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Venice by Water: A Grand Canal Luxury Cruise
Avoid the hustle and bustle on foot and discover Venice’s landmarks from the water.
Glide through the Grand Canal aboard a stylish boat, passing iconic bridges, historic palaces, and charming lesser-known waterways where daily Venetian life unfolds.
With just eight guests per vessel, this exclusive tour ensures a personal, relaxed experience, with your guide sharing captivating stories throughout the journey.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Piazzale Roma
- Piazzale Roma or / St Mark square
Step aboard a sleek, luxury motorboat
Step aboard a sleek, luxury motorboat and take in Venice from its most iconic perspective—by water
. As the Grand Canal winds through the heart of the city, you’ll cruise past centuries-old architecture, bustling markets, and elegant bridges, all brought to life by your expert guide’s engaging commentary.
See renowned sites like Ca' d’Oro, Ca' Pesaro, the Rialto Bridge, and Accademia Gallery from a privileged angle, and learn about the history, art, and legends behind these celebrated landmarks.
Your adventure doesn’t stop there. You'll veer off the main canal into Venice’s tranquil inner waterways—its hidden “back alleys”—for a peek into the quieter, more authentic side of the city where locals go about their day-to-day lives.
A True VIP Experience
This isn’t your typical gondola ride. While gondolas are charming, they can’t navigate the Grand Canal effectively. Instead, you’ll travel in comfort and style on a fast, elegant motorboat that lets you see more in less time.
Prefer to relax inside and listen to your guide through your audio headset? Or would you rather step outside for unobstructed views and unforgettable photos? The choice is yours. Either way, the tour is designed to be intimate, informative, and unforgettable.
Discover Venice’s Iconic and Hidden Gems
From the majestic Doge’s Palace and the domes of St. Mark’s Basilica, to the lesser-known corners only locals know about, this journey combines must-see landmarks with off-the-beaten-path treasures.
By the end of your tour, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for Venice—not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing city filled with rich history and vibrant culture. You’ll step off the boat feeling enriched, inspired, and connected to La Serenissima in a truly special way.
Ending Point
St Mark Square.
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Grand Canal by private boat
St. Mark’s Square
Doge's Palace (exterior)
Bridge of Sighs (exterior)
Cemetery of San Michele (exterior)
Rialto Bridge
Rialto fish market (exterior)
Accademia Bridge
Palaces, including the Ca' d’Oro and Ca' Pesaro (exterior)
One-hour private motorboat ride
Local English-speaking guide
Small group of 8 guests maximum
Headsets
Personal expenses.
Food/drinks.
Tour Important Information
This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
The Tour can be started in the morning or afternoon, or during the day
Important message from the supplier
Availability and Customization
I’m available every day, with tours tailored to suit your schedule and interests. All of my tours are fully customizable, so feel free to send me a message with your specific requests or any special places you'd like to explore. I’m here to help create the perfect experience for you!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Al F.
Ale Fragalla is a licensed and authorized Venice tour guide with long-standing experience leading private and personalized tours in Venice and throughout Italy. A graduate of the American University, he offers expert guidance in art, history, and culture for individuals, couples, families, and small groups. Every tour is carefully tailored to personal interests, pace, and travel style, ensuring an authentic and enriching experience.
Having worked as a tour guide in several countries and across Italy, Ale has developed an intimate knowledge of Venice’s art, architecture, and stories. Guiding visitors here is not simply a profession—it is a true passion. Venice is his home, and he is deeply connected to its history, spirit, and enduring glory.
As a historian and author of guides and cultural articles, Ale brings depth and clarity to every experience, blending solid historical insight with engaging storytelling. From world-famous landmarks to hidden corners known only to locals, his mission is to ensure that every visitor leaves with a deeper understanding of Venice’s cultural heritage and a lasting sense of awe.
Private Venice tours are available year-round, offering memorable experiences shaped by knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine love for the city.
Reviews
Daniel S.
