Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights

3.8
(314 reviews)

30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

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.

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

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please present your voucher at the Servizio Gondole stand. Kindly approach the gondoliers directly for assistance and boarding.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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 .

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    /30 min tour ends here/ Cruise past the Cicogna Palace along Fondamenta Briati and catch a glimpse of its quiet courtyard with a cool Istrian stone well. Then step into San Polo, Venice’s largest square, where the scent of fresh pastries drifts from lively taverns. Explore historic churches and the birthplace of playwright Carlo Goldoni in this vibrant, lived-in corner of the city.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Step aboard a traditional Venetian gondola and glide along the iconic Grand Canal—known affectionately by locals as the “Canalasso.” As your gondolier expertly navigates the waterways, take in the timeless beauty of Venice from a unique perspective. Don’t miss the opportunity to ask your gondolier about the striking Calatrava Bridge. You may have crossed this modern glass structure upon your arrival, but during our tour, you’ll enjoy a privileged view—especially enchanting when illuminated in the evening.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    As we glide along the Grand Canal, take a moment to admire the elegant Degli Scalzi Bridge. Constructed in 1846, this architectural landmark was designed to provide a vital connection between the bustling districts of San Polo, Rialto, and Santa Margherita with the newly established railway station—ushering in a new era of accessibility for Venice.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    As the journey continues along the Grand Canal, you’ll be captivated by the striking façade of the Pisani-Moretta Palace—an outstanding example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Its elegant design is structured into three grand sections, framed by intricate stonework that reflects the city’s noble heritage.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    /60 minutes tour ends here/ Welcome to San Polo, the largest square in Venice and a vibrant heart of local life. This historic district is known for its unique blend of tradition and enterprise—where homes and workshops once stood side by side, embodying the classic Venetian “shop-house” lifestyle.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    The highlight of this itinerary through Venice is the magnificent Rialto Bridge—the city’s oldest and most celebrated crossing. No matter the hour, it’s a favorite spot for visitors capturing memories with photos and selfies. But on this tour, you’ll enjoy a privileged view from the water, offering a fresh and elegant perspective. Surrounding the bridge, you’ll notice a lively mix of traditional shops and inviting restaurants that reflect the area’s enduring charm. The bridge owes its name to the nearby market, which gained such prominence by the mid-13th century that the entire area became known as Rialto.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    As you pass along the Grand Canal, your attention will be drawn to the stately façade of Ca’ Farsetti, one of Venice’s most distinguished palaces. Built in the 13th century in the Venetian-Byzantine style, this historic building now serves as the seat of the City Hall. Its elegant arches and noble columns reflect centuries of civic pride and political heritage.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    At the eastern end of the bridge once stood the old mint, giving rise to its former name, Ponte della Moneta. As we approach the dazzling Ca’ d’Oro, admire its façade—once believed to be adorned with real gold.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    /90 minutes tour ends here/ From the canal, the Rialto Market bursts into view with vibrant colors, lively voices, and the scent of fresh produce drifting through the air.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Step into San Marco Square — Venice’s grand “living room of Europe,” where history and elegance meet. Your gondolier will guide you past the majestic cathedral and bell tower, rebuilt in 1902 after centuries of awe.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pass under the iconic Bridge of Sighs, where centuries of secrets and stories linger in the silence of stone. Legend says a kiss beneath it at sunset seals a love that lasts forever

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Beneath the shadowed arches of the Doge’s Palace, secrets of a powerful republic linger in silence. Once home to rulers and prisoners alike, its walls still whisper tales of intrigue and hidden justice

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    /2-hour tour ends here/ Admire the majestic Chiesa della Salute, rising gracefully at the Grand Canal’s edge—a symbol of Venice’s resilience and devotion. Built in gratitude after the plague, its baroque beauty tells a story of hope carved in stone and light.

    Admission ticket free

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
Supplied by TUI Musement

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Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Architecture Tours
Historical Tours
Gondola Cruises
City Tours
Private Drivers
Water Tours
Likely to Sell Out
On the Water
Canal Cruises
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
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Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

3.8 Based on 314 314 reviews
5 stars
163
4 stars
38
3 stars
47
2 stars
25
1 star
41
Likely to sell out
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