Go behind the scenes on a 2.5-hour tour of the Doge’s Palace and discover the secret itinerary of the rulers of the Venetian Empire. See the secret archives, offices, and torture chambers, as well as the palace attic and top-security prison cells.
Doge’s Palace Secret Passages Tour & Casanova’s Cell
Summary Description
Highlights
- View of secret prison chambers & archives of Doge's Palace
- Skip-the-line access and exclusive tour limited to 20 people
- Special visit to Casanova's prison cell & torture chamber
- Hear fascinating stories of Venice's history from your guide
- Explore the lavish Ca'Rezzonico at your own pace after your tour
Description
A visit to Venice wouldn’t be the same without delving into its long and fascinating history as the world’s oldest republic. Go beyond the traditional route, stepping behind the scenes of the Doge’s Palace to explore the secret archives, offices, torture chambers, and the palace attic, home to top-security prison cells, including that of the famed Casanova!
See parts of the Doge's Palace that most visitors and many Venetians don't even know exist on this special access tour. Open to just 20 people at a time, this exclusive tour explores secret prisons, archives, offices, and even a torture chamber in Palazzo Ducale to reveal a darker side of history.
For those with an interest in art, history, literature, or scandal, the Doge's Palace is by far the most interesting building in Venice. Home to the world's oldest republic, it's quite literally a repository for its greatest secret and artworks all laid bare on this in-depth tour, offering a much more detailed picture of life in the Republic of Venice.
With your guide, a Venetian art expert and historian, enjoy skip-the-line access to the Doge's Palace and make a beeline for backstage. After a guard opens a special door, enter the hidden side of the palace to see the prison cell where Casanova was held, hear the unlikely tale of his escape, and visit the archives to learn how secrets were kept.
See hidden council rooms to learn of the system of checks and balances that made Venice the world's oldest republic and enter the best general access areas such as huge audience rooms, ballrooms with incredible paintings by Veronese and Tintoretto, and the private apartments of the Duke of Venice. Your VIP experiences ends with crossing the famed Bridge of Sighs to see the New Prisons on this small-group tour.
Say goodbye to your guide in St. Mark's Square and continue exploring Casanova's Venice at Ca’Rezzonico, the grand Baroque palace where Casanova lived in 1756. Your ticket is included in the price of your tour and you'll be able to wander its lavish halls at your own pace. Just a short walk from the Doge's Palace, Ca’Rezzonico is now a museum dedicated to 18th-century Venetian life and offers a glimpse into the opulent world Casanova navigated. From palace to another, it's a perfect end to your tour of Venice.
Please Note: Ca’Rezzonico is closed on Tuesdays. On these days, you will receive a ticket for the next day.
Included / Excluded
- Special access to the Doge’s Palace Secret itineraries
- Skip-the-line Doge's Palace tickets
- Expert Walks of Italy tour guide
- Small group of maximum 20 pax
- Ca'Rezzonico tickets (self-guided visit)
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Start / End Locations
Start Location: 52 Piazza San Marco, Museo Correr, Venezia, IT
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco 52. Your guide will be waiting under the portico just outside the entrance of the museum.
Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ggbKosvjgY1LVsz29
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Guests should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity, including standing for extended periods and climbing stairs, which may not be suitable for travelers with certain health conditions or mobility limitations.
- Due to Doge's Palace regulations, children under the age of 6 are not permitted inside the secret itineraries and therefore cannot take this tour.
- This tour is not suitable for people who are claustrophobic.
- No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
- If access is restricted due to private events inside the Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
- Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesday; on these days, you will receive the ticket for the next days.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- You are permitted to enter the Doge's Palace with handbags and small backpacks. But any large backpacks or luggage are not permitted inside. You have to check them in the cloakroom.
- There is no air conditioning in the secret passages, meaning the narrow spaces can get very hot in summer.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). The guide will modify the itinerary to include alternate dry paths whenever possible.
- For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesday; on these days, you will receive the ticket for the next days
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Points of interest
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (6-14)
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Trip difficulty: Moderate
- Max Group Size: 20
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
Other products
