairs that led to the doge's private quarters are flanked by huge statues of Mars and Neptune.