A thrilling secret journey through the Doge's Palace

TOUR DESCRIPTION

This guided tour is a great way for the whole family — kids, teens, and grown-ups — to discover the Doge’s Palace together. Did you know that the palace was once a castle with towers, just like a fairytale fortress? The Doge was not exactly a king, and his residence was also the seat of government, the Palace of Justice, and home to the city’s prisons.

Join us on an engaging exploration of the history and art of this extraordinary building, which truly represents the essence of Venice. We’ll walk through the institutional heart of the palace, admiring magnificent paintings created to glorify the Venetian Republic. If you wish, we can also step into the medieval atmosphere of the Armoury, where swords, spears, shields, and armours tell stories of power, war, and defence.

THE STORY

Now it’s time to uncover the palace’s darker and more mysterious side. We’ll enter the old prisons of the Doge’s Palace through a special access, normally closed to the public, and explore hidden corridors where stories usually go untold. Narrow staircases and secret passages will lead us deep inside the building, where you might even play peekaboo with unaware visitors on the other side of the walls.

We’ll reach the attic prison to discover the true story of Giacomo Casanova and his legendary escape — one of the most daring prison breaks in history. Don’t worry if the Torture Chamber gives you a little shiver: curiosity and fun will guide us all the way to the New Prison, which we’ll reach by crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Ticket availability for the Secret Itineraries is very limited. If sold out, you agree to replace this tour with another of our Doge’s Palace tours (Regular kid-friendly tour, Interactive tour, Scavenger Hunt).

Grown-ups, teenagers and kids starting from 7/8 of age (see important notes)

This tour is available ONLY in the MORNING and advance booking is mandatory.

Children under 6 are not allowed. Even older children who may be easily frightened or impressionable should not be brought into the secret areas.

Groups of more than 5 people are required to use headsets, which must be booked in advance.

The secret areas are not accessible to visitors with mobility issues and are not recommended for those suffering from claustrophobia, vertigo, or cardio-respiratory disorders. Not suitable for pregnant women.

Indoor guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, engaging for children and adults alike, with a kid-friendly guide featuring interactive storytelling, visual details, clues, and light puzzles to spark curiosity

Around 2,5 hours

The usual meeting point is in St Mark’s Square, at the Doge’s Palace exit, Porta della Carta — see the picture attached or follow this link to Google maps.

Check out our rates, as well as our cancellation policy, terms and conditions here.

For private tours, special skip-the-line tickets—including access to the secret part of the Doge’s Palace—must be purchased in advance by calling the centre only (not online). Credit card details will be required.

Not required. Backpacks and long umbrellas must be checked in the cloakroom.

This tour can be combined with a visit of St Mark’s Basilica, or a boat tour along the Grand Canal.