Private Gondola Ride in Venice

Experience the magic of Venice on a private gondola tour. Glide through hidden canals, admire Venetian architecture, and uncover the city’s rich history. Book now!

Duration: 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Venice Faberest - It is estimated that there were 8-10 thousand gondolas operating on the canals of Venice during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, there are just 400 that are still in active service.
    Although most of the gondolas are used for touristic purposes, you’ll be fascinated by the strong bond they continue to have with the history of Venice.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Venice “off the beaten track”: this 30-minute private gondola ride, which departs very close to the train station, will allow you to explore the most hidden and fascinating canals and monuments directly from the water.

Your “gondoliere” will take you to see some beautiful cultural treasures of the city, such as Torres House, Palazzo Gaffaro, the Carmini Church, Palazzo Zenobio, and many other views and perspectives mostly unknown to tourists.

At the end of the ride, the gondola will take you back to Piazzale Roma (next to the train station).

What's Included
  • Local expert gondolier
  • Flexible tour duration - 30m, 1h, 1.5h, or 2h options
What's Not Included
  • Transportation to the meeting point
Additional Information

Embark on your personal gondola and navigate through Venice’s waterways. Whether you prefer to explore secluded areas or sail beneath renowned bridges and landmarks, this tour caters to all desires. Fabio, a gondolier, shares, ‘Being a gondolier extends beyond simply handling a gondola. Over 400 hours are dedicated to earning a Gondolier license, mastering the twists and turns of the canals, and understanding Venetian art and history. You’re genuinely in the most secure hands.’

The briefest tour centers around the San Paolo district. Uncover a more personal aspect of Venice and its less familiar treasures. Building facades facing the canal were a distinct feature of Venetian architecture before the streets were built – the canals served as the roads – and they represented a display of elegance and prosperity.

If you wish to extend to the Grand Canal, you can opt for the 1-hour tour. If you’re eager to see Venice’s more celebrated sites, the 1.5-hour tour features the Rialto Bridge region and the longest option incorporates St. Mark’s Square into your journey.

  • 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)
Location
Fondamenta Cossetti
Please present your voucher at the Servizio Gondole stand.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
3.9
(127 Ratings)
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Melissa_m
Aug 10, 2024
Unique and Picturesque! - Venice is a beautiful, lively and rich Italian city. It is rooted in so much history and everyone wants the live the Venetian experience. That being said, it can sometimes become challenging to navigate the crowds and hustle and bustle from time to time. While our hotel was located in a central and accessible part of the powerful Grand Canal, (something we appreciated) we really enjoyed the opportunity to see Venice off the beaten path via water. Our gondola excursion in this section of the city was picturesque, serene and offered a unique experience as we were often the only boat on the canal whilst traveling. We highly recommend this tour for those that wish to have a more romantic and peaceful experience. Thank you for showing us a side of Venice that really brought out its rich history. Grazie per tutti!
Review provided by Viator
Nora_b
Aug 7, 2024
Amazing - Amazing tour, the staff were really friendly and flexible: we have asked to change the time as we were there in advance and they have accepted without an hesitation. Beautiful ride and views outside the busy area that makes the experience very authentic! I strongly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Ginger_k
Jul 30, 2024
Fantastic - Our Gondolier was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable, informative and friendly. Off the beaten path was the way to go, less crowds and a little more shade. I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Laura_s
Jul 24, 2024
Sights and sounds! - Nicola was wonderful and very skilled at his work! We had a nice smooth ride through the canals and even were lucky enough to hear the beautiful church bells while riding!
Review provided by Viator
Sara_c
Aug 1, 2024
Family canal ride - We really enjoyed our gondola ride through the canals in Venice. Our guide was great and showed us around the narrow canals so we could avoid the high traffic areas. It was much cooler than on the main canal as well! My only complaint is it is pretty pricey for a short boat ride. We did enjoy it and recommend anyone visiting Venice to do one.
Review provided by Viator
Rick_t
Jul 14, 2024
It was ok - The ride itself was fine.not much commentary from the gondolier. It would be good to have a bit more conversation and information
Review provided by Viator
Joann_p
Jul 13, 2024
It was nice - If you want a gondola experience where the Gondolier does not tell you which historic landmarks you are seeing, this ride is for you.
Review provided by Viator
Donna_h
Jul 31, 2024
Meh! - Don’t bother. Yeah, it was nice but it was overpriced and our tour only lasted 20mins rather than the 30 as advertised. The gondolier we had didn’t speak to us at all so we didn’t know if we were passing anything of significance and got no information whatsoever. I booked this because I thought there would be queues for gondolas but there wasn’t, there is always plenty. Prices are set by local authority at 90€ for 30 mins for up to 5 persons and 110€ for night time tours.
Review provided by Viator
Jayme_h
Aug 7, 2024
Booked a tour for 3pm.... - Booked a tour for 3pm. When we arrived at the scheduled time we were told that we would not be taken at that time, we would have to wait and that people were ahead of us in line. I was under the impression we had reserved a specific time. We were unable to wait as we had other things scheduled (that’s why we scheduled it). When I requested a refund from viator they said we never showed up and refused to refund the excursion. Very frustrating and disappointing customer service. Will never use this company again.
Review provided by Viator
Linda_b
Aug 6, 2024
Wouldn’t book again - I wouldn’t book this again our tour guide did not talk at all during ride we booked for 30 mins and only got 20 def not worth the price
Review provided by Viator
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