Tours/Venice/Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water
Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water
5.0(15)Venice2 hours
TRIPADVISOR5.0(15)
At a glance
Duration
2 hours
Price from
$326 / person
Location
Venice, Italy
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 15 reviews
Languages
DE, EN, IT, ES
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
deTourist Venice Valerio Coppo
Description
Discover Venice from its enchanting canals with a private boat tailored just for you. Your personal guide will share expert insights on Venice's history, art, and landmarks, making this tour truly unique.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our private boat tour in Venice. Aboard a stylish boat, you’ll admire the city from the heart of its most enchanting canals. During this 90-minute tour, you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide who will lead you through Venice’s wonders, from the iconic Grand Canal to the lesser-known canals, and even the stunning Bacino di San Marco. The tour is fully customizable, with pick-up directly from your hotel and a drop-off at your preferred location. Discover hidden gems and landmarks like the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and much more, all while cruising in comfort and tranquility. This experience is perfect for those looking for a unique and refined exploration of the city.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, and Fri
Start times
2:30 PM and 5:00 PM
Next available
Wed, Dec 2
Adult (ages 16+)
$326
Child (ages 0–15)
Free
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $634.
Larger groups pay less per person.
In demand: 44 of the next 44 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 21.
Tour Options
Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water
Pickup included
Itinerary
Venice
15 min
Pick-up at Hotel
Start your journey with a comfortable pick-up directly from your hotel, ready to embark on a unique adventure through the canals of Venice.
Piazza San Marco
15 min
Introduction to Venice
Enjoy an insightful introduction to the city as your guide shares the rich history, culture, and architecture of Venice, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Canal Grande
Admission included45 min
Private Water Taxi Cruise
Cruise along the Grand Canal, explore Venice’s charming inner canals, and take in the majestic views of St. Mark’s Basin, with your private water taxi at your disposal for a personalized journey.
Ponte di Rialto
10 min
Drop-off at Preferred Location
End your tour with a customized drop-off at your preferred location, making your Venetian experience as convenient and special as possible.
Canale della Giudecca - Giudecca Canal
5 min
Fully Customizable Itinerary
This tour is completely customizable to suit your interests. Whether you want to focus on specific landmarks, hidden gems, or explore Venice at your own pace, your guide will tailor the journey to make it uniquely yours.
What's included
Included
Private boat for 45 minutes (total tour duration: 1.5 hours)
Drop-off at any location within Venice
Hotel pick-up in Venice
Licensed Tour Guide
Not included
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
15 reviews
5
15
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Venice
Rated higher than 86% of 560 reviewed tours in Venice
Excurgo comparison of 1,975 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water take?
Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water cost?
Prices start at $326 per person for this Venice experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $634. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, starting at 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM.
How much does Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water cost for children?
Children aged 0–15 pay nothing, adults from $326.
Does Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water sell out?
It can: 44 of the next 44 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Palazzetto Pisani Boutique Resort.
What languages is Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 12 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 15 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by deTourist Venice Valerio Coppo.
Reviews(15)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
minigay
March 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
WOW !!WOW !WOW!
Absolutely hands down , this is the BEST tour guide and tour I have EVER EVER been on . Informative and personable . Valerio does not drop you like a hot potato after the tour but continues to provide support , resources and genuine caring . How special is that? I’d come back to Venice and have him plan my entire stay here .Just to be around this bright , transparent man is a joy!!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your incredible words—WOW, I’m truly touched! 😊
It means a lot to know that the experience stayed with you beyond the tour itself. For me, it’s not just about guiding for a couple of hours, but helping you connect with Venice in a real and meaningful way.
I’m really glad you felt supported during your stay—that’s exactly the kind of experience I hope to create for every guest.
It was a pleasure spending time with you, and I’d be more than happy to help you plan your next visit… there’s always more Venice to discover 😉
Grazie di cuore and see you again soon!
Valerio
A
Andrew R
February 24, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
An Amazing Tour!
Valerio is an absolutely outstanding tour guide. His knowledge of the islands surrounding Venice and their rich history is truly impressive, and he shares it with such passion and clarity. He made our trip incredibly special from start to finish. A true gentleman and a wonderful ambassador for Italian culture — we couldn’t have asked for better.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your beautiful words — they truly mean a lot to me.
It was a real pleasure sharing the lagoon and its islands with you from the water. Experiencing Venice by boat allows you to understand its history and soul in a very special way, and I’m so glad you felt that magic.
Your kindness and curiosity made the tour equally memorable for me. Thank you for your trust and for choosing to explore Venice together.
I hope our paths cross again one day — there is always another hidden corner of the lagoon waiting to be discovered.
Warm regards from Venice,
Valerio deTourist
D
donnamN3498HK
April 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Above and Beyond!!! Thank you for also explaining the water taxi system to us and giving us more tips on sites to see!!!
