Private Tour

Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights

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Overview

Available languages

English
Italian

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 will ask you if you want a commentary during the experience or you can silently take in the sights and enjoy the ride

Please note that all tours start and end at Piazzale Roma (near the train station)

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‘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

What To Expect

1

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.

Admission Not Applicable
2

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 .

Admission Not Applicable

Options

1 Hour

Duration: 1 hour
Gondola ride

90 minutes

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Gondola ride

1 hour Night Rate

Duration: 1 hour

90 minutes Night Rate

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

2 hours

Duration: 2 hours
Gondola ride

30 minutes

Duration: 30 minutes
Gondola ride

30 minutes Night Rate

Duration: 30 minutes

2 Hours Night Rate

Reviews

3.82

258 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

134
30
41
19
34
  • Excellent Gondola Experience

    Tracy K,

    Jul 19, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    This private tour is far superior to the San Marco Gondola rides. Our gondolier took us through quiet residential areas and told us what we seeing. He was so welcoming and informative.

  • Greatest experience beautiful gonda ride

    Cacin T,

    Jul 17, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Great experience great gondola ride. if you do but this trip you should leave out about an hour early because parking is very hard and walking to your destination. so you get there on time and don't have to rush

  • Lame rip off!

    Alexander D,

    Jul 15, 2025

    - Viator

    1.00

    LAME RIP OFF! No hidden canals were explored. We were out in the open being baked by the sun in the main shipping channel being sloshed around by bigger boats. The sites that were pointed out were obvious things that anybody can figure out by looking at an online map. The guide barely spoke English and cut the trip short by 15 minutes.

  • Nice, relaxing ride...

    Abbie T,

    Jul 15, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Nice, relaxing ride through the canals! Best part of Venice. We wanted to go a tad early and they fit us in!

  • Don’t waste your money, or time!

    robin h,

    Jul 14, 2025

    - Viator

    1.00

    The ride was not worth the money! Our guide literally talked on his phone our entire ride…even had it on speaker phone for some of the ride, so we not only got to hear him talking, but someone else…what a joy! 😡😩 He only named 1 building for us!

From EUR 79.5

3.82
258 reviews