Piombi Prisons

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.

Escape the crowds on a late afternoon guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and discover 2 of the icons of Venice away from the crowds. Meet your guide by the statue of the winged lion on St. Mark’s Square. Then, enter the Doge's Palace to learn more about the center of power during the Venetian Republic. See the sumptuous apartments of the Venetian rulers, as well as the Hall of the Great Council with its stunning frescoes by Veronese and Tintoretto. Hear secret stories behind the art, such as why one doge in the painted series is covered by a black veil. Learn how the were dukes were elected, and what they did. Explore the massive armory and spooky prisons. Cross the Bridge of Sighs on the inside, and hear why it is not quite as romantic as you might have thought! After a short break, continue to the Byzantine basilica of St. Mark's, and see its gilt decorations after the crowds have left for the day. A custodian of the cathedral will unlock its doors so that you can experience like only a doge could. Marvel at the gemstones of the Pala d’Oro altarpiece. Visit the crypt, where the bones of St. Mark are said to be kept. Admire mosaics in the soft glimmer of the evening light, and learn about Venetian art and history from your passionate guide.

Explore the beauty of the Doge’s Palace, one of the most famous museums of the city, just next to San Mark’s Basilica. Discover Many stories and learn everything about this ancient Palace with a local guide. See the most interesting paintings of the museum, Tintoretto’s and Tiziano’s masterpieces. Journey to the past when this beautiful room was full of people discussing the future of Venice. Discover one of the most iconic places of the city from a different point of view. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, like the prisoners, did in the past. You won’t miss a single detail of this amazing and unique palace.

Spend the day in one of the world’s most romantic cities on a full-day tour to Venice from Lake Garda. Transfer across the Veneto by air-conditioned bus, and then hop on a private boat to the heart of the city. Following your pick-up from various points in the Lake Garda region, including Limone, Riva del Garda and Bardolino, transfer to Venice with a short coffee break near Soave. The estimated time of arrival in Venice is 11:00 AM. Upon arrival, hop on a private boat and cross the lagoon to St. Mark's. Take a 40 minute walking tour, with a guide and headphones of St Mark's and see many of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as St. Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Campanile. Stroll the main streets to the Rialto Bridge and other monuments of “La Serenissima.” Learn more about the Republic of Venice and how it came to dominant both the east and the west as the “Queen of the Adriatic.” Universally considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the city is built on a group of 117 small islands that are separated by canals. The central sestiere (district) is awash with beautiful squares and crumbling mansions, along with ancient churches, ateliers and bridges. In the afternoon you will have some free time to relax and explore on your own. Get off the beaten path for a more authentic look at everyday life in the city, or just sit back and people watch in one of the many cafés of Piazza San Marco. A boat will be waiting to take you from St. Mark's Square to the transfer bus at approximately 5:45 PM.

Take part in this guided tour of the Doge’s Palace. Discover the inner workings of the Venetian government. Admire the art throughout the Palace, learn how Bridge of Sighs got its name, and hear stories about the prisoners kept in the Prisons. Meet your guide and be equipped with headphones to hear the fascinating history of Venice. Learn about the Venetian's unique form of government, the role of the Doge (the Duke of Venice), and the notorious Council of Ten, who were created to maintain the security of the State.  Enter the Doge’s Palace with skip-the-line entry to avoid any queues. Listen as your guide discusses the works of art that adorn the walls of the palace and the Byzantine-Gothic style of architecture that went on to influence the rest of the city. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, as prisoners did in the past, to see the Prisons of the Doges Palace. Discuss the notorious torture chambers reserved for enemies of the state, and hear tales of woe about the prisoners kept there.  

Discover the most famous places in the Venice Lagoon, aboard a panoramic eco boat with a single ticket valid for 24 hours to get on / off wherever you prefer. The main stops are the Santa Lucia Station, Punta Sabbioni, Piazza S. Marco and the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. In Murano, a visit to a glass factory is included with a demonstration of glass processing. On board you will be accompanied by the explanations of our author audio guides and you will also have different itineraries available for when you get off our eco-boats. At the San Marco stop you can use priority tickets for the Doge's Palace, home of the Doge and seat of the Grand Council of the Serenissima and the Basilica of San Marco, the symbol of Christianity in Venice: visit the two famous monuments of Venice by skipping the line.

Explore Doge’s Palace in Venice at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour on your phone designed by an expert. Listen to fascinating stories, based on an award-winning storytelling concept, and gain great insights into the most iconic landmark of the city. Start your tour from Porta del Frumento and encounter the enormous interior courtyard. Witness the art of Tiziano, Tintoretto & Veronese. This tour, combining an immersive audio tour with a detailed map of the site, is the perfect companion to the Doge’s Palace and its riveting stories.

Avoid the long lines and discover 2 of Venice’s most important treasures on this walking tour. Meet your guide at Doge’s Palace and walk straight past the long lines of tourists. Walk through what used to be the home of the Dukes of Venice and learn more about this symbol of the city from your guide’s detailed commentary as you admire the numerous Renaissance frescoes located in the building.   Continue your visit to St Mark’s Basilica, where you will once again skip the lines of tourists. Admire the church’s famous gold mosaics and listen to your guide as they explain the meaning of each of these mosaics.   Finally, enjoy a 1-hour walking tour of Venice’s most important locations, learning more about its exotic history and transformation throughout the years as you stroll through its picturesque canals.

Delve deep into Venice’s history with a 3-hour guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge's Palace, either as a private tour or shared group experience. Take in two of the city’s most important landmarks while discovering the history of the one-time mercantile capital of the Mediterranean.  Start by exploring St. Mark's Square with your guide before heading into the cathedral. From the first-floor terrace you’ll be able to admire views across the lagoon and see the famous bronze horses up close. Hear how they traveled all the way to Paris and back in Napoleon’s time.  Next, you’ll use the priority entrance to reach Doge's Palace, formerly the residence of the leader of the Republic of Venice. Enjoy visiting the Chamber of the Great Council and courtrooms among other things. Highlights include frescoes by Tintoretto and the Giants’ Staircase.  After this, cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs that links to the New Prisons. Learn how the bridge got its name and the purpose for its construction in the 17th century as you take in the amazing views of the canals. At the end of your tour, feel free to stay and explore the Doge’s Palace with tips from your guide.

See the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, two of the most iconic sites in Venice, on a guided tour. For centuries, the destiny of the Most Serene Republic was decided in the majestic halls of the Doge’s Palace. Walk through the magnificent halls and marvel at the well-conserved priceless treasures, art masterpieces, and frescos. Visit the prison, passing over the celebrated Bridge of Sighs, so called because prisoners often sighed while looking at their beloved lagoon and freedom for the last time before reaching their cells. Among the famous guests of the Doge’s Palace prisons was Giacomo Casanova, the celebrated seducer and adventurer who managed to escape from the prison in 1756. Next, head to St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the world’s most stunning churches. As the name suggests, this cathedral is bound tightly to Venice’s patron, St. Mark, and the saint's remains are in fact here. Admire the breathtaking golden mosaics covering the high walls, and see the Pala d’Oro, an altarpiece made from hundreds of pieces of enamel on a golden leaf.