Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights

Duration30m - 2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish, Italian

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Step aboard your private gondola and glide through the canals of Venice, with different routes taking you from quieter waterways to some of the city’s best-known sights. 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 licence, learning the ins and outs of the canals, Venetian art and history. You’re really in the safest hands.”

The shortest tour takes you through the San Paolo district, offering an intimate look at Venice away from the busiest sights. Look out for the distinctive canal-facing façades of Venetian buildings.

The one-hour option continues towards the Grand Canal, while the 1.5-hour tour takes you towards the Rialto Bridge area. The longest ride also includes St Mark’s Square, bringing some of Venice’s most famous sights into the itinerary. Whichever route you choose, you’ll experience the city from its historic waterways.

Options

90 minutes Night Rate

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

30 minutes

Duration: 30 minutes
Gondola ride

1 hour Night Rate

Duration: 1 hour

1 Hour

Duration: 1 hour
Gondola ride

90 minutes

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Gondola ride

2 hours

Duration: 2 hours
Gondola ride

2 Hours Night Rate

30 minutes Night Rate

Duration: 30 minutes

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
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.
Ca' Zenobio degli Armeni
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 .
Palazzina Briati
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.
Bar Caffe Ca' Foscari
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.
Ponte degli Scalzi
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.
Palazzo Pisani Moretta
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.
San Polo
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.
Ponte di Rialto
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.
Ca' Farsetti
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.
Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro
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.
Mercati di Rialto
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.
San Marco
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.
Bridge Of Sighs
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
Palazzo Ducale
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
Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
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.

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

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

Additional information

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
Customers requiring multiple gondolas must create separate bookings

Cancellation policy

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

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