Venice (Chioggia), Italy

Secrets of Doge’s Palace

Hidden Passages in the House of the Venetian Doge Enter the secret passageways of Venice’s Doge’s Palace—the halls, rooms and chambers hidden from the public eye. With your local guide, you will slip away from the crowds through a small door into the palace’s lowest levels. Here, stone cells held prisoners of the Venetian Republic behind thick doors and wrought-iron locks. Ascend to the upper floors via narrow, steep stairways to the sparse offices of the staff who performed the delicate work of building and maintaining a republic. Heading still farther upward, you will see the cells reserved for political prisoners and spies—including its most famous captive, Casanova, who was arrested for seduction in 1753. Return to the palace’s public spaces, where you will have an opportunity to tour the luxurious staterooms and breathtaking Great Council Room on your own. You will have time to explore St. Mark’s Square on your own before returning to your ship. * Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep incline