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.
Al, Authorized Tour Guide in Venice
Hello! I’m Al, an authorized tour guide based in Venice, and I’m passionate about sharing the beauty and rich history of this incredible city. I was born in Pretoria, South Africa, I had the privilege of growing up in a diplomatic family, which allowed me to travel widely and experience different cultures from an early age.
I hold a Master's degree in Administration from the American University, which has given me a strong foundation for both my academic and professional pursuits. However, my true calling lies in guiding people through history, art, and culture.
Having worked as a tour guide in various countries and across Italy for many years, I’ve developed an intimate knowledge of Venice’s art, architecture, and stories. Guiding visitors here is not just my job – it’s my passion. Venice is my home, and I am deeply connected to its history and its glory.
As a historian and author of several guides and articles, I aim to make each tour an enriching experience, blending historical insights with a genuine love for this magnificent city. My mission is to ensure that every visitor leaves with a deeper understanding of Venice’s cultural heritage and a sense of awe at its beauty.
Whether you’re exploring the hidden gems of the city or marveling at its iconic landmarks, I’m here to provide you with an unforgettable experience, one that celebrates Venice’s incredible legacy.
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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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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Venice: Jewish Ghetto, Rialto, and Doge's Palace Tour
Begin your morning at 9:00 AM in Venice with a journey that unfolds like a narrative—one that blends deep historical resonance, city discovery, and architectural splendor. Starting in the evocative alleys of the Jewish Ghetto, the world’s first, and ending amidst the opulence of the Doge’s Palace, this four-hour walking tour is an exploration of Venice’s soul. Total duration: approximately four hours. Step off this curated path at the palace, poised for an extended discovery
Venice: Jewish Ghetto, Rialto, and Doge's Palace Tour
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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
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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Venice Land&Water Tour
Would you like to see the best of Venice in just 3 hours? The Land&Water tour is the best option. It will allows you to discover the highlights of the city walking through its narrow streets and sailing around its famous canals. We will start with a 2 hours walking tour of the main sites of the city and some of its hidden corners. After that we will jump on board of a luxury private water taxi to admire the stunning palaces on the Gran Canal and some wonderful sceneries of the Venetian Lagoon
Venice Land&Water Tour
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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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