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

4.3/5
39 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 Musement experiences

Get to the heart of every destination with our unique tours and activities. Created by locals, curated by us.

Only the best

The extra details that make the trip. One more stop. That hidden corner. Only the best stuff makes it in. Rated 8.3/10

Made by us

Built around what you love. Shaped by what you tell us. Crafted with TUIs 50+ years of travel know‑how.

Local touch

The right time to visit. The view most miss. Do it like our creators and guides – who live and love it there.

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
  • Each gondola carries a maximum of 5 people (infants included). Larger groups will be divided between multiple gondolas
  • 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

4.3/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 39 reviews


Review categories

Safety

3.8/5

Service

3/5

Staff

1.4/5

Value for money

1/5


56%
23%
13%
5%
3%

Sort by:

  • I

    Ian D

    Traveled as a couple


    February 13, 2026
    3.4

    United Kingdom

    The location of the meeting point was not as clear as it could have been, meaning we nearly missed our slot. It seemed to us there were closer options to the hotel you knew we had booked with you.

  • S

    San marco

    Traveled as a couple


    May 17, 2026
    1.4

    Netherlands

    De gondeltocht moest een 30 min duren dit was uiteindelijk maar 15 min En het prijsverschil was aanzienlijk wij hebben rond de 150 euro betaald terwijl het daar 90 euro kost daar Echt een belachelijk prijsverschil

  • V

    Venice first-timers

    Traveled as a couple


    September 27, 2025
    5

    United Kingdom

    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

    August 18, 2025
    5

    United Kingdom

    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

    June 24, 2025
    5

    United States

    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

    May 15, 2025
    5

    United Kingdom

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