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Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights

380 Reviews 4.21 out of 5 stars Based on 380 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Venice, Italy

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On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

30 to 120 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Italian

Overview

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
  • Transportation to the meeting point
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Fondamenta Cossetti
458-458a, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

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.
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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 .
Read more

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Doge's Palace (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
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Basilica di 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.
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Show 14 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-39613P164

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.21
380 reviews

Average 4.21 out of 5 stars based on 380 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
237
4 stars
51
3 stars
47
2 stars
24
1 star
21

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • 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

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • 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
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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