Private Tour
Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Step aboard your private gondola and glide through the canals of Venice. Whether you want to meander through hidden corners or glide under famous bridges and sights – this tour satisfies all tastes. Fabio, one of the gondoliers, says, ‘Being a gondolier is so much more than operating a gondola. Over 400 hours go into getting a Gondolier license, learning the ins and outs of the canals, Venetian art and history. You’re really in the safest hands.’
The shortest tour focuses on the San Paolo district. Discover an intimate side of Venice and lesser-known gems. Canal-facing facades are a unique characteristic of Venetian buildings before streets came along – the canals were the streets – and they were a way of showing style and wealth.
If you want to continue to the Grand Canal you can choose the 1-hour tour and If you’re bursting to see Venice’s more famed locations, the 1.5-hour tour showcases the Rialto Bridge area and the longest ride adds St. Mark’s Square to the itinerary.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This activity takes place rain or shine, but please note that in the event of exceptionally high tides or heavy rain, the tour may be cancelled by the local supplier and a full refund will be provided
Each gondola carries a maximum of 5 people (infants included). Larger groups will be divided between multiple gondolas
Please note that babies count as adults. You need to book a ticket even for them
Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour departure time. If you arrive late, the ride will be shorter and for those more than 15 minutes late, this will be considered a no-show
Dogs are allowed on the boat and don't count towards the maximum number of people
Your gondolier can provide commentary and answer any questions you might have about the city , or you can take in the sights and soak up the atmosphere on this relaxing ride
Duration is subject to traffic conditions
Tour starts from the moment of boarding
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Carmini
Drift past the elegant Carmelite church and feel centuries of history echo off its Renaissance façade. Then swoon at the fairytale charm of Torres’ neo-medieval home—so romantic, it practically whispers sweet nothings to passing lovers.
Ca' Zenobio degli Armeni
Wander through the lavish halls of Palazzo Ca' Zenobio, where elegance meets intrigue—and if you're lucky, you might just stumble upon a film shoot .
What‘s Included
Friendly and expert local gondoliere
2-hour tour enjoys the full itinerary
1.5-hour tour goes up to Rialto Market before going back to the meeting point
30-minutes tour goes up to Palazzo Briati before going back to the meeting point
60-minutes tour goes up to San Polo before going back to the meeting point
Choice of a 30-minute, 1-hour, 1.5-hour or 2-hour tour
Transportation to the meeting point
Options
90 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
1 Hour
Duration: 1 hour
Gondola ride
30 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 30 minutes
30 minutes
Duration: 30 minutes
Gondola ride
1 hour Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour
90 minutes
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Gondola ride
2 hours
Duration: 2 hours
Gondola ride
2 Hours Night Rate
Reviews
364 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Matteo is a great gondolier!
Mike G,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time! Matteo was wonderful and really pitched in to help my wife, who has balance issues, get in and out of the Gondola. We are celebrating our 36th anniversary, and this ride will be a special memory!
Great gondola trip
G3525BGmichaelr,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great gondola ride with a very friendly happy gondolier He was super. The route was perfect because it was in a quiet area and time w no tourists.
Gondola tour: A MUST DO!
Paula C,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our gondola experience! Of course the Grand Canal was a sight to see, but the ability to visit the interior “neighborhood” canals and bridges was so special. We all were so amazed by our gondolier’s expert skills in traversing the canals as well as the information he provided about his beautiful city of Venice.
Excellent and beautiful...
julian g,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Excellent and beautiful route. Tour guide was nice but did not explain much and barely spoke unfortunately.
Super gondola ride. Romantic and quiet.
Monica P,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Super gondola ride. Highly recommended. 😃😃😃. The round was exactly one hour. The gondolier told a lot without disturbing. Really nice. Thank you.
Relaxing way to see Venice
Struth2795,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic, very relaxing way to see the sites of Venice from the water Gondola was comfortable and our gondola man was great with insights of Venice
Fingers Off Private Gondola Rides with Viator
H4366ZFbirgith,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Private gondola ride is overpriced, trips between 90 and 110 euros are offered on site, departure point is remote, distorted time data, as half of the specified time is lost for the departure or docking alone
Amazing experience
63shawnc,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did the one hour tour. A little pricey but with the very personable and knowledgeable Gondolier enjoyed our once in a lifetime experience, thoroughly!
Fun and Yummy! Don’t miss this Food Tour!
MaryE L,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Denys was the perfect guide and really host for this Venice Food tour! Very informative and lots of wonderful food and conversation along the way! We sampled so many local favorites and enjoyed having time to purchase drinks as well. We really appreciated him helping us to get back to our hotel boat taxi! We were back in record time! Highly recommend this tour!
Beautiful Venice!
nancy p,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00No real historic perspective on everything we saw. We just went up and down canals and that was it. Relative to what I paid probably.
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