Boat tours of Venice

Venice by boat

Venice by boat: Gondola rides, boat tours, and private excursions to the outlying islands

There's a whole section just on gondolas, but gondole (and vaporetti water buses and water taxis) are not the only way to get around the canals of Venice. Here are several intriguing boat tours of this city built on water.

 

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Venice by Private Gondola
Nothing conveys the romance of Venice like a gondola -- these elegant, black, hand-built wooden boats have been an unmistakable feature of the city for almost 1,000 years! Choose between two different routes: Classic Venice, that allows you to explore the major monuments and picturesque byways of the Sestiere San Marco; or Hidden Venice around the Sestiere San Polo...
Duration: 45 min.; Cost: $66 per group
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Gondola Ride and Candlelit Dinner in Venice
Make the most of magical Venice with a gondola ride and romantic dinner for two. Cozy up with your loved one as a traditionally dressed gondolier takes you on a 25-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal and smaller waterways, passing bridges, palazzos and churches in the glow of sunset. Then, step ashore at the award-winning Antico Pignolo restaurant and savor a 3-course candlelit meal for two of Venetian dishes. It's an ideal way to celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon or other special occasion...
Duration: 3 hours; Cost: $168 per person
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Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
Enjoy a walking tour of the city to discover its treasures nestled amid charming squares, bridges and narrow streets and then hop aboard a classic Venetian gondola boat. After exploring the Grand Canal and the smaller canals around the neighborhood of Fenice, soak up the charms of the romantic city while wandering through through picturesque cobblestone alleyways and squares. Your knowledgeable guide will point out all the highlights of Venice from the area between Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) to Rialto Bridge...
Duration: 2.5 hours; Cost: $50 per person
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Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
Float past the beautiful palaces and bridges of Venice on a 35-minute Venice gondola ride and enjoy a serenade, too. Select an afternoon or evening ride, and then see the sights of the city from the impressive Grand Canal. Aboard a traditional wood-carved gondola boat, look out for top Venice attractions such as Rialto Bridge and listen to Italian songs; it’s a must-do Venice experience...
Duration: 35 min.; Cost: $45 per person
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Private Tour: Venice Gondola Ride Including the Grand Canal
Float through Venice by private gondola boat on a 1-hour tour, and learn all about the history of the quintessential Venetian gondolas, too! As a gondolier navigates the boat along the famous Grand Canal, relax and listen to fun facts and trivia about the boats and the city from a local guide. Pass along pretty Rio della Madonnetta, and then ogle top Venice attractions such as Rialto Bridge and the glamorous Gothic Ca’ d’Oro mansion on the Grand Canal...
Duration: 1 hour; Cost: $80 per person
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» book: Reserve it
 
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Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade with Dinner
For the quintessential Venetian experience, take a serenaded gondola ride on the canals of Venice, followed by lunch or dinner – depending on your afternoon or evening selection. You'll swoon to the magic of Venice on your 35-minute gondola ride as you coast down the Grand Canal. Then, wend your way through the city’s romantic minor canals while listening to the serenade. Enjoy a two-course meal at Hostaria Ai Coristi Restaurant, located near Teatro La Fenice...
Duration: 2 hours; Cost: $99 per person
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Venice by Boat

There is no better way to get acquainted with Venice than by water. Inseparable from the city itself, the canals and waterways of Venice have inspired the musings of Hemingway, Byron, and James, among others. Bringing these musings to life, Context approaches introductory guided tours to Venice from the intricate web of water. Led by local experts, you will travel in a private covered boat with no more than six people...
Duration: 2 hours; Cost: $146 per person...
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Science and Secrets of the Lagoon

This four-hour excursion through the Venetian lagoon with a marine scientist follows the progress of modifications to the lagoon and their effect on the lagoon environment. It also takes us to visit some of the smaller islands in the northern part of the Lagoon that remain inaccessible except by private boat. It is a wonderful way to get out of central Venice and experience the Venetian Lagoon in the company of a true expert whose knowledge and research on the Lagoon environment has been critical to shaping EU policy in the region...
Duration: 4 hours; Private: €700 per group
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Venice Canal Cruise: Grand Canal and Secret Canals by Motorboat
Explore some of the smaller, secret Venetian canals by motorboat on a 2-hour cruise, and discover the neighborhoods of Cannaregio, the Jewish Ghetto and Dorsoduro as well as the Grand Canal, too! While hearing anecdotes and history about the enchanting city from an onboard guide, look out for sights such as the Arsenale shipyard alongside intriguing lesser-known landmarks. See craftsmen at work at a gondola boat workshop, and then finish the cruise on a high note with a jaunt along the glamorous Grand Canal and underneath Rialto Bridge...
Duration: 2 hours; Cost: $99 per person
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» book: Reserve it
 
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Venice Grand Canal Boat Tour
The best way to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of a city built on water is by boat. Gliding through Venice's Grand Canal and minor canals, you'll be introduced to the splendid palaces, churches, bridges, gardens and warehouses lining the city's liquid streets. Your luxurious motor launch boat tour of the Grand Canal brings the magic of Venice alive – ideal for photographers...
Duration: 70 min.; Cost: $52 per person
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Private Tour: Venice Grand Canal Evening Boat Tour
Take a romantic evening cruise along Venice's canals aboard a modern Venetian boat. This evening tour by comfortable boat takes you along Venice's famous Grand Canal, and allows you to explore further than a traditional Venice gondola allows. You can choose to speed along for one or two hours with your very own boat and personal guide...
Duration: 1–2 hours; Cost: $66 per person
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Venice Sunset Cruise by Typical Venetian Boat
See the ‘City of Love’ at its most charming on this 2-hour sunset cruise in Venice. Climb aboard a traditional Venetian boat, and then, with an expert skipper-guide, glide across the Venetian Lagoon. Cruise through St Mark's Basin and alongside the Venetian Lido, passing some of the area’s idyllic islands. Then, unwind with half a bottle of Prosecco and watch the sky morph into beautiful shades of red, orange and pink...
Duration: 2 hours; Cost: $89 per person
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Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

