Venice Doge's Palace Secret Passages

No trip to Venice is complete without diving into its extraordinary past as the world’s oldest republic—and there’s no better place to do that than the Doge’s Palace. This exclusive, small-group tour takes you far beyond the typical visitor experience. With a local art historian as your guide, you'll step behind locked doors to explore secret archives, hidden council chambers, torture rooms, and the attic prison where Casanova was held—and famously escaped.

Limited to just 20 guests, this special-access tour reveals a side of Palazzo Ducale even most Venetians have never seen. Learn how Venice’s powerful rulers governed from the shadows, using surveillance and secrecy to maintain control. You’ll hear gripping tales of scandal, politics, and escape as you walk the same hidden corridors once used by spies and senators.

Along the way, enjoy skip-the-line access to the palace’s grander rooms too—opulent ballrooms, vast audience halls, and private apartments adorned with masterpieces by Veronese and Tintoretto. Your journey ends with a walk across the legendary Bridge of Sighs into the New Prisons.

After saying goodbye to your guide in St. Mark’s Square, continue your adventure at Ca’ Rezzonico, Casanova’s former residence and now a museum of 18th-century Venetian life. Entry is included, giving you the chance to explore one of the city’s most magnificent Baroque palaces at your own pace. It’s the perfect finale to your deep dive into the secrets of Venice.