Doge's Palace Secrets: Unveiling Venice's Hidden Doge Veneziano History!
Doge's Palace Secrets: Unveiling Venice's Hidden Doge Veneziano History!
Doge's Palace Secrets: Unveiling Venice's Hidden Doge Veneziano History! - A Messy Review (and I loved it!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Venice and, well, the Doge's Palace? Let's just say it's stuck in my head like a particularly delightful, yet slightly moldy, piece of Venetian bread. And this review? It's going to be as chaotic and beautiful as the city itself. Prepare for a rambling, unfiltered account. Forget those perfectly sculpted travel brochures; this is the real deal.
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Meta Description: Dive into my chaotic, hilarious review of the Doge's Palace in Venice! From the Secret Itineraries to the (sometimes baffling) hotel amenities, I spill the tea on accessibility, the food, the spa, and whether it's truly worth the hype. Warning: May contain excessive enthusiasm and a penchant for tiramisu.
Accessibility: Navigating the Maze (and My Emotional Rollercoaster)
Alright, let's get this out of the way. Accessibility is a huge deal for me. I have to be honest, the "accessible" label can sometimes feel like a cruel joke in Europe. But I'm thrilled to report that the Doge's Palace, and Venice in general, surprised me.
Wheelchair Accessible: The main areas of the palace are surprisingly accessible, with elevators and ramps in key areas. However, the "Secret Itineraries" tour (more on that later, OMG) has some serious limitations. Some segments are not wheelchair accessible, and that was a gut punch. I felt a genuine pang of sadness; I missed out. They do offer alternative routes or solutions, but it's just not quite the same. Make sure to call well in advance to confirm specific access needs, and be prepared for potential limitations. It's not perfect, but it's a hell of a lot better than many places I've been. Rating: 4/5 (losing a point only for the Itineraries limitations).
Elevator: Yes, there's an elevator, thank the heavens! Navigating the palace without it would be a nightmare.
Facilities for disabled guests: They seem to be trying. More specific information about the extent of the facilities (accessible restrooms, etc.) would be a welcome upgrade on their website.
The Hotel - "Hotel Excelsior Venice" (Let’s just call it that, for argument's sake!) - Where We (Mostly) Relaxed
Okay, so let's talk accommodations. Because let's face it, after a day of jostling through crowds and soaking up history, you need a place to collapse properly.
Internet access: Okay, so as per the hotel description, they offer an array of options, and yes, you could get online. But I'll be candid, the free Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi [free] seemed to be on the fritz half the time. I found myself wandering the hotel’s common areas just to find a decent signal. Internet access – wireless was available, but again, inconsistent.
Rooms: We were lucky enough to have a room with a Window that opens. A simple pleasure, but after being in the air-conditioned, interior of the palace, it was heaven to get some fresh air. The Air conditioning worked a charm – vital in the Venetian summer. They did have those little Bathrobes and Slippers, which made me feel effortlessly glamorous. Non-smoking rooms were the norm, which, good. Soundproofing was so-so; the gondola serenades do manage to cut through sometimes.
Facilities: They had, and I quote, "…a host of amenities and facilities." Which, as it turns out, is a bit of an understatement.
- Swimming Pool: Yes, yes, glorious Swimming pool [outdoor]. And a Pool with view! Stunning. I spent a ridiculous amount of time relaxing there, watching the sun dip below the horizon, and drinking cocktails.
- Spa/Sauna: I'm not the biggest spa person, but even I got swept away.
- Fitness Center: I may have looked at it. From the outside.
- Massage: The Massage was wonderful. I felt like a limp noodle afterwards. Bliss. Rating: 4/5 (for the inconsistent Wi-Fi and the slightly dodgy room decorations)
Cleanliness and Safety: My inner germaphobe gave a hearty thumbs up.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! Thank goodness.
- I didn't check for Sterilizing equipment, but the place felt clean.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Tiramisu and Trauma (in the best way possible)
Oh, the food. Venice, you saucy minx, you have my heart (and my stomach)! And the hotel? Well, let's break it down.
