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
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 .
Options
30 minutes
Duration: 30 minutes Gondola ride
90 minutes
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Gondola ride
90 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
1 hour Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour
1 Hour
Duration: 1 hour Gondola ride
30 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 30 minutes
2 hours
Duration: 2 hours Gondola ride
2 Hours Night Rate
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
431 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect gondola experience
Carol M,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect! Easy to make reservation, easy to get the ticket. Friendly reminders were very helpful. Easy location to find. Our gondolier was respectful, courteous and knowledgeable. He was very personable and made the experience a perfect one!
Great experience! Our...
Elizabeht M,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! Our gondolier was happy to answer questions and had a lot of historical knowledge.
Charming
Adam S,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Very friendly and knowledgeable staff, ride was short but a great time. Very nice way to see the city from the water.
Rip Off
Stacy K,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Rip off and very short! Was 30 min for almost $400 feeling like a stupid tourist! Yikes! WAY oversold and should be given a refund!
Best Gondolier
Dawn S,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very knowledgeable. Our Gondolier was 3rd generation, Adamo. Enjoyed learning about the history and wonderful views
The gondolier did not...
Tiffany M,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The gondolier did not speak to us during the entire ride or point out anything along the route. I would not book this experience again.
Nice Ride
Loreta K,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It was as expected. A nice ride through the canals. The gondolier pointed out a few buildings but that was the extent of the interaction. One thing I did not do was research the location that the tour stated from. There were a lot of gondoliers closer to our hotel that we could have purchased onsite. Not sure how price compares. I was glad to have confirmed reservation and pre-paid, but it is not necessary.
Rip off price. Don’t use. Go direct
Lee L,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Absolute rip off. Go direct and you’ll save over £60 There are gondolas throughout the city and they have are much cheaper
Gondolas Ride
Jennifer M,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00This was a terrible experience. We way overpaid booking ahead of time. Then the guide was super rude and seemed irritated to be there.
Great activity!
PJP41970,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The gondolier was very gracious. The ride was relaxing and the best way to see Venice.
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Operated by TUI Musement