Private Gondola Ride in Venice: Hidden Canals and Authentic Sights

Highlights

• Choice of duration
• Expert gondolier
• Authentic canals

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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 .

3. 3

   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.

4. 4

   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.

5. 5

   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.

6. 6

   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.

7. 7

   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.

8. 8

   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.

Before you go

Location