Valerio was friendly, fun, and showed us so much!!! I would not hesitate to book another tour. I would highly recommend!
Operator response
Thank you so much for this fantastic review! I'm really happy you enjoyed the experience and found the extra tips useful for getting around Venice. It was a joy to spend time on the water with you, and I’d love to welcome you again for another adventure in the lagoon!
Warm regards,
Valerio
X
X6384PWclaireh
April 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
So worth it!
Valerio was so friendly and very informative about the history of Venice. I’m so glad we did this tour because we really got to see and learn about all of the surrounding islands. He also taught us how to use the water bus system to hop island to island and it really made our entire day!!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful words! I'm truly glad you enjoyed the boat experience and that the tips about the islands and the waterbus system helped you make the most of your day in Venice. It was a real pleasure showing you around – I hope to see you again for another adventure on the lagoon!
All the best,
Valerio
B
Buzzwinckel
September 1, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Views of Venice
Valerio is a great guide who lives and grew up in Venice. He can customise his tours to suit the needs of the client. Interesting night tour of the Jewish Ghetto and boat trip to get a perspective of the lagoon and islands.
Operator response
Dear Buzzwinckel, thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled that Valerio's knowledge and customization made your tour special. Hope to see you again for more unique experiences!
H
Hendrik56988
December 18, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Personalized tour
Valerio organized the tour according to our requests, including specific requests. We asked for a private taxi that was on site when we met the guide
Operator response
Grazie mille Hendrik per aver condiviso la tua esperienza con noi! Siamo lieti che Valerio abbia soddisfatto le tue richieste.
D
D4609EYmarie
September 26, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Authentic experience!
“Wow” it’s not enough to describe the experience that the -detourist- gave us!
With Valerio, you will visit not only the touristic spots but Valerio will make you witness the authenticity of Venice like a true Venetian! Historical spot, places, restaurants, nightlife events that maybe lonely planet or routard cannot advice you!!
Highly recommended!!!
Mari-Dani
Operator response
Thanks Mari-Dani! You have been amazing guests! Valerio
E
Expedition528454
September 25, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Like an excursion with a close friend
The beauty of the “boat-day” was not simply the amazing location we saw BUT the fact that Valerio takes you in places that he would show to his friends while spending time together.
Molto bene e molto bravo!
Grazieee
Operator response
Thanks Mark for sharing your experience my friend! See you soon back in Venice!
C
Climber65525608248
July 24, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Venice outside the crowds
The day out with Valerio and Marco was the highlight of our stay.
First rate organisation, very comfortable boat and a lot of stops in places we would not have known otherwise.
Not only were they knowledgeable, but it felt more like a day out with friends who happen to live in Venice.
Cannot recommend more.
Operator response
Thanks Tom! It was great to show you Venice and the islands Murano Burano and Torcello by water with Marco. See you next time in Venice!
3
314robynt
June 12, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing time, made our trip!
Definitely our favourite parts of our trip in Venice. We did 2 excursions with Valerio, as we
just couldn’t chose. A tour of the canals (including smaller canals) on one day, and a sunset
lagoon tour where we got to see and hear about most of the other islands which are normally
forgotten about. Both trips were incredible and we will absolutely be back, and hope to do
another excursion with Valerio, as he really made our time in Venice fantastic.
The canals tour was wonderful we got to see so much of Venice (and considering one of us
had an injury, it meant they saw far more of Venice (and Murano, including a wonderful tour
of some incredibly beautiful glassworks) then they otherwise would) with very limited crowds,
got to hear some fantastic history and see some great sites in the comfort of a beautiful boat.
As well as several walking tour stops which allowed for the maximum experience (those
areas which just couldn’t be experienced well from the canal).
Then the lagoon tour (after a fantastic gelato, Valerio really recommends the best!) gave us
a beautiful experience of the many islands, with some Prosecco & snacks, and our very
friendly boat driver made the most of the trip. We got to see so many islands I have not even
heard of before on my previous trips and learnt so much about the wealth of history of the
region of Venice, including the route of the word quarantine (very timely!), saw some
beautiful sites and made some wonderful memories, including my nephew getting to learn
how to navigate the boat (I think he has a new hobbie he may want to cultivate). A wonderful
way to celebrate my birthday!
Thank you so much Valerio for taking my many emails, and long list of points and turning the
two trips into everyone’s favourite parts of our holiday tour (and there was some
competition!). Can’t wait to see you again when we return.
Cannot thank you enough!
Operator response
Thanks! I enjoyed customizing both your boat tours to your needs and wishes! See you next time in Venice! Valerio
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Tour
Duration
Rating
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Private Boat Experience: Discover Venice from the Water
