Doge's Palace & Old Royal Palace

An unforgettable tour not to be missed! The Palazzo Ducale represented for centuries the seat of Venetian political power. In its splendid rooms, surrounded by hundreds of painting masterpieces, the Duke and his Council controlled the fate of a thousand-year old republic. You’ll experience with a qualified and experienced guide who will show you the halls of power, plunging you into a very special setting: the European Middle Ages and the centuries immediately following. You’ll be surprised at the rich details of the gold staircase, at the realism of the scenes depicted by many artists who have decorated this building, you will relive the anguish of the prisoners crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, and entering the Venetian prisons, famous for hosting Giacomo Casanova. The ticket for the Palace is included in the tour price and will allow you to enter without waiting. Entrance ticket also gives you access to the following palaces around St. Mark’s Square that you may visit by yourself: Royal Palace now Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. You will discover the way of life for the Venetians, with paintings, libraries, coinage, and sculpture. You will also have the opportunity to visit the area built by Napoleon and the rooms restored for Sissi, the Empress of Austria. After the visit of the Doge’s Palace you will have the opportunity to visit a Glass Factory close to Saint Mark’s Square where you can see a Glass Craftsman at work. Please note this is a free of charge optional tour of approximately 20 minutes and it is not a part of the tour.