Private gondola tour in Venice off the beaten track
Activities

Private gondola tour in Venice off the beaten track

4.5/5
Excellent
Based on 32 reviews
from
$169.00
Free cancellation
Language: English, Italian
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: Flexible
Why you’ll love this…
  • A private gondola ride lets you meander through Venice’s canals in classic style.
  • You'll explore lesser-known canals that reveal a quieter, more intimate side of Venice.
  • Venetian architecture, from palaces to churches, creates a striking backdrop.
  • The city’s merchant past comes to life through stories of trade and tradition.
  • Your expert gondolier shares unrivalled knowledge of the city and its waterways.
What to expect

Step aboard your private gondola and glide through the canals of Venice. Whether you want to meander through hidden corners or pass beneath famous bridges and landmarks, this tour offers something for everyone. Fabio, one of the gondoliers, explains: "Being a gondolier is so much more than operating a gondola. Over 400 hours go into earning a gondolier license. We learn the ins and outs of the canals, Venetian art, and history, and our language skills must be top of the class. You're really in the safest hands."

This tour focuses on the San Paolo district, offering a more intimate view of Venice. Discover hidden gems such as the Carmelitani Church and the Venetian Baroque architecture of Palazzo Zenobio. "Canal-facing facades are a unique feature of Venetian buildings from before streets existed. The canals were the original streets, and facades were a way to show style and wealth. You'll see some real showstoppers," says Fabio.

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.

Read more
What's included
  • check Friendly and expert local gondoliere
  • check 30 minutes Gondola ride
What's not included
  • x_not_included Transportation to the meeting point
Where

Fondamenta Cossetti, 458-458a, 30100 Venice, Venezia Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Meeting point:
Meet your gondolier at the dock (Servizio Gondole) in front of the newspaper kiosk and present your voucher. Kindly approach the gondoliers directly for assistance and boarding. Please arrive 10 minutes before the 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.
What to remember

Know in advance:

  • 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
  • Duration is subject to traffic conditions. The tour starts from the moment of boarding
  • Please note that all tours start and end at Piazzale Roma (near the train station)
  • Each gondola carries a maximum of 5 people (infants included). Larger groups will be divided between multiple gondolas
  • 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
  • Dogs are allowed on the boat and don't count towards the maximum number of people
  • 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
Read more
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.5/5

Based on 32 reviews from verified customers

63%
25%
13%
0%
0%

Review categories

Safety

5/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

4.4/5

Service

5/5

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Jenny Jones

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Traveled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Great experience. Gondolier was very informative. Lovely to see different parts of Venice, to see normal life etc. very quiet.

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    It took me quite a while to find the best gondola ride but finally I did and it was worth it. Giacomo our gondolier was exceptional, his explanations ...

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - May 2025

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Gondola was on time and the gondolier was friendly, he even took lots of photos for us. We had a wonderful experience.

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - April 2025

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Really great experience without any fuss and spot on time as we didnt have to wait at all.

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - August 2024

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Our Gondola experience was amazing. We had the best time. Our Gondolier was absolutely amazing very knowledgeable and funny. He made our experience wh ...

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