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Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals

star-4.5134 Reviews
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Venezia, Italy
Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals
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Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals
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From $120.01

Price varies by group size

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1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults0 Infants1 Infant2 Infants
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon2 hours  (approx.)
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iconOffered in: English

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Overview

Discover Venice’s hidden gems on a 2-hour cruise through the city’s secret canals. Watch scenes of daily Venetian life as you glide through the lesser-known neighborhoods of Cannaregio, Dorsoduro and the Jewish Ghetto. A guide will share insight into the city’s history, architecture and local legends. For a grand finale, head out into the wider waters of the Grand Canal and float beneath the iconic Rialto Bridge. Numbers are limited to nine people on this small-group tour for a more intimate experience.
  • Explore the waterways of charming Venetian neighborhoods such as Cannaregio, the Jewish Ghetto and Dorsoduro
  • Discover canals away from the tourist trail, as well as attractions such as the Arsenale and Rialto Bridge
  • See craftsmen in work at a Dorsoduro gondola workshop and stop for photos at the Jewish Ghetto
  • Small-group cruise with a maximum of 9 people ensures a personalized experience
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From $120.01

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Professional English-speaking guide
Luxurious motor-launch
Stop at the Jewish Ghetto
Grand Canal ride
Enter via the “Porta dell’Acqua“ into the impressive Arsenal, the historic shipyard of Venice
Stop by a Gondola Shipyard in the charming Dorsoduro district
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meals
Giardini Reali , P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
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Entrance to the Royal Gardens, on the waterfront of St Mark's Square - You'll meet Avventure Bellissime tour coordinator outside the Royal Gardens, in front of the wrought iron Gate holding a sign with the name of the tour and Avventure Bellissime written on it.

This activity will end right where it started.
See the quieter side of Venice with this small-group canal cruise. Make your way to the departure point near St Mark’s Square to meet your guide and board a comfortable motorboat. Enjoy the quiet charm of Venetian backstreets and observe canal-side scenes of daily life.

Pass through the gates of Porta dell’Acqua to enter Venice’s 12th-century shipyard known as the Arsenale. Learn how this historic naval depot was once among the greatest in Europe during Venice’s reign as a maritime superpower. 

Next, glide through the narrow, picturesque canals of the Cannaregio neighborhood and make your way to Venice’s Jewish Ghetto. Disembark here for 15-20 minutes to explore the historic quarters by foot and capture photos of the centuries-old buildings that surround the main square.

Continue on by boat to the neighborhoods of Santa Croce and Dorsoduro, and pass a traditional gondola workshop where craftspeople carefully carve and finish these classic Venetian vessels by hand.

Finally, make your way out into the wider waters of the Grand Canal for a cruise past the opulent squares and churches that line its banks. Float beneath the famous Rialto Bridge before returning to the original departure point near St Mark’s Square.
Itinerary
Pass By:  
Piazza San Marco
View the magnificent St Mark's Square and Doges Palace from the water
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Stop At:  
Canal Grande
Enjoy a 1-hour tour of the Grand Canal and minor canals lead by our English-speaking guide in a small group of 8/9 people
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Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Free
Pass By:  
Ponte di Rialto
Learn about the Magnificent Rialto Bridge as you pass by on your boat
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Pass By:  
Arsenale di Venezia
View the magnificent Arsenal of Venice during your guided 2-hour cruise by boat
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Stop At:  
Campo del Ghetto
Enjoy a walk in the fascinating Jewish ghetto of Venice
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Pass By:  
Cannaregio
Enter some of the back canals of the picturesque Cannaregio district
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Pass By:  
Basilica Concattedrale di San Pietro di Castello
See the first basilica of Venice in the Castello district
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Pass By:  
Dorsoduro
Cruise down some of the charming canals of Dorsoduro district
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Pass By:  
Ponte dell'Accademia
Pass by the Accademia gallery and bridge as you tour the Grand Canal
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Pass By:  
Santa Croce
Cruise some of the small canals of the Santa Croce district
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Pass By:  
Ponte degli Scalzi
Pass by the Ponte degli Scalzi near the train station, the third bridge connecting the two sides of the Grand Canal
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Pass By:  
Chiesa di Santa Maria di Nazareth - Chiesa degli Scalzi
See the Baroque church Santa Maria di Nazareth as you cruise down the Grand Canal
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Pass By:  
Squero di San Trovaso
See the famous Squero San Trovaso, one of the oldest and still active places where gondolas are built
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  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
  • Tour is not suitable for people in wheelchairs or with walking difficulties as passengers are required to step down onto the boat when boarding. The variation of the level of tides can make the vessel unstable
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • During high water, the tour will take place, but it might happen we have to partly adapt the tour to the weather conditions
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • All passengers pay the same rate irrespectively from their age
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • OPERATED BY Avventure Bellissime
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals ?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals .
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals ?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals .
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals ?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals .
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals ?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
See all safety measures taken by Private Venice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals .

