Grand Canal Venice Tours

Activities and tickets

Grand Canal Shared Gondola Ride with Commentary

Explore the hidden and scenic waterways of Venice as you take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal. Get free access to an app with commentary on your gondola itinerary.

from €35

per person

675 reviews

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Grand Canal Shared Gondola Ride with Live Commentary of Local Guide

A gondola ride through the canals is one of the best ways to become acquainted with Venice.During the trip, admire the majesty and splendor of Venice.

€39.50

per person

3473 reviews

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Traditional Shared Gondola Ride across small canals to Grand Canal

The gondola is a symbol of Venice, as emblematic of the famous city of canals as it is mysterious in its origins. Experience a half-hour gondola ride that takes you to the heart of Venice as you admire its historic sites as they were meant to be seen.

€38

per person

2996 reviews

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Personalize Your Experience: Gondola Tours with Live and Audio Guide

Discover the charming canals of Venice on a peaceful 30-minute gondola ride with a skilled master gondolier.

from €34

per person

611 reviews

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Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

Journey down the Grand Canal and some of the smaller waterways of the city to see historic palaces and bridges from the water.

from €139

per group

2284 reviews

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Gondola Ride and a Gala Dinner in a Venetian Palace

Seize the one-in-a-lifetime chance to ride aboard a Venetian gondola on a scenic tour. Cruise along the Grand Canal, take in bridges and passages, and taste a delicious dinner in an elegant setting.

€1 280

per group

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Grand Canal Boat Cruise: Discovering the Palazzos and Bridges of Venice

Enjoy a boat tour on the Grand Canal of Venice, where you will see the bustling Venetian waterfront and iconic historical landmarks like the luxurious Hotel Gritti, Ca' Pisani Moretta, and the ancient Rialto Bridge.

€39

per person

3024 reviews

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Murano & Burano Private Boat Tour with Hotel Pickup

Explore the Venetian islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello on a private 4-hour tour of the Venice Lagoon by typical motorboat.

€420

per group

657 reviews

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Activities near the sight

Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit

Taste your way through the canal city on a street food tour of Venice. Walk through gorgeous squares, see impressive churches, and visit the bustling Rialto Market.

€44

per person

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Experience Venice Like A Local: Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour

Taste your way through the backstreet bars of Venice on this delicious food and wine tour. Follow your local guide to different ‘enotecas’ (wine bars) to discover where local Venetians go to drink and mingle.

€109.31

per person

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Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour of Venice

Enjoy a real taste of Venice on a tantalizing lunchtime tour of the Rialto Market and discover the city’s impressive culinary credentials.

€89

per person

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Hidden Venice: Unusual Walking Tour

An unusual walking tour through most the unusual places of Venice. The specialized guide will escort you through the heart of Venice narrating its secrets and history.

from €27

per person

513 reviews

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Venice Romantic Sunset Tour by Typical Venetian Boat

Climb aboard a typical Venetian boat and sail into the sunset.

from €95

per person

1837 reviews

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Tourists reviews

Rhoda

Murano and Burano Excursion

Our guide and the boat driver were very nice and knowledgeable. These 2 small and very charming cities, you should visit, a nice way to get away a little from the big crowd of Venice. Unfortunately 2 costumers from our tour found a way to get lost and made the whole group wait for 25’ inside the boat and reduced the time we could have had for a nicer lunch in Burano.

3 days ago

Austin K.

Grand Canal Shared Gondola Ride with Live Commentary of Local Guide

Interesting trip around the grand canal. The gondola is very beautiful. The only thing is that the "driver" was more interested in checking his phone than in interacting with ourselves. And if we were to do it another time, it would be ourselves alone in the Gondola, sharing takes a bit away from the experience.

4 days ago

Christina U.

