Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights
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.
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 Location
Fondamenta Cossetti
458-458a, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Carmini (pass by)
Ca' Zenobio degli Armeni (pass by)
Palazzina Briati (pass by)
Bar Caffe Ca' Foscari (pass by)
Ponte degli Scalzi (pass by)
Palazzo Pisani Moretta (pass by)
San Polo (pass by)
Ponte di Rialto (pass by)
Ca' Farsetti (pass by)
Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro (pass by)
Mercati di Rialto (pass by)
San Marco (pass by)
Bridge Of Sighs (pass by)
Doge's Palace (pass by)
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (pass by)
Additional Info
- 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
- Customers requiring multiple gondolas must create separate bookings
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-39613P164
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.16 out of 5 stars based on 455 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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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.
Feb 2023- 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 (CET).
- 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.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What'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
Additional Info
- 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
- Customers requiring multiple gondolas must create separate bookings
