The floating city of Venice is one of the greatest achievements in architecture and city planning, thanks in no small part to its complex system of canals and hidden waterways. These are not mere relics of a maritime past either; they are used every day by the working people of Venice. Before you plan your trip, check out our best Venice boat tours through the canals.
Venice Highlights Tour with Gondola Ride
If you’re looking to hit all of the major landmarks of Venice, while still making time to enjoy a serene trip on the water, you should definitely check this tour out.
The Venice highlights tour takes you to all of the hits, such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge. And even better, you’ll be able to skip the lines to the Basilica with our exclusive ticket offer. This makes this one of our best Venice tours.
After you’ve seen the sights, you will be treated to a relaxing gondola ride through the Venetian canals.
More than just a way to get from point A to point B, your gondola ride is a trip through history, complete with a gondolier well-versed in Venetian lore and legend. It’s one of our most popular Venice boat tours (and for good reason!)

Highlights:
- 2.5 hours for the tour
- Skip the Line tickets to the Basilica
- See the golden mosaics of St. Mark’s
- Gondola ride with an expert gondolier
Venice In a Day Combo Tour with Gondola Ride
Venice is a city rich with history, and unless you have the time to take it in, you’re going to miss out on a lot. That’s why we offer this Venice In a Day tour, which combines the Venice Highlights Tour with our tour of the Doge’s Palace. This tour will take you from St. Mark’s Square, through the Rialto district, and on to the Doge’s Palace. On this day trip, our expert guides will take you through a labyrinth of less-crowded streets and back roads.
After a 30-minute gondola ride with an expert gondolier, you’ll have the opportunity to grab a slice of pizza or traditional Venetian cicchetti from the many eateries by St. Mark’s Square.
Don’t know where to eat? Your guide comes complete with loads of recommendations. Just ask them about their favorite places.
The Venice in a day tour is the best choice if you want a local experience with your Venice boat tour.
Highlights:
- 6 hours
- See the Basilica and Doge’s Palace with Skip the Line tickets
- Combined tour for a discounted rate
- Gondola ride down the Venetian canals
Hidden Venice Tour with Secret Gardens and Grand Canal Boat Cruise
This one is really special and a personal favorite of ours.
Designed with a local perspective in mind, this tour features many off-the-beaten-path locations that you won’t find anywhere else.
Our expert tour guides will lead you through the northern Venetian sestieri of Cannaregio, down the narrow crisscrossing streets, to some of the best-hidden gems this city has to offer.
Along with a historical walking tour through the old Jewish ghetto and a visit to the birthplace of Marco Polo, this tour includes privileged access to secret gardens and canals that are normally inaccessible to the public.
If you’re looking to escape the more touristy parts of Venice, this is your best option. It offers an exclusive, authentic, and fun look at the Venetian way of life.

Highlights:
- 3-hour tour
- Guided tour through Cannaregio
- Access to secret garden and canals
- Hip, local neighborhood
I Want More Italy!
- Check out our YouTube video and step-by-step guide about how to do Venice in a Day. If you’d rather let us guide you, check out our Venice tours.
- Follow our adventures in Italy on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Then, comment and tell us what you want us to cover next.
Leave a Comment