Venice Romantic Sunset Tour by Typical Venetian Boat

My family and I had the great pleasure of being guided by Tomosa on his classic Venetian styled boat. Honestly, it wasn’t the boat, the possible sunset, or anything else that made the trip it was Tomosa. Hands down an exceptionally smart, humorous, and well spoken skipper. My husband and I enjoyed his stories and wit so much that we almost had to be reminded to take pictures. He was organized by explaining to us what we were doing, where we were going and when we would do certain things. I found him to be considerate of our elderly group member to ensure she made it into the boat safely. We just had such a great time with him and learning some of Venice’s history. My husband and I love naval history and seeing Venice from this perspective was so much fun. We drank Prosecco, the whole bottle. I would highly recommend take a cruise with him, sunset, no sunset… it’s still an absolute blast to talk to him and hear all the wonderful historical stories.

4 days ago

Ella B.

Venice: Private Gondola Ride

All of the gondoliers are fun and amazing to take the trip with. I’ve heard of some people saying trey were rude or inattentive or not very helpful and it couldn’t be further from the truth. Had a great time and learned a lot.

8 days ago

Skylar G.

Venice Shared Gondola Ride with Serenade

This was fantastic and totally worth the money! My husband and I traveled to Rome, Florence and Venice in July 2018. We were on a budget and didn't want to bust the budget, so went with the "shared" gondola option and then splurged to have the serenade option. The experience was unforgettable and easily the best part of our whole trip! The singer and the man with the accordion had great chemistry and were constantly interacting w/ my husband and I. I thought the 20 mins sounded kinda short, but it ended up being the perfect amount of time. Do it at sunset around 7:30 if possible. Highly recommend this to all my family members and friends, it was simply enchanting and something my husband and I will never forget!

8 days ago

Manlio Z.

Walking Tour in English and Gondola Ride

It was a very good tour and our guide was very interesting and informative. The speaker system was effective and I could understand everything that was said (I have a slight hearing problem) I enjoyed the tour. I think it is mis-named as it wasn't really mysterious. Perhaps it would be better titled 'Venice beneath the surface,' or something like that. But worth doing, definitely.

9 days ago

Alfonso G.

Personalize Your Experience: Gondola Tours with Live and Audio Guide

Definitely worth doing this tour, easy to find meeting point, engaging and helpful guides. The tour itself was funny and ìnteresting. Lots of great nuggets of information which were genuinely interesting. The gondola ride wasn't very long but still enjoyable.

10 days ago

Alexandre

Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip

Great tour with a great group leader Georgia. She had great command over four language and was very clear in her English. The way they showed us the various important landmarks of Venice along the route made it as a city tour as well which we really liked. The time given at Murano Burano was also sufficient as we felt. ( if you want to spend more, one can come separately but with a tour I think time given was very sufficient). Transported in a big enough boat with good views . 10/10 from my side.

10 days ago

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Discover the Best of Venice with a Grand Canal Tour

The Grand Canal is the lifeblood of Venice, Italy, stretching 2.4 miles (4 km) and serving as the city's main transportation route. This winding waterway is lined with breathtaking palaces, churches, and historic buildings, offering visitors a chance to witness Venice’s architectural splendor from the water. Whether you’re interested in a Grand Canal gondola ride, a Venice canal boat tour, or a luxurious Grand Canal cruise in Venice, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable experience.

The History of the Grand Canal

Dating back to the 12th century, the Grand Canal was developed as a crucial trade route, linking the Venetian Lagoon to the heart of the city. Over the centuries, it evolved into a bustling artery of commerce, symbolizing the wealth and prestige of the Venetian Republic.

Many of the palaces lining the canal reflect a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, showcasing the city's artistic heritage. Notable landmarks include Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, built in the 17th century to commemorate the end of a devastating plague, and numerous Renaissance-era palaces that were once home to Venice’s elite.

Today, the Grand Canal remains Venice’s most famous waterway, attracting millions of visitors who come to admire its historic charm and scenic beauty. It continues to serve as a vital mode of transport, with traditional gondolas, vaporetti (water buses), and private boats navigating its waters daily.

Planning Your Grand Canal Tour

Best Time to Visit

The ideal times to explore the Grand Canal are spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Summer can be hot and congested, while winter offers a quieter, more atmospheric experience.

