Grand Luxury Venice Tour by Boat and Gondola - Skip the Crowds!
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Exploring Venice does not get more intimate, comfortable, and luxurious than this! Take a private boat tour of Venice and explore the city by water, without the need to compete with the crowds or walk long distances. Learn about the city from your professional guide as you travel along Venice’s beautiful canals by water taxi and gondola, stopping to explore as and when you please.
Available options
2.5h Tour by Boat with Gondola
2h Tour by Boat + 25m Gondola: This tour includes a 2-hour private boat tour with a tour guide, followed by a private gondola ride<br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: During this tour, you will pass by the main sights of Venice, and do several photo stops. This tour ends with a gondola ride.<br/>Pickup included
3.5h Tour by Boat & Gondola
3h Tour by Boat + 25m Gondola: This tour includes a 3-hour private boat tour with a tour guide, followed by a private gondola ride<br/>Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: During this tour, you will pass by the main sights of Venice, and do several photo stops. This tour ends with a gondola ride.<br/>Pickup included
4.5h Tour by Boat and Gondola
4h Tour by Boat + 25m Gondola : This tour includes a 4-hour private boat tour with walking stops with a tour guide, followed by a private gondola ride<br/>Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes: During this tour, you will see the main Venice sights, do several photo stops, and walk. This tour ends with a gondola ride.<br/>Pickup included
1.5h Tour by Boat with Gondola
1h Tour by Boat + 25m Gondola: This tour includes a 1-hour private boat tour with a tour guide, followed by a private gondola ride<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: During this tour, you will pass by the main sights of Venice. <br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private gondola ride (if option selected)
Hotel pick-up
Private water taxi
Private tour guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, or any other location of your choice in Venice, and a private water taxi will be docked as close as possible. Set off to explore highlights like the Frari Chapel, San Polo Square, and the Doge’s Palace.
2
Stop 2
As you float through the city's dreamy canals and under charming bridges on a gondola ride, make sure you have your camera at the ready. Pass by the 15th-century San Rocco school and church, and stop at San Polo Square, where Venetians used to organize bullfights for Carneval.
3
Stop 3
Next, make your way to the lively Rialto market where locals go for fresh fish and produce, admiring the grand Rialto Bridge as you approach it by boat. You’ll have the opportunity to buy a snack or drink at the market, browse the local delicacies, and go souvenir shopping.
4
Stop 4
The final stop will be at Piazza San Marco. Your guide will point out the mosaics adorning St Mark's Basilica, its clock tower and the Campanile.
5
Stop 5
Admire views of Doge’s Palace, which for over 1000 years served as the government administration center for the region.
You’ll end your tour with a relaxing gondola ride (if this option was selected). Please note that the guide will not accompany you during this part of the experience. Once your gondola ride is finished, you’ll have to make your way back to your hotel or your next destination independently.
What's not included
Hotel drop-off
Food and drinks
Entrance fees (none required)
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
PT
EN
ZH-CN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
4 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
4 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