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Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
134 Reviews
5 stars
103
4 stars
14
3 stars
8
2 stars
1
1 star
8

Reviews by Viator travelers

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Showing 1-10 of 134 reviews
star-5
Great orientation of Venice by boat!
Ellen_M
, May 2022
This was an excellent tour and I wholeheartedly recommend it! Georgia was our guide and she was superb. She gave lots of history and background on the city and the buildings. One of the highlights was our stop at the Jewish ghetto where we spent a significant time learning about how it came about and how it has transformed over the years. This was such a great introduction to our visit to the city! The driver was great and the boat was excellent and smooth. Perfect trip!
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star-4
Lovely trip
Paul_N
, May 2022
Lovely to travel all around Venice in boat with guide. Couldn’t quite hear all commentary from back, but a lovely couple hours
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Dear Client, Thank you fo your feedback and I'm just a bit concerned, although you are spending good words of praise about our tour, that you could not properly hear the guide. Guides are supplied with a mike during these tours by boat - did you advise your guide about the issues you were having about hearing her speech properly? Anyhow I'm glad you've overall enjoyed the tour. Seeing Venice from the water, it just gives a completely different perspective to our unique city. Kind Regards, Monica
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star-5
Amazing!
Dustin_B
, Aug 2021
The tour was amazing and just what we were looking for. Nice chance to explore outside of city center and check out other areas. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and extremely friendly. Shared tour but ended up being private as noone else was on the boat. 10/10!
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icon Response from Host , Aug 2021
Dear Dustin, Thank you so much for your 5-star review! We are very happy the tour was amazing and we will certainly provide your comments to the guide. This tour was booked as a private experience so it was arranged only for you with no other people joining. Thank you for touring with us! Kind regards, Aleksandra Sales Manager @ Avventure Bellissime
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star-5
Interesting canals tour with a very good guide
Kirsten_K
, Oct 2019
We have been to Venice several times before. This time we wanted to get an a bit different view to the city and booked this tour (small group!) and we really saw things and got views we did not have before. Our guide Cristina was very knowledgeable, spoke good English, provided much information and shared many interesting stories. And just in the right dose - not too many details but enough to learn something new and at the same time not get overwhelmed with data you will forget the next minute anyway. We really got the impression that Cristina is passionate about this city and enjoys presenting it. And we enjoyed listening to her and watching some of the wonders that Venice has to offer.
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star-4
Grand Canal Tour - Very Informative
Compass462006
, Sep 2019
Very enjoyable and informative. Excellent tour for start of visit. Gave a 4 only because taxi did not accommodate outdoor viewing for all guests at same time.
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star-5
Interesting experience
Dorislee_D
, Aug 2019
Christina B. was an exceptional guide, she answered many questions about Venice and it’s history. She was knowledgeable about her beautiful city and she made is comfortable and entertained. There was only 6 of us on the tour so it was a nice size for that tour.
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star-5
Great time on the water!
elifromohio
, Jul 2019
Kristina our guide was very engaging and informative. Beautiful views of the city from many angles. Would recommend to anyone and everyone!
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star-5
Fantastic Views of Venice Via the Canals
Juantia_B
, Jun 2018
This was a wonderful tour. Christiana was very knowledgeable about the history of Venice and the neighborhoods along the canal. We were able to see sites that you can't see on gondola rides. I also particularly enjoyed walking through the Jewish Ghetto and viewing the monuments. Christiana was very personable and professional.
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star-5
Excellent tour - extremely interesting...
Anna_S
, Mar 2018
Excellent tour - extremely interesting - loved seeing the different types of boats used.
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star-5
The tour guide was very...
VivianAnise_M
, Feb 2018
The tour guide was very knowledgeable on the history and even many fun facts. With this tour, you really feel like you have been able to experience Venice in a unique way. Definitely recommend this tour.
