Do I need to make reservations for Doge's Palace?

Hi Heidi,
When are you going to Venice? My husband and I went there 5 years ago in the height of summer and our reservations saved us at least an hour in line in the boiling sun!!! Also, if you have to take the tour on a specific day or time, it's worth it to make the reservations rather than just showing up and hoping for the best. BTW.....we LOVED that tour.....learned so much and I will always remember the info about Cassanova!!! It was a great experience!

I'll be in Venice from Sep. 10-15.

If you intend to do the Secret Itineraries tour then prepurchasing is essential. http://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/ is the official website and it will redirect you to viva ticket to purchase.

I have to say, I was really excited for the Secret Itineraries tour, but then was very disappointed (as was my wife). It was just so loooonnng and borrringgg. I suggest seeing the rest of the palace though...it's quite nice.

Disagree about it being long and boring. It provides an interesting insight into how government operated during the rule of the Doges and allows you to see the 'inner workings' of the Palazzo Ducale. Still, each to their own.

You could be in line for a awhile...our first visit, we stood in line almost an hour - and it was mid-Sept. Then we learned about the Correr Museum 'trick', got the combo ticket there and bypassed the line (this was the 2nd time we went to Venice - yes, we did the Doge twice - hubby and I got separated the first time and I rushed thru trying to find him...except he was behind me...sigh).

From the RS site...
Combo-tickets combine admission to a larger sight with entry to a lesser sight or two that few people would pay to see. The bad news: You have to pay for multiple sights to visit one. The good news: You can bypass the line at the congested sight by buying your ticket at a less-popular sister sight. You can wait up to an hour to get into Rome's Colosseum or Venice's Doge's Palace — or buy a combo-ticket (at another participating yet less-crowded sight) and scoot inside.
Whether you have a combo-ticket or pass, never wait at the back of the line if there's any chance you can skip it. Don't be shy: March straight to the front and wave your pass or ticket. If you really do have to wait with everyone else, they'll let you know.

So, the second time we got our combo tix at nearby Correr museum (which honestly is a lovely museum as well - if you do get the combo ticket, make sure you go in) - and bypassed the line at the Doge's P.

Unfortunately Venice is a tourist dumping ground for cruise ships. Hordes of daytripping tourists depart the mega cruise ships and usually head straight for San Marco where the major touristy sites are located. If you get there and in line just before the palace opens you may be able to avoid the lines. If you definitely know you want to see it and you definitely know the dates you'll be in Venice then it really only makes sense to pre-purchase and save yourself some precious vacation time. Venice is wonderful...just avoid San Marco during the middle of the day when the lines are longest.

I agree with this earlier post: I have to say, I was really excited for the Secret Itineraries tour, but then was very disappointed (as was my wife). It was just so loooonnng and borrringgg. I suggest seeing the rest of the palace though...it's quite nice.

I went on trip to Venice/Rome/Orvieto and followed many of Rick's tips and the suggestions on this board. I had a terrific vacation. The only spot that failed to impress.....was the Doge's Palace/Secret Itineraries tour. We had no wait because I booked ahead but I found most of it very boring and other parts depressing--something I've never felt anywhere on any vacation. We are total information-nerds, so I was surprised that I was bored. The highlight of seeing "where Casanova was held"...oh my gosh, those cells were horrible. No windows, ptch dark, tiny cells for many people, thick walls...to think of the suffering of all the people who had been inside those cells week after week, month after month....to me, this was pretty gruesome. I know the Doge is very very popular, but wanted to share my reaction, just as a FYI. I do suggest getting tickets for the Clock Tower tour, right next door. Must book ahead, small groups only 8 people---not good if you have claustrophobia or mobility issues (stairs), but extraordinarily interesting and beautiful views from the top. http://torreorologio.visitmuve.it/en/home/