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Private Off-the-Beaten-Track Gondola Tour in Venice

4.4/5
37 reviews

Step aboard your private gondola and glide through the canals of Venice. Whether you want to meander through hidden corners or pass beneath famous bridges and landmarks, this tour offers something for everyone. Fabio, one of the gondoliers, explains: "Being a gondolier is so much more than operating a gondola. Over 400 hours go into earning a gondolier license. We learn the ins and outs of the canals, Venetian art, and history, and our language skills must be top of the class. You're really in the safest hands."

This tour focuses on the San Paolo district, offering a more intimate view of Venice. Discover hidden gems such as the Carmelitani Church and the Venetian Baroque architecture of Palazzo Zenobio. "Canal-facing facades are a unique feature of Venetian buildings from before streets existed. The canals were the original streets, and facades were a way to show style and wealth. You'll see some real showstoppers," says Fabio.

Your gondolier can provide commentary and answer any questions you might have about the city, or you can take in the sights and soak up the atmosphere on this relaxing ride.

Main features

Free cancellation
Place: Venice
Validity: Flexible
Language:English, Italian
Mobile voucher accepted

Additional features

Instant confirmation
Private Tour
E-Voucher

Why choose TUI Collection

We've carefully designed our experiences to help you get the most out of every trip.

Exceptional experiences

Led by friendly expert guides, these authentic experiences are highly rated by customers.

Created with care

Every experience you buy donates to the TUI Care Foundation, which runs environmental and social initiatives worldwide.

Best value guaranteed

If you find the same value experience for a lower price, we'll happily refund the difference.

Why you’ll love this…

  • A private gondola ride lets you meander through Venice’s canals in classic style
  • You'll explore lesser-known canals that reveal a quieter, more intimate side of Venice
  • Venetian architecture, from palaces to churches, creates a striking backdrop
  • The city’s merchant past comes to life through stories of trade and tradition
  • Your expert gondolier shares unrivalled knowledge of the city and its waterways

Important to know

Know in advance:

  • Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour departure time. If you arrive late, the ride will be shorter and for those more than 15 minutes late, this will be considered a no-show
  • Duration is subject to traffic conditions. The tour starts from the moment of boarding
  • Please note that all tours start and end at Piazzale Roma (near the train station)
  • Each gondola carries a maximum of 5 people (infants included). Larger groups will be divided between multiple gondolas
  • Your gondolier will ask you if you want a commentary during the experience or you can silently take in the sights and enjoy the ride
  • Dogs are allowed on the boat and don't count towards the maximum number of people
  • This activity takes place rain or shine, but please note that in the event of exceptionally high tides or heavy rain, the tour may be cancelled by the local supplier and a full refund will be provided

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.


What’s included

  • Friendly and expert local gondoliere
  • 30 minutes Gondola ride

What’s not included

  • Transportation to the meeting point

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.


Location

Fondamenta Cossetti, 458-458a, 30100 Venice, Venezia Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Meeting point:

Meet your gondolier at the dock (Servizio Gondole) in front of the newspaper kiosk and present your voucher. Kindly approach the gondoliers directly for assistance and boarding. Please arrive 10 minutes before the departure time. If you arrive late, the ride will be shorter and for those more than 15 minutes late, this will be considered a no-show.


What people say about this experience

4.4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 37 reviews


Review categories

Safety

4.3/5

Service

4.3/5

Staff

4.3/5

Value for money

3.6/5


59%
24%
11%
5%
0%

Sort by:

  • V

    Venice first-timers

    Travelled as a couple


    27 September 2025
    5

    United States of America

    We had the best experience we could have wished for. Our gondola rider was professional, personable, and knowledgeable. We loved the off the beaten track route - we had the only gondola and the sights around us were fantastic and a taste of the real Venice. If you don’t want to be just another selfie-taking tourist, take this gondola ride. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

  • T

    TUI Musement Traveler

    18 August 2025
    5

    United States of America

    I came to Venice with my wife for a couple of days and read reviews about gondola rides. I booked this based on reviews. We loved this trip and were so pleased especially when we saw the busy areas. Thank you for the experience

  • T

    TUI Musement Traveler

    24 June 2025
    5

    United States of America

    It took me quite a while to find the best gondola ride but finally I did and it was worth it. Giacomo our gondolier was exceptional, his explanations along our gondola ride were precise. The journey and places visited were complete iThe experience was excellent.

  • T

    TUI Musement Traveler

    15 May 2025
    5

    United States of America

    Gondola was on time and the gondolier was friendly, he even took lots of photos for us. We had a wonderful experience.

  • T

    TUI Musement Traveler

    16 April 2025
    5

    United States of America

    Really great experience without any fuss and spot on time as we didnt have to wait at all.

  • R

    Ron

    Travelled as a couple


    12 September 2025
    4.2

    United States of America

    Sehr schön. Waren auch zeitig vor Ort, trotzdem sehr voll teilweise wie Hamburger Hafen. Sehr viele motorisierte Boote unterwegs

Need a hand?

Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET

Phone number: +44 121 468 3145