burlview

Has anyone done the "Secret Tour of the Doge's Palace"? Is it worth it? or should we just plan to do the Palace on our own?

Any other ideas of what not to miss would be great. We have only 1 1/2 days there.

Eloise

If you only have 1 1/2 days in Venice, I would suggest that you skip the Secret Itineraries tour, which takes you into small, plain, airless rooms above the state rooms. Just visit the Doge's Palace on your own.

What are your interests? Mine might not be yours...

mw2006

I had a similar question and found this thread very helpful. I think we are going to do it on our own since we also only have 1.5 days.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34849096

burlview

Thanks so much for the tips! I think we'll skip the Secret Tour! Probably just wander to get a feel of the city. I did read that the evenings in St Mark's are good - music etc.

Thanks Again!

missypie

With only a day and a half, I think I'd skip the Doges' Palace altogether. Do go into St. Mark's, however.

Dejais

I've done it and would skip it with only 1 1/2 days to tour. No biggie.

burlview

Thanks for the help! We can't wait to go!

Tiff

I completely agree with Eloise, and others above.

The best part of Venice for us was the outside, not the inside.

And everytime we were inside, I found myself excited to be out walking again.

It I only had 1 1/2 days, I'd skip it.

Enjoy, burlview, it is such a magical place!

Carta_Pisana

I toured the Doge's Palace on my own. Was working my way up, through room after room and almost had my fill of looking at rooms when i got to the huge hall on the top floor - and that astounded me. It also brought the history of Venice in sharp focus for me - the sunlight streaming into the room, bouncing off thefloor and illuminating the gilted stucco on the ceiling, the views of the lagoon filled with boats - it was a wonderful moment. I think I spent about 3 hours there - but I stopped and read bits and pieces of info from my guide book.