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 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
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
2 Hours Night Rate
90 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
30 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 30 minutes
1 Hour
Duration: 1 hour
Gondola ride
90 minutes
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Gondola ride
1 hour Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour
2 hours
Duration: 2 hours
Gondola ride
30 minutes
Duration: 30 minutes
Gondola ride
Reviews
316 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome experience
Sheila T,
Oct 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00A wonderful experience! The Gondoliers are amazing, the way they get around the canals with all the other traffic is just crazy! Interesting history along the way but truly relaxing & beautiful. R we started it hour at 6 so it was perfect timing on the last 15 minutes to watch the sun setting. So COOL!
4 friends in Itsly!
Edward P,
Oct 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00Oou gondoliers were courteous snd informative. We enjoyed a 90 minute cruise through the Grand Canal and many of the smaller ones. Absolutely loved it!
Very Disappointed -- Don't Book This Viator Tour
Ron V,
Oct 9, 2025
- Viator
1.00Travellers to Venice should be aware that gondola rides throughout Venice can be found around almost every corner for less than charged by Viator. In addition, this particular tour was disappointing for the following reasons: (1) the gondola meeting place was in the commercial district near the train station and did not include any of the nice undiscovered canals -- indeed, 50% of the tour was on the main canal and commercial waterway; (2) the gondolier was merely going through the motions -- no attempt at friendliness or explaining any of the alleged sites (perhaps because there we none) along the route; (3) the meeting place for the gondola tour should be moved to the Doge's Palace island.
Exactly as described
Mary S,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00It’s was lovely to take the route around Santa Croce. Gondolier was quiet but very nice. It gave time to take in the sites. My recommendation is to read the full description of your booking. We were very satisfied because we knew what to expect.
Gondolier was nice enough by didn’t really give us much of a tour only pointing out a few buildings.
jan k,
Oct 2, 2025
- Viator
4.00Check location before making reservations. We didn’t look at the map and it was a 25 minute walk, if you don’t get lost or €70 private taxi ride to this gondola. There are gondola stations throughout Venice so it would be easier and less expensive to select a location near your accommodation. You can do it at your leisure than to be bound for a certain time.
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Operated by TUI Musement