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30-Minute to 2-hour Private Sunset Gondola Ride

Discover a quieter side of Venice on a private gondola journey through the city's lesser-known waterways. Glide past historic palaces and hidden churches while a skilled gondolier navigates routes away from the main tourist crowds.

Details

Experience the quiet charm of Venice from a unique perspective with a private gondola ride through the city's more tranquil canals. This tour offers a chance to relax aboard a traditional Venetian boat while your gondolier steers you along scenic waterways that many visitors never see.

As you drift through these back canals, you will pass notable landmarks such as Palazzo Gaffaro and the Carmini Church, offering a glimpse into Venice's rich architectural history. This alternative route provides a more intimate view of the city, allowing you to appreciate its historic palaces and quiet corners away from the busier thoroughfares.

Booking your ride in advance secures your party's seats and eliminates the need to handle payment on the spot, making the experience smoother and more relaxed. With tour durations available from 30 minutes to 2 hours, this private experience can be tailored to suit your preferred pace, ensuring you have ample time to absorb the serene atmosphere of the floating city.

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What is included in activity

1-hour tour
Friendly and expert local gondoliere

What is not included

Transportation to the meeting point

Important Info

• This tour is not guided, although the gondolier may chat and give you some local history
• Please check in15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time
• This activity is not wheelchair accessible
30 minutes - 2 hours
Private tour, group size up to 5 persons
Mobile ticket
English
Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Tour program

Please note that the program and conditions are subject to change.
Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Carmini (Pass By)

Drift past the elegant Carmelite church and feel centuries of history echo off its Renaissance façade. Then swoon at the fairytale charm of Torres’ neo-medieval home—so romantic, it practically whispers sweet nothings to passing lovers.

Ca' Zenobio degli Armeni (Pass By)

Wander through the lavish halls of Palazzo Ca' Zenobio, where elegance meets intrigue—and if you're lucky, you might just stumble upon a film shoot .

Palazzina Briati (Pass By)

/30 min tour ends here/ Cruise past the Cicogna Palace along Fondamenta Briati and catch a glimpse of its quiet courtyard with a cool Istrian stone well. Then step into San Polo, Venice’s largest square, where the scent of fresh pastries drifts from lively taverns. Explore historic churches and the birthplace of playwright Carlo Goldoni in this vibrant, lived-in corner of the city. 

Bar Caffe Ca' Foscari (Pass By)

Step aboard a traditional Venetian gondola and glide along the iconic Grand Canal—known affectionately by locals as the “Canalasso.” As your gondolier expertly navigates the waterways, take in the timeless beauty of Venice from a unique perspective. Don’t miss the opportunity to ask your gondolier about the striking Calatrava Bridge. You may have crossed this modern glass structure upon your arrival, but during our tour, you’ll enjoy a privileged view—especially enchanting when illuminated in the evening. 

Ponte degli Scalzi (Pass By)

As we glide along the Grand Canal, take a moment to admire the elegant Degli Scalzi Bridge. Constructed in 1846, this architectural landmark was designed to provide a vital connection between the bustling districts of San Polo, Rialto, and Santa Margherita with the newly established railway station—ushering in a new era of accessibility for Venice. 

Palazzo Pisani Moretta (Pass By)

As the journey continues along the Grand Canal, you’ll be captivated by the striking façade of the Pisani-Moretta Palace—an outstanding example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Its elegant design is structured into three grand sections, framed by intricate stonework that reflects the city’s noble heritage.

San Polo (Pass By)

/60 minutes tour ends here/ Welcome to San Polo, the largest square in Venice and a vibrant heart of local life. This historic district is known for its unique blend of tradition and enterprise—where homes and workshops once stood side by side, embodying the classic Venetian “shop-house” lifestyle. 

