Doge's Palace: Priority Entrance (Exclusive Refundable Ticket)

About this experience

Save precious time and skip the long lines to the former seat of power in Venice. Enjoy fast-track entry to the magnificent Doge’s Palace and wander through its extraordinary halls and corridors at your own pace. Admire the grand chambers adorned with masterpieces by great Venetian artists and cross the Bridge of Sighs from the inside to reach the historic prisons where criminals were once held, including the famous Giacomo Casanova. With the same ticket, you can also visit the nearby Royal Palace, now Correr Museum, overlooking St. Mark’s Square. Discover how Venice became one of the most powerful maritime republics while exploring rooms such as the Napoleon Ballroom and the boudoir of Empress Sissi, as well as the famous 1500 map of Venice by Jacopo de’ Barbari. Your ticket also includes access to the Monumental Rooms of the Marciana Library and the National Archaeological Museum, home to an important collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures and classical artifacts.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 1h

   The Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s most breathtaking landmarks and a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. Once the seat of the powerful Venetian Republic, this magnificent palace was home to the Doge and the center of Venice’s political power for centuries. Inside, visitors can admire lavish halls adorned with masterpieces by great artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese, walk through grand chambers where historic decisions were made, and discover the fascinating history of one of the world’s most influential maritime republics.

2. Stop 2 · 15min

   The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, connecting the Doge’s Palace to the historic prisons. Built in the early 17th century, this elegant white limestone bridge enclosed prisoners as they crossed from the courtrooms to their cells. According to legend, it takes its name from the sighs of prisoners catching their last glimpse of the Venetian lagoon through its small stone windows.

3. Stop 3 · 30min

   The Museum Correr offers a fascinating journey through the art, history, and daily life of Venice. Explore elegant imperial rooms such as the Napoleon Ballroom and the intimate boudoir of Empress Sissi, admire neoclassical masterpieces, and discover one of the oldest and most detailed maps of Venice, the famous 1500 view created by Jacopo de’ Barbari, which reveals the city as it appeared during the height of the Venetian Republic.

4. Stop 4 · 15min

   The National Archaeological Museum of Venice houses one of the most important collections of classical antiquities in Italy. Located in St. Mark’s Square, it preserves an extraordinary selection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, bronzes, ceramics, and coins, offering visitors a fascinating journey through the art and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world.

5. Stop 5 · 15min

   The Monumental Rooms of the Marciana Library are among the most magnificent Renaissance interiors in Venice. Once used as the ceremonial heart of the Venetian Republic, these grand halls are adorned with lavish ceilings and masterpieces by great Venetian painters of the 16th century. The library also preserves an extraordinary collection of rare manuscripts and ancient books, including the famous Codex Venetus, one of the most important surviving manuscripts of Homer’s Iliad.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

Please carefully check the title and inclusions of the option booked, as not all options include all services. From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536; look for the sign at the entrance.

Before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.