With skip-the-line access and exclusive after-hours entry, you’ll explore the Doge’s Palace in a peaceful, unhurried setting—no crowds, just you and your guide.

Highlights include:

The Golden Staircase (Scala d’Oro), reserved for foreign dignitaries and ambassadors

The Sala del Maggior Consiglio, one of the largest rooms in Europe, where the Venetian Republic's leaders once gathered

Works by Tintoretto, Veronese, and Titian, revealed in exquisite detail without the usual hustle.

A haunting walk across the Bridge of Sighs, into the palace’s prison wing, with stories of real inmates who once crossed the same path

Throughout, your private guide will tailor the experience to your interests—whether that’s history, art, architecture, or behind-the-scenes anecdotes of power and politics.

After your palace visit, treat yourself to a refined Venetian dinner just a short walk from the square. We recommend:

Ristorante Da Ivo

Distance: 6–7 min walk from St. Mark’s

Atmosphere: Elegant, romantic, and beloved by celebrities (yes, even Clooney!)

Cuisine: Classic Venetian with a gourmet touch—try the black ink cuttlefish risotto or tagliolini with spider crab

Why go: Authentic charm, canal-side seating, and impeccable service

Reservations highly recommended

Alternative: For a more modern twist with lagoon views, Quadri (Michelin-starred) offers contemporary Venetian cuisine right above Caffè Quadri on the square.