Ponte di Rialto (Pass By)

The highlight of this itinerary through Venice is the magnificent Rialto Bridge—the city’s oldest and most celebrated crossing. No matter the hour, it’s a favorite spot for visitors capturing memories with photos and selfies. But on this tour, you’ll enjoy a privileged view from the water, offering a fresh and elegant perspective. Surrounding the bridge, you’ll notice a lively mix of traditional shops and inviting restaurants that reflect the area’s enduring charm. The bridge owes its name to the nearby market, which gained such prominence by the mid-13th century that the entire area became known as Rialto. 

Ca' Farsetti (Pass By)

As you pass along the Grand Canal, your attention will be drawn to the stately façade of Ca’ Farsetti, one of Venice’s most distinguished palaces. Built in the 13th century in the Venetian-Byzantine style, this historic building now serves as the seat of the City Hall. Its elegant arches and noble columns reflect centuries of civic pride and political heritage. 

Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro (Pass By)

At the eastern end of the bridge once stood the old mint, giving rise to its former name, Ponte della Moneta. As we approach the dazzling Ca’ d’Oro, admire its façade—once believed to be adorned with real gold.

Mercati di Rialto (Pass By)

/90 minutes tour ends here/ From the canal, the Rialto Market bursts into view with vibrant colors, lively voices, and the scent of fresh produce drifting through the air. 

San Marco (Pass By)

Step into San Marco Square — Venice’s grand “living room of Europe,” where history and elegance meet. Your gondolier will guide you past the majestic cathedral and bell tower, rebuilt in 1902 after centuries of awe.

Bridge Of Sighs (Pass By)

Pass under the iconic Bridge of Sighs, where centuries of secrets and stories linger in the silence of stone. Legend says a kiss beneath it at sunset seals a love that lasts forever

Palazzo Ducale (Pass By)

Beneath the shadowed arches of the Doge’s Palace, secrets of a powerful republic linger in silence. Once home to rulers and prisoners alike, its walls still whisper tales of intrigue and hidden justice

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (Pass By)

/2-hour tour ends here/ Admire the majestic Chiesa della Salute, rising gracefully at the Grand Canal’s edge—a symbol of Venice’s resilience and devotion. Built in gratitude after the plague, its baroque beauty tells a story of hope carved in stone and light.

Meeting point

Places you will see

• Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Carmini (Carmini Church)
• Ca' Zenobio degli Armeni
• Palazzina Briati (Cicogna Palace)
• San Polo (square)
• Bar Caffe Ca' Foscari
• Ponte degli Scalzi (Scalzi Bridge)
• Palazzo Pisani Moretta
• Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
• Ca' Farsetti
• Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro (Ca' d'Oro)
• Rialto Market (Mercati di Rialto)
• San Marco Square (Piazza San Marco)
• Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)
• Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace)
• Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

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Reviews by travellers

4.6 out of 5
863 reviews
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Dan
Nice view but it's too short for the price
over 1 year ago
Deborah
It was my dream and it didn’t disappoint! Jake was a great gondolier and chatted all the way! I paid for an hour and we did a mix of both the grand canal and the more peaceful canals which was brilliant! The weather was awful in the morning and they kindly delayed until the afternoon where it was beautiful sunshine! A truly memorable time on my birthday!
over 1 year ago
Paul
Interesting viewpoints of Venice. A lot of discussion.
over 1 year ago
Samantha
We didn't really sail in the small streets. Only between the taxi boats. There wasn't much to see on the route. In short, too much money for what it was. The only positive was the experience and a friendly man.
over 1 year ago
Natasha
Our guide was amazing and very knowledgeable about Venice! An amazing private gondola ride! I wish it was 45-60 minutes for the price but overall we will only do this once and it was a great time.
over 1 year ago
Natasha
Our guide was amazing and very knowledgeable about Venice! An amazing private gondola ride! I wish it was 45-60 minutes for the price but overall we will only do this once and it was a great time.
over 1 year ago
Alejandra
The gondola tour was good and nice to be in the quieter canals on the island. Boat was nice and guide was welcoming but didn’t tell us anything about the island while on the tour
over 1 year ago
Kelly
Only a few streets can be seen in half an hour.
over 1 year ago
Route details changed.
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Starting point of the tour