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
90 minutes
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Gondola ride
2 Hours Night Rate
30 minutes
Duration: 30 minutes Gondola ride
2 hours
Duration: 2 hours Gondola ride
30 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 30 minutes
1 hour Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour
Reviews
401 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Well worth for a once in a lifetime boat ride.
Douglas K,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our ride was very nice even though it was sprinkling out. It was 9am so not a lot of traffic. That was a plus. Would have been a 5 star if the Gondolier spoke some English. There was no explaining what we were seeing. Just him talking on his phone.
#1 from USA
Denise B,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Weather was cold and stormy. Tides were high Viewed back canal grand canal Interesting how many gondola there are and the traffic laws for the boats
Friendly and informative Evening Gondola Trip
Marcie B,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We went with our family including 3 adult children. It was very easy to find the location of Ingondola and TUI musement. The ride was excellent and our gondola driver, Adam, was friendly and informative. We would highly recommend. We went at 7 pm which was a great time to go and less crowded.
Didn’t get what we paid for
Shawna M,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00We paid for a 90 min ride. We got on at 2:45 pm. We got back to the landing at 3:50. We told the driver we paid for 90 min ride He said it was 90 minutes. Not at all.
Gondola ride
Groovymum123,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely gondola ride - comprehensive trip of all key points to see and quiet side canals. Good guide with lots of knowledge.
Fantastic Private 1 Hour Gondola Tour
carlosrQ6830FY,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic Gondola Tour. This really is the best way to see Venice with your loved one. We had it booked for 5:00 pm but showed up in the morning because we saw that there was less people in the morning. The gondolier was able to reschedule us and off we went for the hour. He was able to speak various languages including ours and was very knowledgeable about the whole city without being intrusive. That is, he only mentioned certain places as we passed and kept our privacy paramount. Then we stopped and he said that we got got lucky! We then watched from our gondola as a gondola race passed by us. Of course I filmed it all and noticed that we had the best seats to see it. You will likely not get to see a gondola race when you go but wow, still a great unforgetable experience!
Could have been a little better
Steve B,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The itinerary on our reservation was for a 2 hour excursion while we only paid for a one hour tour which was misleading and unfortunate which contributed to confusion While our guide was very professional and helpful we would have hoped for more of a narrative on his part rather than just answering our questions. The scenery and routes through the neighborhoods was very good and provided for great picture opportunities
Kind guide during extreme weather
Riley M,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Our Gondola guide was super nice, offered us cover in the pouring rain/hail. Super easy to find the starting point. He took us down quiet canals and was extremely kind. Paid a good amount of $ for 30 minutes, glad we did it but probably wouldn’t do a second time.
Caution booking too far in advance
Ann I,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Don't trust the "weather dependant" claim. Booking too far in advance makes weather issues problematic. I called this morning to inquire about the gondola ride being cancelled due to pouring rain in Venice and a forecast for the same throughout the day but was told the gondola company would notify me if it was cancelled. They did not and it started raining within minutes of starting the ride. It poured, thundered and lightening Ed for 3/4 of the ride. The Gondlier was very nice but we are very disappointed in Viator for a misleading claim that "weather dependant" could yield a reschedule or full refund. Neither was offered.
A relaxing, memorable ride thanks to a great gondolier!
Southernfried4,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A trip to Venice isn't complete without a gondola ride, and you can find one just about anywhere along the Grand Canal. But to get the full experience, you need a gondolier with personality, passion and an intimate knowledge of Venice's quiet back canals. We were incredibly fortunate to get one of those in Daniello. His gondola, named Elena after his grandmother, has been in his family for three generations and it was clear that he loves what he does! Not only did he hum to us -- he said it was better than his singing! -- but he also entertained us with his humor as he pointed out historic and interesting sights along the way, stopped and got us a prosecceo to sip along the way and gave us a great restaurant recommendation. It was an amazing 40-minute trip we won't soon forget!
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