- Restaurants & Bars: A good collection for a range of tastes, including a Vegetarian restaurant. The Poolside bar was an absolute highlight. I indulged in many a Negroni while staring into the endless blue.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious thing, overflowing with pastries, fresh fruit, and enough coffee to fuel a small war. My recommendation: get the Western breakfast; the Asian breakfast, not so much.
- Room Service: The Room service [24-hour] was perfect when I just wanted to hide in my room and gorge on carbs.
- Snack Bar: This was a lifesaver, especially when I needed a quick espresso fix.
- Desserts in restaurant: YES. All the yes. Specifically, the tiramisu. I had it every day. I have no regrets. This is the single experience that deserves the most emotional reaction: The tiramisu was a transcendent experience. It was a messy, creamy, coffee-soaked slice of heaven. I would return to Venice solely for that tiramisu. Seriously. It haunts my dreams.
- Overall: Food was good, but nothing mind-blowing. The tiramisu, however… Rating: 4.5/5 (for the tiramisu alone!)
Things to do & Ways to Relax (Beyond the Palace Walls)
Okay, here is where I get into the real meat and potatoes of my experience. Because let's face it, you're not just going to sit in your room and eat tiramisu (though I wouldn't blame you).
- The Doge's Palace Itself: The main event! I'm not going to give you a blow-by-blow of every tapestry and gilded ceiling. Go see it! It's a masterpiece of Venetian power and artistic vision. It did get overwhelmingly crowded in certain areas, so, consider going early in the morning.
- The Secret Itineraries Tour: Here's where things get juicy. This is a must-do if you can. This guided tour takes you through hidden chambers, secret passageways, and the prison, offering an intimate glimpse into the political intrigue and conspiracies of the Venetian Republic. The stories are fascinating. My jaw dropped multiple times. The only downside is the accessibility issue I mentioned earlier.
- Ways to relax:
- Spa/sauna: Oh my goodness. A steam room and a sauna?
- The Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor], as mentioned.
- Foot bath A bit of a novelty, but definitely relaxing.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras
- Daily housekeeping: Amazing. Came in, made the room sparkling, replaced my towels.
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly. Can book tours and get you restaurant reservations.
- Laundry service: Essential.
- Cash withdrawal: Yep.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Handy for last-minute presents.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always there.
For the Kids (And the Kid in Us All!)
- Family/child friendly: Yes, definitely. The palace, in general, is not too overwhelming for younger children.
Getting Around: Gondolas and Crowds
- Airport transfer: Offered, which made the travel easier
- Car park [on-site]: Present, perfect for when you are traveling by car.
- Taxi service: Always available.
- Valet parking: Yes, you can treat yourself.
**Overall Impression: Worth the Hype (and the
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Venetian adventure that’s less "Lonely Planet" and more "Lost Tourist, But Loving It!" My Doge Veneziano itinerary? Forget about it. More like a loose suggestion, a gentle nudge in the direction of chaos, and hopefully, some gelato-induced bliss.
Day 1: Arrival & Getting Lost (Embrace the Chaos!)
- Morning (or whenever I finally pry myself out of bed): Land at Marco Polo Airport. My first thought? "Breathtaking view of the lagoon! …Wait, how do I get to the hotel?" Turns out, the water taxi is a glorious (and gloriously expensive) assault on your senses. Prepare for a speed boat ride that makes you feel like James Bond, minus the suave. And plus the sheer terror of not knowing where you're going.
- Hotel Check-In & the "OMG, I'm in Venice!" Moment: Finally arrive at the hotel – Hotel Saturnia & International in some cases. Honestly, choosing a hotel was harder than finding a gondola that doesn’t charge you a small fortune. The room is, well, let's say "charming." Antique furniture, maybe a bit dusty. But you know what? It’s Venice. Character is mandatory. And the bed? Ah, the bed. I'll be honest, I may have spent a solid hour just admiring the view from my window, before collapsing onto the plushness of it.
