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
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Gondola ride
1 hour Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour
90 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
2 hours
Duration: 2 hours
Gondola ride
30 minutes
Duration: 30 minutes
Gondola ride
1 Hour
Duration: 1 hour
Gondola ride
30 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 30 minutes
Reviews
303 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Soaked & Disgusted
Gordon M,
Sep 27, 2025
- Viator
1.00Terrible experience. Weather was terrible rain and thunderstorm with lighting. Vender refused to delay trip until weather was acceptable and would not refund any part of the $372 fee. Against our better judgement we decided to go on ride but quickly realized that the weather was getting worse not better so we requested to be taken back to dock, the Gondolier refused and said he had to finish the 1 hour tour. The Gondola Company rep refused to furnish an umbrella or even properly dry the sitting area and also was very rude dealing with us during the whole process. Also Gondola team was a no show until 3:14 when we were required to be there at 2:45. Do not recommend using this company for a gondola experience or Viator for not standing behind their customer.
It is a ride not a...
Wayne S,
Sep 22, 2025
- Viator
3.00It is a ride not a “tour”. The gondolier was pleasant just not informative. I expected to learn about what we were seeing.
Wonderful experience!
Mark Y,
Sep 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a very nice tour. Our guide was knowledgeable when asked questions but not vocal otherwise. Very enjoyable ride on a variety of waterways and not just the grand canal.
Good Ride, Organization Could Use Work
Ted S,
Sep 17, 2025
- Viator
4.00A good ride! However….the meeting place instructions were vague…went to the Gondolla building but it was locked up/closed. Nearby are the gondolas with folks waiting…seemingly no organization as to who goes when. Thankfully we had a reservation and the gondolier told folks he needed to honor reservations first. Great ride thru city.
We were shown a video...
Billy C,
Sep 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00We were shown a video about ancient Venice and asked to download a audio guide that did not play on either phone. I did not realize this was avl shared ride. Very short and their was nothing shared about the current time or locations.
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