“Unforgettable James Bond Experience in Venice”
We booked the James Bond Moonraker tour in Venice with Al, and it was truly the highlight of our trip. From the very first moment, Al’s enthusiasm, deep knowledge of both Bond films and Venetian history, and his engaging storytelling made the tour unforgettable. He brought the movie scenes to life right in front of us, pointing out filming locations, sharing fascinating behind-the-scenes facts, and weaving them together with anecdotes about the city’s culture and architecture. Al was patient and adapted the pace perfectly for us. His passion for the subject is contagious, and his friendly personality made it feel more like being shown around by an old friend than by a guide. If you’re a Bond fan—or simply want to see Venice from a unique and exciting perspective—this tour with Al is an absolute must. Highly recommended!
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Al F.
Dear Daniel ( Craig ) the greatest fan of James Bond, Thank you very much for taking the time to write a wonderful review, from my heart I apprecita you comment, your satisfaction give me sense of success in my work, Thank you for the family atmosphere you aqnd your family added to the tour, I enjoyed your company, looking for seeing you more in Venice.,
$485/ per group
More tours by Al F.
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Venice Walking Tour: Ghetto, Rialto & St. Mark’s
Duration: 3 hours Start Time: 9:00 AM Meeting Point: Piazzale Roma (near the bridge or parking area) End Time: 12:00 PM Walking Pace: Moderate, with time for stops, photos, and short explanations
Venice Walking Tour: Ghetto, Rialto & St. Mark’s
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Classic Venice Day Tour
Experience Venice's most iconic landmarks in one comprehensive day. From the Byzantine splendor of St. Mark's Basilica to the political intrigue of the Doge's Palace, discover why Venice became Europe's gateway to the East. St. Mark's Square & Basilica,the heart of Venice, this magnificent square is surrounded by architectural masterpieces. The golden mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica tell stories of Byzantine splendor and Venetian maritime power. Bridge of Sighs Rialto Bridge & Market Grand Canal
Classic Venice Day Tour
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Venice in Half a Day: A Private Journey Through History, Beauty & Daily Life
This half-day walking and gondola experience offers an immersive introduction to Venice’s most iconic landmarks, paired with moments of quiet discovery in its enchanting backstreets. From the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace to the charm of the Rialto Market, the tour weaves together the soul of Venice—its power, its faith, its artistry, and its daily rhythm on the water. Ideal for first-time visitors or travelers short on time who still wish to soak in the essence of La Serenissima.
Venice in Half a Day: A Private Journey Through History, Beauty & Daily Life
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Murano & Burano Half-Day Private Lagoon Tour
Half-day private boat tour starting from St. Mark’s Basin and visiting Murano, Burano, and the Venetian Lagoon. The tour includes a glass factory visit in Murano, a leisurely walk, then a visit to Burano, including a merletto (lace) shop, and time to explore the colorful island.
Murano & Burano Half-Day Private Lagoon Tour
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Venice
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Venice Highlights & Main Attractions
We will start at San Marco Square, then make our way to Rialto Bridge, passing by Scala Contarini Del Bovolo , then to Santa Maria Gloriosa di Frari, and cross the Accademia Bridge, and back to San Marco.
Venice Highlights & Main Attractions
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First visit of Venice
This tour let you to approach Venice as visitors used to do in the past time. We will walk and enjoy the city from Grand Canal and then we will walk through some of the famous or "out of the beaten path" sites of this unique city.
First visit of Venice
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Venice Highlights & Hidden Gems
Cannaregio district & St. Lucy church. Tintoretto's house & the Jewish quarter. San Polo's district' Rialto Bridge to Santa Maria Gloriosa di Frari church & Campo San Barnaba. Dorsadoro district to Punta Della Dogana. Then Santa Maria Della Salute church to Accademia Bridge, making our way to Scala Contarini Del Bovolo. Lastly, San Marco Square , San Marco’s Basilica and Doge's palace from the outside. Then we finally walk to the bridge of Sighs & get to know the story behind its name.
Venice Highlights & Hidden Gems
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Exploring San Marco and Dorsadoro districts
We start from San Marco Square, making our way to Dorsoduro district by crossing Accademia bride and walking by the seafront along the Giudecca canal till Punta Della Dogana, admire Santa Maria Della Salute church and head back to Accademia Bridge, to campo san Stefano and then Scala Contarini Del Bovolo, passing by Rialto Bridge and ending in San Marco Square.
Exploring San Marco and Dorsadoro districts
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