Grand Canal Tours
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Venice is a city built on water, and the Grand Canal (Canale Grande) is its bustling main street. Lined with sumptuous Venetian palaces and crowded with gondolas, water taxis, and vaporetti (public ferries), this thoroughfare is a feast for the senses. The Grand Canal winds its way through the central neighborhoods of Venice from the Santa Lucia train station to St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), passing under the iconic Rialto Bridge along the way, and functions as the scenic main artery for transporting both people and goods around the City of Canals.
The Basics
A sail down the Grand Canal is a trip through centuries of Venetian history, as historic palaces dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries rise out of the water along most of the route. Though stretches of the canal are lined with walkways, many of the important landmarks can be seen only from the water, so a small-group Grand Canal boat tour or combination walking-and-canal tour is by far the best way to go. For a historical tour of the canal, opt for a daytime sightseeing tour so you can see the ornate facades of Venice’s famous palaces. For a romantic journey, choose a moonlit gondola ride. And for a truly Venetian experience, opt for a gondola ride with a serenade!
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Grand Canal gondola rides begin or end in St. Mark’s Square, home to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and include a few picturesque minor canals along the way.
- Alongside Rome and Florence as one of the most popular destinations in Italy, Venice can get extremely crowded. To avoid a long wait at the motor launch, book your Venice tour tickets in advance.
- The palaces along the Grand Canal have architectural styles that span from the Byzantine to the Renaissance, and are best appreciated with an expert tour guide who can explain their history and importance.
- Note that Venice and the Grand Canal feature a great number of bridges, many of which are not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Grand Canal snakes its way through the center of Venice from the train station to St. Mark’s Square. All of Venice is pedestrian only, so to get from anywhere in the city to the Grand Canal, you must either walk or take a boat.
When to Get There
Venice is lovely all year round, and the Grand Canal is spectacular both by day and night.
The Islands of Venice
Venice is made up of over 100 small islands, so for a different perspective of this unique city on the water, take a boat tour to one of the quieter outlying islands such as Murano, famous for its glassblowing industry; Burano, known for its lace-making artisans; or Torcello, thought to be the first populated island the in Venetian lagoon.
Address: Venice, Italy
Hours: Open 24 hours every day
Admission: Free
163 Tours and Activities to Experience Grand Canal
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Day CruisesSemi Private Grand Canal 1-Hour Boat Tour
Experience the beauty of Venice by boat on this Grand Canal tour of the city built on water. Glide through the placid waters past palaces, churches, gardens, and bridges as you make your way along the iconic waterway. Then journey into some of the minor canals on this luxury motorboat. Bring the magic of these liquid streets to life on a tour that’s ideal for lovers, photographers, and travelers!
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- 1 hour
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$61.90
Day CruisesBest of Venice Tour with St Mark’s Basilica and Grand Canal Boat tour
See the best of Venice in a day on a tour that combines a guided walk with a cruise along the bustling Grand Canal. Hear the history of St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge from a guide, and visit St. Mark’s Basilica with a skip-the-line ticket to beat the long admission lines. Discover the tucked-away treasures of Venice’s backstreets and charming canals, and then finish on a high note: a water taxi cruise on the Grand Canal.
... More
- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$86.40
Day CruisesVenice Super-Saver: Doge’s Palace, Walking Tour & Grand Canal Boat Tour
Explore the best of Venice at a 10% discount with this Super Saver combo of three popular tours. Skip the line at the Doge’s Palace, where you can wander through ornate public rooms and across the notorious Bridge of Sighs. You’ll also head to the front of the long queue at St Mark’s Basilica to tour the dazzling interior of this Byzantine masterpiece and enjoy a guided walking tour of Venice’s hidden gems. Finally, cruise down the Grand Canal aboard a motorboat and soak in the majestic passing scenery.
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- 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$146.84
Day CruisesVenice Canal Cruise: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals Semi-Private tour
Discover Venice’s hidden gems on a 2-hour cruise through the city’s secret canals. Watch scenes of daily Venetian life as you glide through the lesser-known neighborhoods of Cannaregio, Dorsoduro and the Jewish Ghetto. A guide will share insight into the city’s history, architecture and local legends. For a grand finale, head out into the wider waters of the Grand Canal and float beneath the iconic Rialto Bridge. Numbers are limited to nine people on this small-group tour for a more intimate experience.
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- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$148.04
Private and LuxuryPrivate Guided Tour: Venice Gondola Ride Including the Grand Canal
Enjoy a private ride through Venice’s iconic canals aboard a traditional gondola. On this classic Venetian experience, soak up famous sights like the Rialto Bridge and the ornate Ca’ d’Oro palace while your expert gondolier navigates the beautiful handmade boat through the Grand Canal and other waterways. A friendly local guide accompanies you on the ride to share interesting facts about Venetian history and architecture along the way.