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star-5
Our tour was changed to one hour, but...
Ftnirish
, Dec 2017
Our tour was changed to one hour, but we were notified well in advance. Our guide, Christina, was excellent, even in very cold conditions. Highly recommend.
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star-5
The cruise was great. I really liked...
Sally E
, Nov 2017
The cruise was great. I really liked that it was a small group. Our guide was wonderful. She brought the history and magic of Venice to life.
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star-5
My husband and I loved this small group...
Brandon
, Oct 2017
My husband and I loved this small group tour. Our tour guide was great and very knowledgeable! Would definitely recommend this tour!
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star-5
This was a fabulous way to see Venice...
Nicholas S
, Oct 2017
This was a fabulous way to see Venice by boat. It was the size of and same type of boat as the water taxis. The guide was very informative. It was a small group. He covered most of the Grand Canal, got off briefly in the Jewish Getto, and saw some of the less touristy back canals. Really an awesome tour, well worth it!
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star-4
Good value. I wish we could have gone...
Colin K
, Oct 2017
Good value. I wish we could have gone all the way down the Grand Canal
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star-1
Was looking forward to this tour and...
Janice R
, Oct 2017
Was looking forward to this tour and was very disappointed after finishing it. First of all the motor boat was too crowded - 8 passengers plus the guide. They put 4 of us in the back and 4 plus the guide in the front of the boat. It was a beautiful day and all the passengers in the back stood to enjoy the views. If you decided to sit outside you couldn't see anything around the people that were standing so you also had to stand. because 4 people were way too many and you couldn't move or even turn around to take pictures without pressing next to the people around you. The tour down the canal from the starting point was a waste of my precious time I had to enjoy Venice - not much to see other than St. Marks Square. Once the boat turned into the small canals the trip was very nice although as I said before, way too crowded. The stop at the Jewish Quarter was interesting but a little too long. Eventually the boat went into the Grand Canal but not far enough up the canal to enjoy all the Palaces, which is why you do the Canal. Personally I feel less time heading toward the Docks, and more time through the less traveled canals arriving at the Grand Canal farther up so tourists could see the best area of the canal. Of course there was plenty of room to sit inside the motor boat - naturally everyone wanted an outside view - especially to take pictures!! - Did not enjoy the trip due to the crowded boat.
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star-5
What a way to see Venice! Loved the...
Robin_R
, Oct 2017
What a way to see Venice! Loved the tour The only downside - one of the boat drivers was on the phone speaking loudly during the early part of the tour which made it difficult to hear the guide. Several of us talked to the tour guide, she immediately spoke with him, it stopped.
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star-4
The tour guide was the best and most...
Philip B
, Sep 2017
The tour guide was the best and most informed guide I have had in Italy. Trip was very informative and allowed us to see parts of Venice we would not get to walking. One problem was that there was a third person next to boat driver who was constantly on the phone and was a distraction for all aboard to hear the information from the guide. Was tempted to ask for my money back but the guide was so gracious I decided not to.
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star-5
Loved cruising around the island and...
Jana F
, Sep 2017
Loved cruising around the island and learning all about Venice. Our guide Cristina spoke excellent english and was very knowledgable. The time flew by before we realized it it was over. Highly recommend this tour for an overview of some of the best of Venice.
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star-5
This was fabulous! It rained on and...
JoAnn R
, Sep 2017
This was fabulous! It rained on and off during our tour but we didn't have to worry because we could go inside the boat during the showers and opned the roof completely during the sun. Our guide was thoughtful and great at explaining botht the large historical facts and small interesting details about Venice. We gained a much greater understanding of the canal systems than we thought possible. This trip is enjoyable, informative and fun. It is a great way to spend 3 hours in Venice
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