Experience Venice like never before with our Grand Canal Tour, a journey that takes you through the heart of the city on a luxury water taxi. Escape the crowds and see Venice from the water, just as it was meant to be explored. With this private boat tour, you’ll cruise past iconic landmarks, historical palaces, and venture into Venice’s hidden canals for a truly immersive experience.
Venice is a city built on water, and the best way to experience its beauty is from the canals. Your Grand Canal Tour begins as you step aboard your private motorboat, ready to sail through the city’s most famous waterway: the Grand Canal. Here, you’ll witness the elegance of Venice’s most beautiful palaces, including the renowned Cà d’Oro and Cà Pesaro, showcasing exquisite Gothic and Baroque architecture.
As you glide along, your guide will bring the city’s rich history to life, telling you stories about its maritime empire and how Venice became one of the world’s most powerful cities. Pass by the iconic Rialto Bridge and Rialto Fish Market, two of the city’s most famous landmarks, before continuing on to St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Accademia Gallery and Bridge.
The Grand Canal Tour isn’t limited to just the main attractions. Your expert guide will also take you down Venice’s quieter, lesser-known inner canals, where you’ll get a glimpse of the city’s more intimate side. As you drift through these peaceful waterways, you’ll discover a side of Venice that many visitors miss—small bridges, local homes, and vibrant neighborhoods hidden behind the grandeur of the main tourist sites.
This part of the tour offers a unique opportunity to witness everyday Venetian life, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the main attractions. You’ll see how locals have lived for centuries, relying on boats to navigate the city just as their ancestors did.
Your Grand Canal Tour culminates with a stop at San Giorgio Maggiore Island, a hidden gem in Venice’s lagoon. Here, you’ll explore the island’s historic abbey with your guide, discovering its breathtaking art and architecture. As an optional part of the tour, you can climb to the top of the bell tower, which offers what is widely considered the best panoramic view in Venice. From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city, the Grand Canal, and the surrounding islands—a perfect end to your Venetian adventure.
Finally, the tour ends back at the Doge’s Palace, where you initially embarked on your journey.
This Grand Canal Tour offers an unparalleled way to explore Venice, providing you with a combination of top sights, hidden gems, and fascinating stories about the city’s unique past. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this tour is perfect for all ages and promises an unforgettable experience on the water.
The tour includes:
- English-speaking guide
- Private boat tour
- Ticket for San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower
- Headset
Duration
2 hours
Meeting point
Meet your guide 15 minutes prior to the start time at the winged lion column in front of the Doge’s Palace in Piazza San Marco.