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- 1 hour
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$450.05
per group
Walking ToursVenice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
Explore the famous sites and hidden charms of Venice on this walking tour, followed by a ride through the city’s canals on an iconic gondola. Follow your local guide through a romantic maze of surrounding backstreets to discover some of Venice’s lesser-known gems. Learn the fascinating history of Venice as you wander through narrow alleys and over stone footbridges, and then hop aboard a Venetian gondola for a leisurely ride along the Grand Canal.
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- 2 hours 9 minutes to 2 hours 27 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$54.16
From
$54.16
- 2 hours 9 minutes to 2 hours 27 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
Audio GuidesVenice: Grand Canal by Gondola with commentary
Traverse the canals of Venice aboard a traditional gondola with your very own gondolier. Float along narrow waterways and hidden passages, admiring the beauty of one of Italy's most magical cities. Pass beneath centuries-old bridges and take in famous attractions such as St. Marks' Bell Tower and San Giorgio Island from the coziness of your flat-bottomed boat.
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- 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$32.57
$7.15 savings
Private and LuxuryVenice Gondola Ride and Serenade
Experience Venice in the most Venetian way possible: via a shared gondola ride while being serenaded. Choose between an afternoon or evening ride and then hop on the six-person gondola by a gondolier who is clad in traditional garb. Then begin the ride, as part of a group of eight different gondolas, with a singer aboard one of the boats. In addition to the song being sun to you, enjoy the sites of Venice's main landmarks, including the grand Canal and Palazzo Barberino.
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- 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$45.74
Day CruisesSmall Group Venice Grand Canal Panoramic Tour
It is a truth universally acknowledged that visiting Venice and not taking a boat ride down the Grand Canal is a travelling sin. Experience the Floating City in all of its glory on a 1-hour motorboat tour in a group limited to 12. Ideal for first-time visitors, you’ll pass beautiful palazzo and sail beneath famous bridges such as the Accademia Bridge and the Rialto Bridge.
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- 1 hour
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$36.11
Day CruisesVenice from the Water: Grand Canal private boat tour
The best way to see Venice is from the water, and on this boat tour, you’ll experience the city’s complex network of water “roads” for yourself. Ride down the Grand Canal and minor canals, admiring the architecture and ornate bridges. Along the way, your guide shares stories about some of the famous events and people associated with the Floating City.
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- 1 hour
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$215.36
Price varies by group size
Day CruisesPrivate Grand Canal Boat Tour and Murano Glass Experience
Cruise along Venice's most famous waterway with a private, 1-hour boat tour of the Grand Canal, followed by a trip across the Venetian Lagoon to the renowned glass-blowing island of Murano. Zip alongside magnificent palazzos and soak up the quiet charm of smaller canals as your driver relates the legends and history of 'the floating city.' In Murano, watch master glassblowers at a factory workshop and admire intricate finished pieces at the showroom.
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- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$445.32
per group
Private and LuxuryClassic 30-Minute Gondola Ride
Explore Venice's famous canals on a guided gondola ride through the city. Meander beneath bridges and along quiet, peaceful stretches in a traditional Venetian boat, taking in sights such as the Rialto Bridge and Campo Manin as you go. Join up to five others—along with your expert gondolier—in enjoying one of Venice's most leisurely and original pastimes, and don't miss this chance to experience the Grand Canal from the water.
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- 25 to 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$37.31
Day CruisesPrivate Tour: Venice Grand Canal Evening Boat Tour
Spend a delightful evening cruising along the canals of Venice on this private boat tour. Take in the architectural masterpieces that line the Grand Canal and smaller waterways from aboard a comfortable modern water taxi, venturing further than a traditional gondola would allow. Learn about the artistic and cultural history of Venice from your English-speaking guide as you soak in the sights on your choice of a 1-hour or 2-hour ride.
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- 1 hour
- Taking safety measures
From
$451.34
per group
Half-day ToursGrand Canal boat tour and Murano glass experience with Hotel pick up
Nip through Venice the stylish way, in a comfortable water taxi, on this private tour, with one convenient flat rate for groups of up to 10. Admire ancient palaces, secret gardens, the Rialto Bridge, and more, as your guide introduces the city’s signature buildings and the families that made them great. Finish at Murano island, famed for glass for centuries, with a private tour of a historic workshop.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$300.89
per group
Cultural ToursVenice Grand Canal Gondola Ride
Glide along one of the world's most famous waterways with a romantic gondola ride on the Grand Canal in Venice. Choose from a private or shared ride, and watch passing boats, palazzos, and magnificent Renaiassnce and Baroque architecture from aboard a traditional Venetian gondola. It's a quintessential experience when visiting the ‘Floating City.’
