New Prisons, Doge's Palace

Visit the Doge's Palace, an important historic landmark that served as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. As you explore the seat of a 1,000-year republic, you’ll travel back in time to the Middle Ages. Marvel at the rich details of the magnificent gold staircase and spectacular works of art. Relive the anguish of the prisoners as they crossed the famous Bridge of Sighs. Your admission ticket also includes entry to the Correr Museum on St. Mark's Square. The building was originally designed as a residence for Napoleon, and later became the Venetian residence of the King of Italy.

Discover the best of Venice on a walking tour with skip-the-line access to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. See impressive monuments, marvel at magnificent interiors, and soak up the atmosphere of St. Mark’s square. Meet your expert guide and enjoy priority access to Doge’s Palace, the seat of Venetian political power for centuries. Immerse yourself in the European Middle Ages and see masterpieces of art adorning the walls of the palace. Relive the anguish of the prisoners that crossed the Bridge of Sighs at the palace and experience the inside of the prison cell that once hosted Giacomo Casanova. Step inside St. Mark's Basilica, a unique cathedral displaying some of the finest examples of Byzantine art in the world. Uncover the biblical symbolism behind the artworks. Take in the beautiful golden mosaics and marble floor inlays. Listen as your guide tells you the history and the special features of this architectural wonder. Admire the city's main monuments such as the Clock-Tower, Procuratie Vecchie, and the Bell Tower around St. Mark’s Square. Explore the elegant Castello residential area and stroll through the famous Mercerie, one of the city’s main shopping districts. Walk past the famous Santa Maria Formosa square, the house of Marco Polo, The Church of San Giovanni and Paolo, and the Rialto Bridge with its traditional market. Wander through small alleys and discover picturesque squares where Venetians gather to socialize. Find hidden gems and learn interesting facts about the places you visit.

Discover 2 of the most important buildings in Venice on a private tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, skipping the long lines to both to save time and see more. Meet your guide on Saint Mark’s Square for an overview of the monuments from the outside. Take in the lively atmosphere of the street cafés, entertainers, and hundreds of pigeons! Then, go inside Saint Mark’s Basilica for a comprehensive tour of the marble and mosaic décor. Learn the Basilica's history, and discover the biblical symbolism behind the cathedral’s art. Admire the precious stones of the Pala d’Oro, the high altar of Saint Mark’s. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and lagoon from the terrace. Next, discover the seat of political power during the Venetian Republic at the Doge's Palace. Hear how the duke and his council controlled the fate of the 1.000-year Republic as you wander past masterpieces of art in the palace corridors. Relive the anguish of the prisoners that crossed the Bridge of Sighs, and experience the inside of the prison cell that was once home to Giacomo Casanova.

After leaving your centrally located meeting point, you will be guided into the residential Castello area, allowing you to discover this part of Venice in all of its elegance. You can expect to see the Santa Maria Formosa Square, one of the largest squares in Venice complete with its church named after its visitation of the Holy Virgin. You will also experience the Saints Giovanni and Paolo Square where you will be able to admire the famous church, the resting place of several Doges, and the equestrian monument of Bartolomeo Colleoni, an Italian mercenary captain. You can also explore the former residence of Marco Polo, probably the most famous Venetian merchant. On your return to Saint Mark’s Square, you will be accompanied inside the Doge’s Palace where you will visit the halls where the Duke (Doge) and his council controlled the fate of the Serene Republic. You will be surrounded by hundreds of artistic masterpieces and discover the political history of Venice and its people. You will be able to admire famous paintings by some of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance, including the world's largest oil painting by Tintoretto. Passing through the famous Bridge of Sighs, you will reach the new prisons. Finally you will visit the interior of St. Mark’s Basilica, once the private chapel of the Doge of Venice, and the only one of its kind in Italy. You will be able to sit down in the church and absorb the atmosphere, whilst listening to your guide who will describe the biblical scenes represented throughout the building. This is the only tour with special authorization to be seated in the central nave inside the Basilica. Your 4-hour combined tour will then conclude outside the Basilica in Saint Mark's Square.  At the end of the tour have the opportunity to visit the Correr Museum with the same ticket.