I'm trying to plan a day in Venice (just me and my 12 yr old son) and the Doges Palace Secret Itinerary tour sounds quite interesting, but how should I reserve tickets and about how far in advance. We'll be there sometime around the end of next week (ETBD tour). Also, I was going to try to do a visit to St Marks Basilica and the Peggy Gugenheim (son likes Dali and Picasso) but I'm afraid with the crowds and all, we won't be able to do all 3. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Dana Point, CA, USA
8 posts
It's really easy, I haven't done it yet for my trip, but i just googled doges palace venice and tons of info comes up. it's easy to reserve with any sight. good luck, as i'm looking forward to my visit in September.
Posted by
Dana Point, CA, USA
8 posts
I almost forgot, i'd book it now, as it's summer and i'm sure it's busy. I'm booking soon for doges as well as Peggy Guggenheim. The Accademmia is another one I'll be doing as well, which is supposed to be wonderful.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
540 posts
It will be a full day, but it is certainly possible to do all three if you begin early. The Peggy Guggenheim would be a nice place to end the day, not only because of its location away from the other two sites you mention, but also because it's not jam-packed with tourists. I found it very relaxing--and would recommend the audioguide.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
147 posts
Don't miss Doges and St. Marks for sure as you can't see those anywhere else.
Posted by
Nederland, CO
1530 posts
Our 11 year old loved the secret itinerary tour of the doges palace. I reserved it through www.weekendavenezia.com, they email you a voucher which you then print out. My guess is that may also be able to book it there, but would need to do it the day before or early that morning.
The other thing my 11 year old really enjoyed in Venice was going out to Murano and watching a glass blowing demonstration.
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
I think you should be able to do it assuming the tour is 3 - 4 hours or so. I did the self guided one with one of those audio thingies and that was good. It suited the time I had available. If you go to St Marks try to go around 12.30 as they light the gold ceiling and it is amazing. I think it is only lit for about 1/2 hour. I agree with the post above it would be nice to finish at the Gugenheim.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
Jen,
If you want to book the Doge's Secret Itineraries tour, I suggest you call. I did it yesterday morning and in a few minutes I had my reservation code. the #is ++(011)39 0415209070 - the menu has an English option and the operator I got spoke good enough english to get my tour booked (just be sure to clarify all details - she'd originally thought I said 9 tickets instead of one!). Before you call, I would look at this calendar to see the availability (that's next week for you - Giuno is June) - there is plenty of availability for English tours so you should be fine if you call ahead but if you know you want to do it, just go ahead and reserve it, all you do is get a # so if you don't end up going, there's no harm done. Because there seem to be a lot of spaces, you could also wait til you're in venice and book for later in your stay - that'd give you a bit more freedom! Have fun!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
Oh Gosh Jen, I'm so sorry, I may have linked you to tours in Italian (I clicked English but oy, computers)... HERE is the English availability (I'm sure it's english!) and as you can see, a lot fewer spots - so definitely call them up ASAP if you want to take the tour!
So sorry about my mistake!!
Posted by
OP
Houston, TX
19 posts
Thank you all so much. This has been very help and I plan to call and reserve our secret itineraries tour immediately, as this is not to be missed! The other 2, we will certainly try to do (Gugenheim open late Saturday!) , but if we miss out, well, I suppose thats reason enough to go back to Venice! Again, thank you all for your help :)