VIP Venice Boat Tour on Grand Canal with Local Guide
1h 15m
Max 8 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Venice, Italy
About this activity
Wind through the picturesque canals of Venice in a private motorboat, enjoying unbeatable views of St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs, and more as you learn about the Floating City from an expert local guide.
Highlights
- Float along the Grand Canal in a private luxury speed boat.
- See Venice’s most famous sights from the water.
- Enjoy a small group (max 8 people) or private experience (if option selected).
- Avoid the crowds on land as you cruise the Floating City.
- Hear stories about the history of Venice from your guide.
Full description
See the sights of the surreal canal city in style with a luxury motorboat tour of the Grand Canal. Marvel at the unforgettable beauty of the famous canal as you ride past sights like the Doge's Palace and Rialto Bridge with a professional driving guiding the way. As you take in the sights, you'll avoid the crowds on land and hear fascinating stories of the Floating City from your expert guide. Tours are limited to a maximum of eight people for an intimate experience. If you prefer to experience a boat ride with just your friends or family and a personal guide, select the Private Luxury Boat Tour option at time of booking.
Your adventure begins in St. Mark's Square in the heart of Venice. Here, your local guide will share an brief introduction to the history of Venice and its famous cathedral that stands before you.
From there, you'll walk together to the dock where a luxury boat awaits. You'll tour the beautiful Grand Canal as your expert guide points out key sights and shares the fascinating history of the city. Available as both a private tour with a personal guide and no other guests in your group (select Private Luxury Boat Tour option at time of booking) or a small group experience (max 8 people). You may have already taken a slow and leisurely gondola ride, but to truly travel the Venetian waters as the locals do, you really need to be in a luxury speedboat to get a real sense of the city.
With the help of your expert, local guide, you can spot all the most important sights as you pass them—palaces, theaters, casinos, galleries, and bridges. From the comfort of your luxury boat, you'll see St. Mark's Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, the Rialto Fish Market, Doge's Palace and more. The best part is you'll beat the crowds on dry land as you take in the views from the water. Along the way, you'll guide will reveal the history and captivating stories behind each stop. Personal headsets make it easy to hear your guide's informative commentary over the daily hustle and bustle of the canal.
In addition to the famous sights, your local guide will give you a crash course on Venice, including its unique traditions and festivals. You'll learn the truth about gondolas and the different boats Venetians use to get around the canals, what it's like celebrating Carnevale, and so much more. By the end of your tour, you'll have navigated the Grand Canal, seen Venice's most famous sights from the water, and heard expert tips from your local guide to help you during the rest of your trip.
From there, you'll walk together to the dock where a luxury boat awaits. You'll tour the beautiful Grand Canal as your expert guide points out key sights and shares the fascinating history of the city. Available as both a private tour with a personal guide and no other guests in your group (select Private Luxury Boat Tour option at time of booking) or a small group experience (max 8 people). You may have already taken a slow and leisurely gondola ride, but to truly travel the Venetian waters as the locals do, you really need to be in a luxury speedboat to get a real sense of the city.
With the help of your expert, local guide, you can spot all the most important sights as you pass them—palaces, theaters, casinos, galleries, and bridges. From the comfort of your luxury boat, you'll see St. Mark's Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, the Rialto Fish Market, Doge's Palace and more. The best part is you'll beat the crowds on dry land as you take in the views from the water. Along the way, you'll guide will reveal the history and captivating stories behind each stop. Personal headsets make it easy to hear your guide's informative commentary over the daily hustle and bustle of the canal.
In addition to the famous sights, your local guide will give you a crash course on Venice, including its unique traditions and festivals. You'll learn the truth about gondolas and the different boats Venetians use to get around the canals, what it's like celebrating Carnevale, and so much more. By the end of your tour, you'll have navigated the Grand Canal, seen Venice's most famous sights from the water, and heard expert tips from your local guide to help you during the rest of your trip.
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided boat tour
- Headset
- Small group of max 8 people.
- Private tour (if option selected)
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting point
Start Location
1 Piazza San Marco, Doge's Palace, Venezia, IT
Doge's Palace, Piazza San Marco, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets in Piazza San Marco, 1 at the winged lion column in front of the Doge's Palace.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- In the event of bad weather, the boat operator may be required to cancel the tour for safety reasons. Please note that as this decision is made with your safety in mind, no refunds will be provided in such cases.
- This tour will have a maximum of 8 travelers. If you want to book this tour with more than 8 people, please contact the tour provider.
Know before you go
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- If you want to book this tour with more than 8 people, please contact us (info@takewalks.com).
- During the summer months, please bring a hat and sunscreen for the boat ride.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Additional information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
