Boat Tours in Venice

Venice is famous for its magnificent architecture and works of art, but also as the Italian city built on water, with 117 islands and more than 400 bridges.

There can hardly be a better way to explore Venice’s historical and architectural heritage than on a Boat Trip or Tour in Venice through the city’s waterways. Get ready to be spoilt for choice considering the great variety and numbers of guided boat tours on offer.

Here's all you need to know about boat trips and tours, one of the most enchanting outdoor activities in Venice.

What are the most popular boat tours in Venice?

Venice: Venetian lagoon tour and galleon dinner

Enjoy an exclusive candlelit dinner cruise aboard a Venetian galleon through the Venetian Lagoon on this special boat tour in Venice. Savor the on-board chef's dishes while marveling at the views of St Mark's Square from the water. Admire Venice, the craft islands Murano and Burano, and Sant'Erasmo under the evening skies.

You will meet your host at the Museo Navale in Venice and on board, the crew will usher you to your elegant reserved table. Start off with a delicious glass of Prosecco DOC, sit by candlelight and dine with a fine and well-finished service.

You can book the Central Deck for panoramic windows offering great views, or choose the prow/stern areas with tables for four offering a more intimate ambiance. Or choose to sit at the stern, connected to the kitchen/bar. The area has small windows with a partial outside view and couples may be seated at a shared table.

You’ll be bowled over by the old-fashioned allure of a galleon sea vessel as you take in the wonderful atmosphere of the Venetian Lagoon. Then at dusk, it gets even better as the galleon slowly leaves the shore and sails into the northern lagoon.

Enjoy the fine views of the minor islands around the lagoon, such as Sant’Erasmo and San Francesco del Deserto. Sail towards the Venetian Arsenal – a complex of old shipyards – and past the islands of Vignole, Mazzorbo and the crafts island of Murano. At the same time, enjoy a variety of delectable specialties from the chef.

You’ll sail around Burano, famous for its traditional lace culture, colorful houses and the Leaning Bell Tower. Pass the island of San Giorgio and continue on to Venice for a spectacular view of St Mark's Basin, before disembarking at Museo Navale.

• The minimum age for the trip is one year.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible.
• On request, boarding/disembarking from Punta Sabbioni is available.
• In case of cancellation due to technical reasons, you can do another future booking or request a refund.

Murano and Burano Islands guided small-group tour by private boat

Discover the art of two famous Italian handicrafts on a guided day trip from Venice to the islands of Murano and Burano. Marvel at centuries-old glassblowing techniques in Murano and the intricate stitches of Burano lace. Share the history of these islands while visiting workshops and wandering the islands’ picturesque streets.

The tour will be conducted in small groups of up to 20 people so that you can enjoy a more personalized experience. Your meeting point is at the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, Riva degli Schiavoni.

The artisan islands of Murano and Burano are situated just across the Venetian Lagoon from Venice. You’ll travel by private water taxi, which is faster and more solid than a gondola.

At Murano you’ll visit the workshop of a local glassblower and watch him create elegant shapes from molten glass. Then enjoy some free time to explore other workshops on the island before hopping back on the boat for a scenic cruise to Burano.

Here among the island’s colorful homes you’ll find the traditional lace making workshops and watch the local lace craftswomen weave their magic. They’re continuing a tradition that has thrived on Burano for centuries.

You can also visit the Burano Lace Museum on your own, explore the island and browse local shops before the return trip to Venice. The end point is Hotel Gabrielli Riva degli Schiavoni.

• Infants must sit on laps.
• This tour depends on good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or request a refund.

Venice in a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doge's Palace and a Gondola Ride

Explore Venice with a full-day itinerary of all the most iconic landmarks on this fascinating boat tour in Venice. Wander across the Rialto Bridge, browse the bustling fish market and hop aboard a traditional gondola for a scenic trip along the Grand Canal. Visit the famous St. Mark's Basilica and enjoy the benefits of the skip-the-line entry to the resplendent Doge's Palace.

Your meeting point is at the central fountain of Campo San Giacomo di Rialto. Your tour kicks off with a guided walking tour of Venice’s most famous landmarks. Admire the Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal and dating from 1588, and discover more about Venice's food culture at the Rialto Fish Market.

Along the route, share tales of famous Venetian personalities such as Marco Polo, the Italian explorer, and Venice’s against-the-odds history. At the end of the walking tour, you will go on a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, and further into the less congested back canals. The maximum number of people per vessel is 6.

You will pause for a break, as time is allowed for lunch between the morning and afternoon tours. You can get great advice from your guide on where to get good snacks and coffee.

Following the break, you’ll regather at St. Mark's Square and enter St. Mark's Basilica to discover its amazing historical and architectural background and art via your guide.