Explore three famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon – Murano, Torcello and Burano – on a half-day sightseeing excursion by motorboat. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll stop at a glass-blowing factory on Murano, visit Venice's first cathedral on the tranquil island of Torcello and shop for handcrafted lace on Burano. This morning or afternoon tour is a great introduction to the magical islands around the medieval city of Venice and its enclosed bay in the Adriatic Sea.
Duration: 4 hours; Cost: $22 per person
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Private Tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Tour

Discover the delights of the Venetian Lagoon on this private 4-hour tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello islands in Venice. Watch skilled glassblowers at work on Murano Island. Admire pretty houses in pastel shades around Burano Island’s delightful fishing port and learn of the ancient lacemaking traditions still practised today. Explore Torcello Island and marvel at top highlights such as the 12th-century Church of Santa Fosca and the Venetian-Byzantine mosaics at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. This private tour ensures personalized attention from your guide...
Duration: 4 hours; Cost: $131 per person
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» book: Reserve it
 
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The Islands of the Lagoon: Byzantine and Early Medieval Venice
Our excursion to Torcello and Murano brings a different side of Venice to life. A refreshing change from the bustle of the main islands, Torcello provides a respite with one of the only Byzantine cathedrals to survive in Venice. A thriving colony in the 5th and 6th century, the island has since declined, but the cathedral and its spectacular mosaics provide ample evidence of the life and architecture that once pervaded the entire city. The island of Murano, while famous for glass, is also home to a strong community of Venetians, exemplifying modern daily life in Venice. The outing will provide you with new found insight into the development of the Venetian empire and give you the opportunity to explore a side of Venice most visitors unfortunately miss...
Duration: 5 hours; Cost: €115 per person; Private: €480 per group
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Murano Glass and Burano Lace Tour

Discover the Venetian islands of Murano and Burano on a half-day trip from Venice! With your expert guide, you'll learn about the age-old handcrafts that brought these little islands fame, and you’ll see quality Murano glass and Burano lace being made first-hand. It’s the perfect afternoon trip from Venice for those seeking a combination of history and behind-the-scenes action...
Duration: 5 hours; Cost: $39 per person
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Two Islands in the Venetian Lagoon: Murano & Burano

Your private water taxi will take you first to Murano, home to Venice's glass insutry since 1291, where you can watch the skilled artisans at work. You then motor to neighboring Burano where most of the island's inhabitants are fishermen and some of their wives and daughters still make the lace for which the place is famed. You will have a complete tour of the island where the local lace making technique "a tombolo" will be explained...
Duration: 3 hours; Cost: from $920 per group
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The Magic Art of Glassblowing

This tour will introduce you to the secrets of the Murano method of glassblowing, including a visit to a glass factory showroom in St. Mark's Square where you will be told about the origins of the art of glassblowing which dates back to the Roman Empire and how, in the 13th Century, the island of Murano became the center of glass making...
Duration: 40 min.; Cost: $14 per person
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An Island in the Venetian Lagoon: Murano

The ephemeral beauty of blown glass is a perfect metaphor for Venice and its lagoon. Experience the wonder of this delicate art with a guided visit to the island of Murano, home to Venice's glass-making tradition for seven centuries. The island is only a short ride from Saint Mark's Square and boasts a miniature version of the Grand Canal lined on both sides with glass factories and shops. Watch the skilled artisans at work as they manipulate the molten glass into masterpieces of color and form; you will have the chance to question them about the age-old techniques of mouth blown and molded glass, as well as to purchase an exquisite example of their craft as a souvenir....
Duration: 3-5 hours; Cost: $495 per group
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Godola rowing lessons in Venice

Venetian Rowing Lesson

During this private rowing lesson, you will participate in an authentic Venetian experience that few tourists get to try. In these 90 minutes of unforgettable fun, you will learn the basics of the voga alla veneta, the traditional Venetian rowing style, while at the same time having the opportunity to appreciate the historical and truly traditional aspects of Venice. You will feel just like a real gondolier as you stand up and row both at the prow and at the stern. You will first start by testing out the movement, without putting the craft in motion. Then you will traverse the gorgeous side canals of the Cannaregio district and, after you have become confident, daringly enter the open lagoon
Duration: 1.5 hours; Cost: $57–$64 per person
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Venice Gondola School: Learn How to Be a Gondolier

Meet your instructor in a quiet area of Venice, and then head to the waterside where your gondoletto is ready and waiting for you. More stable than traditional gondolas, gondoletti have been used for centuries to train the Venetian gondoliers. Hop aboard your gondoletto and discover the tricks to gently row, steer and stop on the open water...
Duration: 1.5 hours; Cost: $89 per person
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Venice kayak
Venice Kayak offers a variety of kayaking tours in and around Venice: full day and half day trips through Venice, in a group or as a private tour; amazing evening paddles down the Canal Grande; lagoon tours to Burano, Torcello and San Francesco del Deserto; and multi-day packages for groups and kayaking clubs. All tours are lead by skilled and experienced guides
Duration: Varies; Cost: From $117 for 2–5
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» book: Venicekayak.com
 

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