Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals

Venice , Italy

Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals

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(139 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Explore some of the smaller, secret Venetian canals by motorboat on a 2-hour cruise, and discover the neighborhoods of Cannaregio, the Jewish Ghetto and Dorsoduro as well as the Grand Canal, too! While hearing anecdotes and history about the enchanting city from an onboard guide, look out for sights such as the Arsenale shipyard alongside intriguing lesser-known landmarks. See craftsmen at work at a gondola boat workshop, and then finish the cruise on a high note with a jaunt along the glamorous Grand Canal and underneath Rialto Bridge.

Available options

Private Tour

Private tour conducted exclusively for you, your family and friends. Tour in English, other languages on request.

Small Group Tour 1:00pm

Winter Departure

What's included

Professional English-speaking guide

Grand Canal ride

Stop at the Jewish Ghetto

Luxurious motor-launch

Stop by a Gondola Shipyard in the charming Dorsoduro district

Enter via the “Porta dell’Acqua“ into the impressive Arsenal, the historic shipyard of Venice

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

View the magnificent St Mark's Square and Doges Palace from the water

Stop 2

Enjoy a 1-hour tour of the Grand Canal and minor canals lead by our English-speaking guide in a small group of 8/9 people

Stop 3 Pass by

Learn about the Magnificent Rialto Bridge as you pass by on your boat

View the magnificent Arsenal of Venice during your guided 2-hour cruise by boat

Stop 5

Enjoy a walk in the fascinating Jewish ghetto of Venice

Stop 6 Pass by

Enter some of the back canals of the picturesque Cannaregio district

See the first basilica of Venice in the Castello district

Stop 8 Pass by

Cruise down some of the charming canals of Dorsoduro district

Stop 9 Pass by

Pass by the Accademia gallery and bridge as you tour the Grand Canal

Stop 10 Pass by

Cruise some of the small canals of the Santa Croce district

Stop 11 Pass by

Pass by the Ponte degli Scalzi near the train station, the third bridge connecting the two sides of the Grand Canal

See the Baroque church Santa Maria di Nazareth as you cruise down the Grand Canal

See the famous Squero San Trovaso, one of the oldest and still active places where gondolas are built

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meals

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

119 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.2

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tour is not suitable for people in wheelchairs or with walking difficulties as passengers are required to step down onto the boat when boarding. The variation of the level of tides can make the vessel unstable

During high water, the tour will take place, but it might happen we have to partly adapt the tour to the weather conditions

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

All passengers pay the same rate irrespectively from their age

On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it

Meeting point

Entrance to the Royal Gardens, on the waterfront of St Mark's Square - You'll meet Avventure Bellissime tour coordinator outside the Royal Gardens, in front of the wrought iron Gate holding a sign with the name of the tour and Avventure Bellissime written on it.

Important notes

• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. Please make sure to check your email prior departure.
• It is client’s responsibility to check if the provider of the service has sent any communication up to the day prior to the tour departure – Failing in checking your email inbox might incur in extra costs involved with the excursion you have booked, and that will not be refundable.
• Please call Avventure Bellissime to reconfirm your tour or alternatively you can send an email at reservation@tours-italy.com; Avventure Bellissime opening hours are Mon to Sat 8.30am - 5.30pm April to mid October. Other months: 9am - 5pm Mon to Fri, 9am - 3pm Sat, public holidays closed.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

About Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for its rich history, art, and culture. The city offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the world.

Top Attractions

St. Mark's Basilica

A stunning Byzantine cathedral known for its opulent design, golden mosaics, and historical significance. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for museum and treasury

Doge's Palace

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Doge's Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of Venetian government. It offers a glimpse into the city's political and cultural history.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €25 for standard ticket, €30 for Secret Itineraries Tour

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous of Venice's four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Grand Canal

The main waterway of Venice, the Grand Canal is lined with beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings. A vaporetto ride along the canal offers stunning views.

Nature/Scenic 30-60 minutes €7.50 for a vaporetto ticket

Murano

An island famous for its glass-making tradition. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique glass souvenirs.

Cultural/Historical Half-day Free to explore, €10 for museum

Burano

A colorful island known for its lace-making tradition and picturesque houses. Burano is a charming and photogenic destination.

Cultural/Scenic Half-day Free to explore, €5 for lace museum

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

A risotto made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, briny flavor.

Main Course Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies.

Sarde in Saor

Sweet and sour sardines marinated with onions, raisins, pine nuts, and vinegar.

Appetizer Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Bigoli in Salsa

Pasta with a sauce made from anchovies, onions, and breadcrumbs.

Main Course Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians.

Frito Misto

A mix of fried seafood and vegetables, including shrimp, squid, and zucchini.

Appetizer Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians.

Popular Activities

Kayaking in the canals Cycling on Lido di Venezia Hiking in the Venetian Lagoon Sunbathing on Lido di Venezia Enjoying a gondola ride Visiting a spa or wellness center Attending a concert or opera Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. The city is vibrant with events and festivals, and the temperatures are comfortable for exploring.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken in local areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Venice is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, and acqua alta (high water) events can disrupt travel plans.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use official taxis and ticket vendors
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Venice Marco Polo Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Santa Lucia Railway Station

By bus

Piazzale Roma

Getting around

Public transport

The vaporetto is the main public transport system in Venice. It operates on fixed routes and is the most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (limited availability), Local taxi apps

Rentals

Neighborhoods

San Marco Dorsoduro Cannaregio Castello

Day trips

Burano and Murano

10-45 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

Visit the colorful island of Burano and the glass-making island of Murano for a unique and picturesque day trip.

Lido di Venezia

20 minutes by vaporetto • Half-day to full day

A long, narrow island between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea, known for its beaches, the Venice Film Festival, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Padua (Padova)

40 km (25 miles) • Half-day to full day

A charming city known for its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel with its stunning frescoes by Giotto.

Festivals

Venice Carnival • February or March (dates vary) Venice Film Festival • Late August to early September Festa del Redentore • Third weekend of July

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more authentic experience
Try local specialties and dishes, and ask locals for recommendations
Use a map or GPS to navigate the intricate streets and canals, as Venice can be easy to get lost in
Be prepared for acqua alta (high water) events, especially from October to January, and check forecasts and plan accordingly