From here you will continue to another Venetian top icon, Doge's Palace. You can skip the line with pre-reserved tickets and have the benefit of an expert local guide. Wander through all the old council chambers, audience halls and admire the great masterpieces by Veronese and Tintoretto. Your fascinating tour will end at St. Mark's Square.

• The gondolas cannot operate during heavy rain or high water tides, in which event you will be provided with an alternative itinerary.

How much do boat tours in Venice cost?

The cost of boat tours in Venice varies considerably, from around €30 per person for a 30-minute gondola trip to €360 per person for a 1-hour private boat trip on the Grand Canal.

The guided small-group tour by private boat to Murano and Burano Islands costs about €50 per person. The pleasant Venetian Lagoon tour and galleon dinner costs €110 per person and the Venice in a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doge's Palace and Gondola Ride costs €140 per person.

Which places are seen on a boat tour in Venice?

Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace was built in 1340 in the Venetian Gothic style as the residence of the Doge of Venice, who was the head authority of the then Republic of Venice. The oldest part is the wing overlooking the Lagoon, with its corners decorated with sculptures from the 14th century.

The courtyard’s northern side terminates in the junction of the palace and St Mark's Basilica, which is the former Doge's chapel. In the courtyard’s center, two well-heads from the mid-16th century are still located.

In 1485, Venice’s Great Council initiated the construction of a ceremonial staircase within the courtyard, and since 1567, two colossal statues of Mars and Neptune had been added. The Institutional Chambers of the Palace include the Council Chamber, where the Full College organized the work of the Venetian Senate.

The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark

Commonly known as St Mark's Basilica, the building is the cathedral church of the Catholic Patriarchate of Venice. In 1807, it became the episcopal seat of the Patriarch of Venice to replace the earlier cathedral of San Pietro di Castello.

Situated on the eastern end of Saint Mark's Square, and attached to the Doge's Palace, it’s the former political and religious center of the Republic of Venice. Before the fall of the Republic in 1797, it served as chapel of the Doge.

The present building is the third church, probably started in 1063, and like the earlier churches was modeled on the sixth-century Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople.

The Glassmakers of Murano

The island’s fame as a center for glassmaking originated from the Venetian Republic’s decision in 1291 for glassmakers to move their furnaces to Murano. This stemmed from their fear of fire and the potential destruction of Venice’s predominantly timber buildings.

The glassmakers soon enjoyed prominent status amongst the island's citizens. By the 14th century, glassmakers were permitted to wear swords and were immune from prosecution by the State. In spite of their privileges, the glassmakers were not allowed to leave the Republic, but many left anyway and established their furnaces in surrounding cities – even as far away as England and the Netherlands.

Today, the glass artisans of Murano still employ centuries-old techniques. Make sure to visit the Murano Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro) in the Palazzo Giustinian, where you can see displays on the history of glassmaking and glass samples from Egyptian times to the present.

Burano Island: The Lace Ladies

The most striking thing about the island of Burano as visitors approach is the variety of vivid colors of the islanders’ houses. According to legend, the homes were painted in bright hues to help returning fishermen find their way through the fog, as far back as the 6th century.

The neon shades of different colors may look random, but for centuries they’ve been determined by regulations. The island’s main claim to fame, however, is its traditional lace culture, spanning centuries. You’ll see elderly ladies in town laughing and chatting while embroidering their original Burano lace by their lace pillow (tombolo).

A must see in Burano is the Lace Museum, located at the old palace of Podestà of Torcello in Galuppi Square. The palace building had been the seat of the famous Burano Lace School from 1872 to 1970. Another famous historical feature of Burano is its own leaning tower, the bell tower of the Church of San Martino.

How long does a boat trip in Venice last?

The duration of the boat tours in Venice varies according to the nature of the tour, but the longer tours, with boat visits to the islands of Murano and Burano last from about 4-5 hours. Short tours on gondolas and boats around the Grand Canal last from about 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Boat tours from Venice usually start from meeting points at the waterfront near St Mark's on the Venetian Lagoon.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Venice?

Avoid the cold season and high water flooding during autumn and winter, so the best time for a boat trip in Venice will be the beginning of spring. The climate will be warm and pleasant, but if you’re unable to visit then, go in September with the summer heat gone. Tourists will also be fewer.

Which other water activities can be done in Venice?

• Jet Boat in Venice
• Kayaking in Venice
• Canoeing in Venice
• Stand-up Paddleboarding in Venice

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your boat trip in Venice in advance.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and water in hot weather.
• You will need to walk a lot, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Backpacks are prohibited inside St. Mark's Basilica. Also wear clothing covering at least the shoulders and knees.
• Avoid seasickness to enjoy your Venice boat tour.