Our tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica with Francesca was the highlight of our stay in Venice. At the palace, Francesca led us around the many halls and chambers, sharing her immense knowledge of Venetian history, politics, and art along the way. We also visited the old prison and Bridge of Sighs. She had many interesting stories to make the history come alive. She knew how to navigate the large tour group crowds so we could avoid lines. In St. Mark’s Basilica, Francesca had arranged for us to see the amazing Pala d’Oro, with its gold and silver panels and precious jewels. We finished with an elevator ride to the top of the Bell Tower, with its panoramic views of Venice. We would not hesitate to have Francesca as our guide again when we’re back in Venice. Highly recommended.
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Private tour in Venice Francesca R
Doge's Palace: Famous Landmark of Venice
5.0
(18) reviews
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2 hours
1
Tour date
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2 hours
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Francesca R.
5.0
Guide rating
353
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4 hrs
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Ciao I'm Francesca, welcome to my Toursbylocals Venice page. I was born in Sicily a beautiful island in Southern Italy where I lived for 20 years. I moved later on to Florence to attend university there where I graduated in Byzantine Archaeology. I completed my studies in Siena where I've got a master in Preservation of Cultural Heritage. In 2008 I moved to Venice where I fell in love with this unique city and I decided then to stay for ever! I became a tourist guide because I like people and impress them. I love to show my city and let visitors discover its many wonders. My tours are not just meant to provide knowledge on the art, history and architecture of Venice but they are a fun experience too. I'm not a teacher delivering a boring lecture but a friend ready to fulfil your curiosity. Don't worry, weird questions are allowed too! Professional Certified Venice Tourist Guide: license n#05000218 (Province of Venice) Certified guide for the Jewish synagogues Port Security Pass 32090 VACCINATED against COVID-19 NONE
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Discover its history and its art
Overview of your Venice tour
Discover the history of the most famous Republic of the world! During this tour we'll visit the Doge's palace, the institutional rooms with their masterpieces of Venetian paintings and you'll learn about the terrible methods used by Venice to control the safety of the State. We'll see the Great Council room, the Senate, the Armoury, the new prisons, the bridge of sighs, the offices of the terrible Council of Ten, the secret Police of Venice, and much more
Recent Reviews
We had a great tour. Francesca is extremely knowledgeable and it made for a very informative tour both on the history of the palace and the art. Highly recommended.
Had 3 days of tours in Venice with Francesca with two grandchildren. Very happy to have skip the line tickets to Doge's prison and palace. Note: Venice is great in the sun, but not so great in rain and wind!
Fantastic! Francesca brought the history of Doges palace and its secrets to life and enlightened us on the origin some of the things we experience today. Can not say enough about how on just the other side of the wall of the regal parts of the palace was a sorted and arbitrary justice / punishment! ..just pass through a secret door! If your going to spend time in Doges explore its secrets as well!
For second tour , Francesca was outstanding in every way---VERY knowlegable, personable, friendly and extremely attentive! Eleanor S, San Antonio, Texas
Francesca was fantastic nothing was to much trouble- we where travelling with our 83 year old father who has difficulty in walking. She organised a wheel chair and ensured he was with us to enjoy the doges Palace. We found her to be knowledgeable and informative Would highly recommend taking this tour with her I definitely will when I next come to Venice again
Your Venice tour itinerary
-This tour will introduce you into the world of the ancient Venetian Republic, with its paradoxes and its modernity, visiting the most important building of the city, the medieval Doge's palace. -During this tour we'll visit the institutional rooms, the best spot to admire masterpieces of Venetian painting. -We'll see the Armoury, the state's rooms and the dark prisons too! To get to them we'll cross the famous bride of Sighs, discovering why it has this strange name.
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Transport details
Type: Walking
It's a walking tour, please wear comfortable shoes. There are narrow passages and slippery staircases, it could be difficult for people with mobility impairments
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Meeting location
1 Piazza San Marco, Venezia, Veneto, 30124, Italy
In front of the Doge's palace entrance
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.