Top 10 Boat Tours In Venice, Italy - Updated 2024

Eleanor
Eleanor 
Updated
| 4 min read

Venice, Italy, is the illustrious capital of the Veneto region. Historically a prominent financial and cultural centre, Venice is undoubtedly one of, if not the most, beautiful cities in the world with a rich history as an important centre of art. Even today, Venice is regarded as one of the most romantic cities in Europe, drawing hundreds of thousands of people every year to admire its stunning architecture. If you’re planning to visit Venice, you should definitely see and experience one of its most unique features, which is the winding canals that link over a hundred picturesque islands. Check out our top boat tours in Venice, Italy, for a romantic tour of “the most beautiful city built by man.”

1. Visit the tranquil islands on the Ventian Lagoon (from USD 27.0)

Murano, Burano, and Torcello are three beautiful islands on the outskirts of mainland Venice. Murano is famous for its magnificent glass making, a complex and beautiful art form which is sure to bewitch you. Burano is similarly known for its delicate artisanal lace, which decorates the brilliantly colored homes lining the canals. Torcello, on the other hand, is rich with archeological heritage and has a gentle, serene atmosphere popular with visitors admiring its majestic cathedrals. Book a ticket now for a dynamic tour that celebrates the cultural beauty of Venice.

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Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

6825 reviews

2. Take a classic gondola ride (from USD 39.0)

If you’re looking for something more laid-back and easygoing, why not consider the simple charm of a classic gondola ride? Meander through Venice’s iconic canals on a peaceful guided tour of its central sights like Campo Manin and Rialto Bridge. Experience the city’s sights and sounds through one of Venice’s original pastimes. Relax into the peace of everyday Venice as the gentle rock of a traditional Venetian boat calmly carries you through the serene waters of Italy.

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Classic 30-Minute Gondola Ride in Venice

Duration: 25 to 30 minutes

720 reviews

3. Be serenaded in romantic Venice (from USD 55.0)

This gondola ride is perfect for lovely couples simply trying to embrace the city’s remarkable beauty and charm. A uniquely Venetian experience, take a romantic gondola ride through the sights of Venice while being serenaded by a humble gondolier clad in traditional garb. Calm and relaxing, this gondola ride highlights the city’s romantic essence.

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Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade

Duration: 30 minutes

2595 reviews

4. Gain an in-depth look into Venice’s artisanal handicrafts (from USD 55.0)

Even though Venice is best known for its lagoons, its islands are also renowned for the premiere quality of its artisanal handicrafts. This half-day tour offers a more in-depth look into this beautiful culture at two stops. Observe the thrilling process of glass-blowing as the masters on Murano Island breathe magnificent works of art to life. Afterwards, be amazed by the artful way the experts on Burano Island weave intricate lace pieces.

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Murano Glass Experience with a Visit to a Burano lace island

Duration: 5 hours

866 reviews

Venice Tour Guide

[deTour]ist

[De Tour]Ist

Born and raised in Venice, I ventured far and wide, getting 'germanised' in Bochum and Göttingen, absorbing the post-Olympic vibrance in Turin, getting drunk in the worst bars in Moscow, tracing the historic Silk Road in Central Asia, indulging in Berlin's pulsating club scene, and engaging in the corporate world as a manager in the construction equipment industry across Africa and the Middle E... Read more

Tours by [detour]ist

5. Take a luxurious ride through the Grand Canal (from USD 298.0)

Of all the liquid streets in Venice, the Grand Canal is arguably the most notable as one of the main water-traffic corridors. This S-shaped channel winds through central Venice, connecting the basin of San Marco to the lagoon near Santa Lucia railway station with grandiose palaces, gardens, and churches lining the canal. Glide effortlessly through these placid waters on a luxurious hour-long guided boat tour and experience the beautiful feeling of a life filled with pleasure.

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Venice Grand Canal Small-Group Guided Boat Tour

Duration: 1 hour

681 reviews

6. Take a breathtaking sunset cruise (from USD 99.0)

The Venetian Lagoon is lined with palazzos and majestic cathedrals that have had a profound socio-cultural impact throughout Venice. Set sail across these historic blue waters on a romantic cruise on the cusp of dusk. Soak in the glorious sight of the Venice Lido bathed in the golden rays of the sunset as you sip on a sparkling glass of Prosecco. See the best of Venice under the picturesque sky as colors paint the land.

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Venice Small-Group Sunset Cruise by Traditional Venetian Boat

Duration: 2 hours

343 reviews

7. Preserve the beauty of Venice with a private photoshoot (from USD 827.0)

Venice is an incredible city with one-of-a-kind architecture and experiences. Preserve these precious memories forever in your heart with a private two-hour photo shoot on land and on a romantic gondola ride. Explore the natural sights and sounds of Venice and leave the fuss to a professional as you indulge in the fantastic scenery and even better company. Return home to a high-quality digital photobook of your beautiful time in Venice.

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Private Photo Shoot in Venice with Gondola Ride

Duration: 2 hours

78 reviews

8. See the finest views of Venice for the finest price (from USD 171.0)

If you’re on a tight budget, this cost-effective option offers quite the bang for your buck. Covering many of the must-see destinations such as the Grand Canal and Basilica of Saint Mark while including even the lesser-known canals bordering Fenice Theatre, the best of Venice is rendered accessible and affordable for all on this tour. Have the best of both worlds without sacrificing the unique experience aboard one of the world’s most distinctive vessels which is the gondola.

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Venice Private Gondola Ride

Duration: 30 to 120 minutes

9. Discover the secrets hidden between these enigmatic canals (from USD 452.0)

This all-inclusive cruise is one of the best ways to squeeze the most out of Venice in just two hours. Offering an in-depth understanding of Venetian culture by veering off the beaten path and visiting the charmingly underappreciated neighbourhoods of Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, and Jewish Ghetto with a knowledgeable guide to shed light on Venice’s unique culture, history, and traditions. Marvel at the expertise of the Dorsoduro craftsmen building traditional gondolas or admire the humble tableaus of locals’ everyday lives as they bustle about their daily activities.

Tip from tour guide

Squero Domenico Tramontin e Figli Squero Domenico Tramontin e Figli

An important part of understanding Venitian culture and history is seeing the squeri, the shipyard where the traditional boats or gondolas are built.

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Small-Group 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals in Venice

Duration: 2 hours

139 reviews

10. Experience an authentic gondola ride (from USD 82.0)

This gondola tour offers a more authentic experience with professional gondoliers and a private boat ride. Peaceful, relaxing, and down-to-earth, your gondolier will be pleased to engage in pleasant conversation as you explore some of Venice’s lesser-known canals. Learn more about authentic Venetian life by listening to your gondolier’s stories. They may even share some hidden gems that are sure to make your trip worthwhile.

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Private gondola ride in Venice off the beaten track

Duration: 30 minutes

74 reviews

The romantic air of Venetian waters

Venice, Italy, has the ability to draw out the romantic in all of us, inspiring a gentle love and serenity that echoes the gentle sway and bob of the azure waters that course through its veins. These canals and gondolas have borne witness to the evolution of Venice through the ages as a flourishing cultural hub drawing admirers of the arts from all around the world. Every nook and cranny of this remarkable city is filled with a cacophonous childlike wonder tempered still by a refined elegance, rendering every visitor touched with a particular serenity that can be described simply as serendipitous. Discover the best of Venice with a boat tour along its gentle waters.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Eleanor, a writer and traveler, has a profound passion for exploring the world and generously offering the insights and wisdom she gathers during her journeys. She firmly believes that travel...Read more

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