Choosing Your Mode of Transport

Several options are available for exploring the Grand Canal:

Venice Canal Boat (Vaporetto): The public water bus is the most affordable way to tour the canal.
Grand Canal Gondola Ride: A romantic and traditional option, perfect for an intimate experience.
Venice Canal Boat Ride (Water Taxi): A faster, more private alternative to vaporetti.
Grand Canal Cruise in Venice: A luxurious experience that offers guided commentary and stunning views.

Planning Your Route

Key landmarks along the Grand Canal include:

Rialto Bridge & Market – One of Venice’s most iconic sights, offering stunning views of the canal.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute – A magnificent Baroque church built to celebrate the end of a plague.
Ca’ d’Oro – A breathtaking 15th-century Venetian Gothic palace housing an impressive art collection.
Palazzo Dario – A historic Gothic palace, rumored to be cursed.
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni (Peggy Guggenheim Collection) – Home to modern masterpieces by Picasso, Dali, and Pollock.
Accademia Bridge & Gallery – A must-see for art lovers, featuring works by Venetian masters like Titian and Tintoretto.

Unique & Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Hidden Canals and Alleys

While the Grand Canal is Venice’s main waterway, some of the city’s most charming and peaceful spots can be found in its smaller canals and alleyways. Consider a Venice canal boat tour that ventures into these quieter waterways.

Local Shops and Authentic Eateries

Venice is home to incredible artisanal shops and traditional trattorias. From handcrafted masks to Murano glass souvenirs, exploring these hidden gems provides a glimpse into local Venetian culture.

Lesser-Known Museums & Galleries

Beyond the famous Peggy Guggenheim Collection, visit:

Palazzo Grassi – A hub for contemporary art.
Museo del Merletto – Showcasing the delicate craft of Venetian lace-making.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco – Featuring masterpieces by Tintoretto.

Tips for a Memorable Grand Canal Tour

Dress Comfortably: Wear breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for exploring the city on foot.
Bring a Camera or Binoculars: Capture stunning views of historic buildings and hidden details.
Respect Local Regulations: Venice carefully preserves its historic sites, so be mindful of your surroundings.
Learn Basic Italian Phrases: Simple greetings like Buongiorno (Good morning) and Grazie (Thank you) go a long way with locals.

Final Thoughts: Is a Grand Canal Tour Worth It?

Absolutely! Whether you choose a Venice Grand Canal boat tour, a romantic gondola ride, or an off-the-beaten-path experience, exploring Venice from its famous waterway is an unforgettable journey. With stunning architecture, rich history, and incredible views, the Grand Canal is the heart of Venice, Italy, and no trip to the city is complete without experiencing it.

So, whether you're searching for Grand Canal tickets, Venice canal boat rides, or a luxurious royal canal cruise tour, this guide ensures you make the most of your Venetian adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Grand Canal boat tour last?

A typical Venice Grand Canal boat tour lasts about 1 hour, but private tours may be customized for longer durations.

Can you see the Rialto Bridge on a gondola ride?

Yes, many Grand Canal gondola rides pass under the Rialto Bridge, offering one of the best views in the city.

What’s the best way to see St. Mark’s Square and its architecture?

A walking tour provides the best views of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile, and the Doge’s Palace.

How can I book a private gondola ride in Venice?

You can book a private gondola ride online in advance or hire one at designated gondola stations around the city.

Can I book a private gondola ride in Venice?

Yes, you can book a private gondola ride in Venice.

What are the main attractions near the Grand Canal?

Rialto Bridge – Iconic views of the canal. St. Mark’s Square – Home to Venice’s most famous landmarks. Doge’s Palace – A historical gem of Venetian architecture.

How long does a typical gondola ride last?

Most gondola rides last about 30 minutes, though extended tours are available.

What is unique about the Grand Canal?

Unlike any other city in the world, Venice’s Grand Canal serves as its main boulevard, lined with centuries-old palaces and historic sites, accessible only by water.