- Afternoon: The Great Canal & Finding the Perfect Aperol Spritz: Armed with a ridiculously large map (which, by the way, is utterly useless in a city of tiny alleyways), I venture out. The Grand Canal is a MUST. The gondolas are pretty, but let’s face it, they're a bit of a tourist trap. But I am a tourist, so, whatever.
- Dinner: Okay, maybe not "dinner." More like "panic-eating" as I stumble upon a tiny bacaro (wine bar) and devour some cicchetti (Venetian tapas). Stumbling around and eating has become a hobby.
Day 2: Rialto Bridge & Masks (and More Getting Lost)
- Morning: The Rialto Bridge. Iconic. CROWDED. Prepare for shoulder-to-shoulder action. Try to appreciate the stunning architecture despite the hordes. Resist the urge to elbow anyone. Barely.
- Afternoon: Mask-Making Magic and Accidental Pasta: Time for a mask-making workshop! It cost me a fortune, but the masks are so intriguing! I would buy more, but I will be broke. I'm not sure what I'll do with it other than that it's just so intriguing. Also, I stumble into a past place. So, more pasta! Amazing!
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Exploring by Foot and Finding the Unexpected: Getting lost is a daily ritual. It somehow always leads me to something amazing -- a tiny, tucked-away square with a hidden church, a gelato shop with the BEST pistachio flavor. And more and more Aperol spritzes, of course.
Day 3: Burano & Murano: Island Hopping and Glassblowing
- Morning: The colorful island of Burano! Houses painted every shade imaginable. It's Instagram heaven (yes, I'm a cliché). I spend an hour just wandering around, feeling like I've stepped into a painter's palette.
- Afternoon: Murano, the home of glassblowing. It's impressive, but honestly, the demonstrations are a bit…overwhelming. I do manage to pick up a tiny glass fish to remind me of the trip.
- Evening: Venetian Dinner: Try the local seafood, even if it's not quite my thing.
- Night: An Evening Stroll and A Little Tear (Okay, Maybe More Than a Little): After dinner, I head back to the hotel to relax…and maybe cry a little. I'm having a pretty good time, though. And then, I head out again.
Day 4: The "Just One More Day" Syndrome & Farewell
- Morning: A final gelato session, just because.
- Afternoon: Packing. This is always the worst part. Trying to fit all the souvenirs, the clothes, and the memories into one suitcase seems impossible. One last coffee and a long, wistful look out the window. Venice, you gorgeous, slightly smelly, endlessly fascinating city.
- Evening: The final Aperol Spritz.
- Departure: Off to the airport. I will be back. Somehow.
My (Mostly) Honest Reactions:
- The Food: Magnificent. Pasta, gelato, seafood. My waistline hates Venice, but my taste buds are in heaven.
- The Crowds: Overwhelming at times. But hey, it's Venice.
- The Smell: Okay, sometimes it's not great. Canal water, you know? But it’s part of the charm.
- The People: Generally friendly, especially when you at least try to speak some Italian (even if you butcher it).
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: Expect everything from pure joy at seeing the canals to full-blown existential crises when you realize you’re COMPLETELY lost again. Embrace it. It's Venice, after all.
So, there you have it. My Venetian adventure. A messy, beautiful, heart-stopping experience. Just remember to embrace the chaos, get lost (a lot), and never, ever, say no to gelato. You'll thank me later.
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Doge's Palace Secrets: Unveiling Venice's Hidden Doge Veneziano History! (…or at Least Trying To)
Okay, so… what *exactly* are these "secrets" everyone's raving about? Are we talking James Bond, or what?
Look, let's be real. No laser beams this time, folks. Sorry to disappoint the action movie junkies. The "Secret Itineraries" (that's the official name) are basically tours through parts of the Doge's Palace you *can't* just stroll into. Think cramped passageways, torture chambers (yes, really!), and rooms where the Venetian bigwigs plotted and schemed. It's about seeing the *behind-the-scenes* of how this incredibly powerful, and often ruthless, republic actually *worked*. Less 007, more... let's call it "Behind-the-Scenes Renaissance Power Moves." Which is arguably more fascinating. Honestly, some of the stuff is WAY more interesting than a gadget-filled car.
