Private Tour

Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights

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From EUR 79.5

3.91
186 reviews

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)

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

2-hour tour ends on Chiesa della Salute

60-minutes tour ends on San Polo

Friendly and expert local gondoliere

Choice of a 30-minute, 1-hour, 1.5-hour or 2-hour tour

30-minutes tour ends on Palazzo Briati

1.5-hour tour ends on Rialto Market

Transportation to the meeting point

Options

1 Hour

Duration: 1 hour
Gondola ride

30 minutes

Duration: 30 minutes
Gondola ride

30 minutes Night Rate

Duration: 30 minutes

2 Hours Night Rate

1 hour Night Rate

Duration: 1 hour

2 hours

Duration: 2 hours
Gondola ride

90 minutes

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Gondola ride

90 minutes Night Rate

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Reviews

3.91

186 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

99
24
30
14
19
  • The tour guide was not...

    Kelly Q,

    May 15, 2025

    - Viator

    1.00

    The tour guide was not knowledgeable about the city, he had limited english speaking ability and he ended the 60 minute tour 10 minutes early. Also, the tour was extremely over priced. There are literally hundreds of Gondola's available at any time to provide the same 1 hour tour for $150 instead of the $400 that we paid.

  • Quite ride through parts of Venice.

    Laurie P,

    May 14, 2025

    - Viator

    4.00

    Quite ride through parts of Venice. Gondolier answered questions only when asked. Not an informative tour.

  • Gondola in Venice

    Lamanda B,

    May 6, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Very relaxing. Enjoyed getting to see houses from the water. I’ve read articles saying don’t waste money on a gondola ride, just ride a taxi or whatever, I’m glad we ignored that and did the one hour gondola ride, it’s all about the experience and we really enjoyed it, even though we got rained on, still worth the $$.

  • Not worth the price

    Stephanie S,

    May 3, 2025

    - Viator

    1.00

    Not worth the price and too far from main area. If you plan to stay in the San Macro near Rialto bridge area, there are plenty of gondola rides that are closer with a better view of the city. Also we got cheated on our time, started late and ended early. Not the experience I had hoped for

  • Nice, calm gondola ride.

    Ken W,

    May 3, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    It was a nice gondola ride through the side canals. The pickup point was close to the train and bus stations too!