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
90 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
90 minutes
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Gondola ride
2 Hours Night Rate
30 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 30 minutes
2 hours
Duration: 2 hours Gondola ride
30 minutes
Duration: 30 minutes Gondola ride
1 hour Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour
1 Hour
Duration: 1 hour Gondola ride
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
414 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Person was on his phone....
Linda C,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Person was on his phone. The whole time barely spoke to us, took away from the experience. expected more.
Very relaxing and...
Kristy S,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very relaxing and enjoyable with interesting facts provided. The gondolier was skilled. It’s amazing how they can maneuver in the narrow canals.
Private Gondola ride
sue b,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Private Gondola ride, guide was very informative about the history of Venice and made the experience great. Would highly recommend
Relaxing and informative
JacquiTegjeu,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our gondolier, Roberto, was nice. He gave some insights to the city as we rode along the canals. We were slightly late in getting to our meeting place as we were unfamiliar with the city and the water bus. We later found out that if we started our walk earlier from where we stayed, we could have used the Rialto Bridge instead of using the water bus; albeit a slightly longer walk but it would have saved us the stress of getting there. Regardless, Roberto was kind enough to give us the full ride which we booked for, and that made the rush worthwhile.
An experience
va2fl2003,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The gondola ride was a great experience. They were also accommodating by moving our reservation to an earlier time. However the route we took wasn’t what I expected. He took us through neighborhoods instead of major landmarks. He also didn’t explain anything unless I asked a question.
Perfectly Perfect!
Jilleen H,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our gondola Tomaz was amazing! The trip was fantastic! Took us on some quiet canals! Couldn’t have asked her a better experience!
Beautiful Venice
DayTrip08628376991,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience ! So relaxing and the tour guide was very sweet and knowledgeable !
She gave us a very good historical perspective on Venice…
Kevin K,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00She was very knowledgeable, very articulate and had a great personality.
Gondola Ride in Venice
Stephanie B,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a great way to see Venice via the water. The gondola is so calming. Many of the side streets were so quiet - felt like you had Venice all to yourself for a moment.
Everyone should ride a...
Sheena B,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everyone should ride a gondala once in their lives! Our guide was hilarious and made the ride more enjoyable. Right after we started it began to rain heavily and we had to hide under a bridge for a short time. It was entertaining and a night to remember.
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