Hidden Venice Tour with Secret Gardens and Grand Canal Boat Cruise
Uncover authentic Venice through its hidden canals and see local life on a Cannaregio walking tour
Want to discover the true soul of Venice, away from the crowds? This small group tour shows you a side of the city that most tourists never see, as you cruise along narrow local canals, visit one of the city’s incredible secret gardens, and take a walk through the Jewish Ghetto and the hip Cannaregio neighborhood. To top it off, you’ll also sail down the iconic Grand Canal in your luxury boat. This unique tour lets you see what the real Venice is all about!
- See a different side of Venice
- Rialto Bridge
- Grand Canal cruise
- Explore hidden canals
- Birthplace of Marco Polo
- Venice's secret gardens
- Cannareggio walking tour
- Jewish Ghetto
You’ll meet your local guide in Campo San Bortolomio, and your tour begins with a cruise by luxury boat along the famous Grand Canal, passing by St. Mark's Square and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Soon, you’ll turn off the main waterway and into the small canals that are such a big part of everyday life in Venice, passing the former houses of famous Venetians such as Marco Polo and Tintoretto along the way.
Leaving the boat, you’ll stop off at one of the immaculately kept secret gardens that are hidden throughout Venice before experiencing the buzz of local life on a walking tour of Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto.
Hidden Venice Tour Description
Your 3-hour tour includes:
Luxury boat tour of the Grand Canal and local canals
Visit at least one secret garden not usually open to the public
Walking tour of Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto
English-speaking guide with tons of local knowledge
Maximum group size of 11
Grand Canal Cruise
The main avenue of Venice is the Grand Canal, connecting St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, the train station, and many more of the city's most important places—it's often referred to as Venice's artery. On your VIP cruise, you'll see the amazing palaces, bridges, and famous sites that line the Canal. It is a fantastic overview of the city, and you'll also pass by St. Mark's Square—home of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
Hidden Canals and Secret Gardens
You'll turn off the Grand Canal and into the small canals where Venetians have traveled by gondola for centuries. These winding canals were built without a grid in mind, and the buildings and streets that line the waterway are densely packed and full of local life. These hidden canals are both beautiful and practical, and Venetians have been using them to travel through the city for centuries.
There are over 500 secret gardens in Venice, tucked away behind nondescript doorways and offering a magical escape from the bustle of city life. Most people leave Venice without even knowing they exist, but your local guide knows exactly where they're hiding. Stopping at seemingly random doors, you'll get special access to seem some of the pristine landscaping and wonderful flora tucked away behind the city streets.
You'll see at least one Secret Garden on this tour, and possibly more. As they aren't public tourist attractions, which gardens are available to view can change from day to day.
Birthplaces of Marco Polo and Tintoretto
Throughout the last millennium, Venice was a major trading and cultural power. The home of the Church of Gold and the luxurious Doge's Palace, Venice was once a global hub. One of its traders, a man by the name of Marco Polo, famously made it all the way to China! Whether Polo actually brought back noodles or even went to China is up for debate, but his writings were the go-to source on the Far East for centuries. As you explore the city, you'll see the house where Polo was born, as well as the home of Renaissance master Tintoretto—one of the most influential artists of his time.
Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto
After cruising through Venice by boat, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the vibrant Cannaregio neighborhood. Home to many of the city's best shops, bars, and restaurants, it's a hive of local life and one of Venice's hippest areas. You'll also see the Venetian Jewish Ghetto, which was established back in 1516. The entire Jewish population of Venice had to live in the area until the end of the 18th century, when Napoleon liberated the neighborhood. It is the oldest Jewish Ghetto in the world and also the origin of the word "ghetto" itself.
What you get with this tour

See what people are saying
26 total reviews
Leave a reviewOutstanding tour
George Cuff
My wife and I have been on many tours, but this tour has been one of the very best! Our guide was excellent; so informative and interesting. I highly recommend this tour.
Charles Hirschy
Wonderful experience.
Laura Cahill
An amazing and informative tour. We saw a side of Venice that most tourists don’t get to see. Our guide Natalia was great. Friendly, informative and attentive. Thanks so much. Laura
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
In Campo San Bortolomio, in front of the statue of Carlo Goldoni. A friendly representative will be there holding a sign with our company name on it.
What to bring?
Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking for part of this tour of Venice.
I have doubts about my mobility. Is this the right tour for me?
On this tour, you'll need to get in and out of a boat and will also be walking for part of the time. There may be some uneven walkways and staircases along the way. If you're unsure, we suggest taking a private Venice tour. The itinerary is much more flexible and easily modified.
What to bring?
Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking for part of this tour of Venice.
Where to meet?
In Campo San Bortolomio, in front of the statue of Carlo Goldoni. A friendly representative will be there holding a sign with our company name on it.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No hotel pickup is included on this tour. You’ll meet your guide at the designated meeting point.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Children are very welcome on this tour, but you will need to pay for them since they'll be using a seat on the boat. Children aged 6 or under will pay a reduced price.