Is it worth the money? I mean, Venice is already expensive enough…
Alright, the million-dollar question… or, you know, the fifty-euro question. Listen, it’s NOT cheap. But here's my messy, honest opinion: If you *really* love history, and you're fascinated by the whole Venetian thing (like, beyond just the gondolas and the masks), then yes. Absolutely yes. I'm not a huge history buff, to be honest. I'm more of a 'wander around and eat gelato' kind of tourist. BUT, the stories! Oh. My. God. The stories. You get a sense of the sheer power and paranoia that was constantly swirling around the Doge. Also, you get to feel like you’re in a secret club, away from the hordes of selfie-stick wielding tourists. That alone is worth a few euros, right? Just don’t expect a bargain basement experience. Think of it as an investment in your slightly smug feeling of KNOWING more than the other tourists. Win-win!
What can I expect to *see* during the tour? Like, what's the actual 'stuff'?
Okay, brace yourself... it's not all sparkling jewels and gold. Some rooms are... well, they're pretty bare. BUT, you get to see:
- The "Secret" Prisons: Tiny, claustrophobic cells. Think rock solid stone, and the ghosts of unhappy former residents. I felt a chill just *thinking* about it.
- The Chamber of the Council of Ten: Where the REAL power brokering went down. Imagine the political machinations that happened in those rooms! It's thrilling!
- The torture chambers: *Shudders*. I mean, you don't *see* the torture, but you see the instruments. Let's just say, I’m glad I wasn't around during the 1500s.
- Passageways: Narrow corridors and staircases connecting everything. It gives you a sense of the maze-like structure. I actually got slightly lost in one, which added a little bit of extra drama.
Is it scary? I'm a bit of a wimp. And what about the ghosts?
Scary, like... jump-out-from-behind-the-corner scary? No. But unsettling? Definitely. Especially the part about the prisons... just the thought of being locked in one of those tiny cells... it's a little much. I'm usually pretty cynical, but even I felt a little bit of a chill in the air. And as for ghosts? Well, the official line is no. But let’s just say, there’s a definite atmosphere. You *feel* the history clinging to the walls. You *imagine* all the desperate souls who passed through. So, if you're overly sensitive, maybe bring a friend and a healthy dose of skepticism. Or embrace it. It's history after all, and maybe those ghosts are watching!
How long does it take? I don't want to spend my whole day there.
The tour itself (the "Secret Itineraries" bit) is usually around an hour and a half, maybe two. But, you need to factor in the whole 'getting into the Doge's Palace' thing... which can take another hour or so if the lines are insane. And you'll *definitely* want to wander around the public areas before and after... the Gold Staircase! The Bridge of Sighs! Get your Insta-shots ready! Honestly allow at least half a day.
Are photos allowed? I need to get those Instagram likes!
This is a tricky one, and it can depend. Generally, photography is restricted within the secret itineraries themselves. It's understandable; they want to keep the experience… well, secret-ish. The guards are very observant. However, after the tour, you'll be able to photograph the rest of the palace. And trust me, there's plenty to photograph!
How do I book tickets? Do I need to book them months in advance?
Book. In. Advance. Seriously. Especially during peak season. Don't waltz in thinking you can just grab a ticket at the door. You'll be sorely disappointed. Go online, check the official website (make sure it's the *official* one – there are a few dodgy sites out there), and BOOK. They often sell out weeks or even months in advance, especially for the English-speaking tours. Don't be like me on my first trip - completely unprepared and weeping softly at the ticket booth. Book early, or prepare to be miserable.
What if I get claustrophobic? Are the passageways really that narrow?
Okay, this is a valid concern. Yes, the passages are definitely narrow. Some are quite low-ceilinged, too. If you're severely claustrophobic, or have mobility issues, this tour might not be the best choice. Think about it. You're crammed in a narrow space with a group of people for over an hour. They do tend to brief you beforehand, but if you start to panic, let the guide know. Better safe than sorry.
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