Venice: Highlights Tour St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace

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A G.

February 10, 2026

Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) – Venice’s ultimate symbol of power and beauty (May 11, 2025) The Palazzo Ducale is one of the most magnificent buildings in Venice, standing proudly on Piazza San Marco as the former residence of the Doges and seat of Venetian government for over a thousand years. Its breathtaking façade blends Gothic, Byzantine, and Renaissance styles: delicate pink-and-white marble arches, intricate carvings, diamond-patterned stonework, statues of saints and virtues, and the famous Porta della Carta gateway with its elaborate sculptures. The building overlooks the lagoon, connected to the prison by the Bridge of Sighs, and inside (if you tour) the grand courtyards, gilded halls, Tintoretto and Veronese masterpieces, and secret passages tell the story of Venice’s wealth and political intrigue. On a clear May day, the sun made the marble glow against the blue sky, and the piazza buzzed with life around it. A jaw-dropping masterpiece that captures the soul of the Republic of Venice — absolutely unmissable!

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Becky T.

February 07, 2026

A must-see in Venice - made even better by the Secret Itineraries tour. Secret Itineraries Tour We pre-booked the English tour and arrived a few minutes early to clear the brief security and find the meeting point (clearly signposted inside). Bags and umbrellas must be checked before the tour in the free cloakroom. Our group was around 20 people, and the guide (Aga) struck a good balance of humour and history over the 1 hour 15 minute tour. It covers hidden prisons (including details of Casanova’s imprisonment), secret passageways, the Chancellor’s Office and archive rooms -spaces you wouldn’t otherwise see - and gives real insight into how Venice was governed and how justice was administered. Main palace Afterwards, we continue through the main palace on the standard one-way route (self-guided). The ceilings and artwork are incredibly impressive - vast canvases and gilded rooms - even if many of the rooms themselves are relatively bare of furniture. It was busy but not uncomfortably crowded. You could rush it in an hour, but 1.5 hours total (on top of the tour) feels more realistic to take it in properly. Logistics Quite a few stairs throughout. Audio guides available, and clear signage in multiple languages in each room. Clean toilets on the ground floor, though only three women’s cubicles so expect a queue.

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KARMA L.

February 05, 2026

My wife and I visited this palace and spent about 4 hours exploring world-class art without a guide. To say this place is a must-visit for lovers of history, art, and philosophy would be an understatement. ​Regarding the paintings: there is one work on the Staircase of the Giants where a Doge stands in red robes, and to the right of him, near Neptune's foot, you can see the head of a triton (a sea monster) or a dolphin, I can't remember which. But it is the creepiest thing I have ever seen in my life; no horror movie even comes close. It’s a truly terrifying image—I couldn't look at it for long. The artist hints that behind all the valor, honor, and power, there is always something demonic. ​The palace also houses the prison where Casanova was held, many incredible sculptures, a restroom, a cloakroom, a cafe, and a polite, educated staff. The area surrounding the building itself is no less magnificent. The atmosphere feels as though time has stood still. I loved everything—to date, it is easily the best museum I have ever visited. ​Highest possible recommendation! 11/10 Grazie per il vostro lavoro, torneremo sicuramente, adoro Venezia!❤️