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- 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$42.56
Half-day ToursVenice Grand Canal Tour with Private Boat (4 hours)
The romantic city of Venice, is located in the Veneto region of Italy - one of the gems in the North East corner of Italy. This ancient and historically important city was originally built on 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea. Instead or roads, Venice relies on waterways and canals. With the four hours of the Venetian lagoon you can also explore: the island of Murano famous for its colored glass creations lace and the brightly colored fisherman houses.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$1,169.88
per group
$292.47 savings
From
$1,169.88
per group
$292.47 savings
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
Full-day ToursGroup or Private Venice In a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & Gondola
First time in Venice? Maximize your time in the city with a full-day itinerary that ticks off all the most memorable attractions. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge and browse the lively Rialto fish market, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal. Next, access St. Mark’s Basilica and gaze down over the city from the cathedral’s rooftop terrace. Finally, enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge’s Palace. This small-group tour is limited to 15 people ensuring a personalized experience.
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- 7 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$155.26
Price varies by group size
From
$155.26
Price varies by group size
- 7 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
Dining ExperiencesSmall Group Venice Food Tour: Cicchetti and Wine
Taste your way through the backstreet bars of Venice on this delicious food and wine tour. Follow your local guide to different ‘enotecas’ (wine bars) to discover where local Venetians go to drink and mingle. At each stop, sample regional wines and Prosecco served alongside plates of the popular Venetian appetizers called ‘cicchetti.’ Group size is limited to 12 to ensure a personalized experience.
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- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$119.94
Cultural ToursGroup or Private Motorboat Cruise: Grand Canal & Basilica San Giorgio Maggiore
See the sights of the surreal canal city in style with a luxury motorboat tour of the Grand Canal. Marvel at the unforgettable beauty of the famous canal as you ride past sights like the Doge's Palace and Rialto Bridge with a professional driver guiding the way. Arrive at the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore to climb up into the bell tower for exceptional views over the city. Small-group tour size limited to four people.
... More
- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$125.17
Price varies by group size
Full-day Tours30-minute Private Gondola Ride in Venice
Reserve a classic Venetian experience with a private gondola ride through Venice’s romantic canals. Enjoy a beautifully crafted boat and professional gondolier just for your party as you glide down the Grand Canal and smaller waterways, passing historic palaces and landmarks like Mozart’s home and the Rialto Bridge. Book ahead to guarantee a private ride for you group and avoid the hassle of negotiating a price on the spot.
... More
- 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$87.04
Price varies by group size
Full-day ToursMorning Walking Tour of Venice Plus Gondola Ride
Combine a morning walk through Venice with a gondola ride for the perfect Venetian day. Get to know the canal city better with a guided tour led by an experienced local. Then watch the sights drift by from the water as you cruise through Venice in a gondola. This combined tour is an excellent way to experience Venice.
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- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$72.21
Dining ExperiencesVenice Gondola Ride and Serenade with Dinner
Feel the romance of a classic Venetian experience with a serenaded gondola ride through Venice’s famed canals, capped off by dinner or lunch at a renowned local eatery. Settle into a traditional gondola boat for a ride through the Grand Canal and some of the city’s smaller waterways, while onboard musicians provide a passionate soundtrack of Italian ballads. Savor an authentic Venetian meal at the top-rated Hostaria Ai Coristi Restaurant to conclude your enchanted evening or afternoon tour.
... More
- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$112.20
Gondola CruisesVenice Gondola Experience
Explore the romantic canals of Venice the way that locals have for centuries on a 30-minute shared gondola ride. Climb aboard one of the ornate carved vessels and settle into your seat as a professional gondolier navigates past ancient palazzos, under footbridges and through scenes of daily life in the captivating city-on-the-sea. It’s a quintessential Venetian experience not to be missed!
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- 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$34.82
Romantic ToursPrivate Tour: Venice Gondola Ride with Serenade
Embark on a quintessential Venetian experience with a private, serenaded gondola ride through the famed canals of Venice. Glide past ancient palazzi and magnificent cathedrals on a traditional handcrafted gondola, while musicians serenade you with mood-setting Italian ballads. Gondolas have room for up to four passengers, so it’s the perfect opportunity for romance or an unforgettable family experience.
... More
- 35 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$438.45
per group
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