Doge's Palace & Prisons Ticket and Tour

Meet your guide at the entrance to the Royal Gardens in Venice and stroll to Doge's Palace, the majestic Venetian-Gothic building from where the leaders of the former Venetian Republic ruled until the late 18th century.

Plug into your provided headset to ensure you can hear your guide’s commentary clearly, and then, with your skip-the-line ticket, bypass the main entrance queues and head inside. Begin by exploring the grandiose public chambers, whose walls are studded with masterpieces by Renaissance artists Tintoretto and Veronese.

See Juno Bestowing her Gifts on Venice, a vibrant ceiling panel in the Trial Chambers of the Council of Ten, and the slot where accusations of treason were passed to Venice’s feared secret service. Learn, too, about the extravagant doges and hear of the power and treachery that characterized their reign.

Then, wander across the world-famous Bridge of Sighs, which was built to connect the palace to the network of prisons established by the doges so they could keep a close eye on their foes. Look out over the historical waterways and pose for photos.

End your tour with a walk around the eerie New Prisons before bidding your guide a fond farewell outside the palace.