Exploring the magical city of Venice by private boat is an enchanting experience. Visitors can enjoy the iconic sights of the Grand Canal, witness the art of glassblowing in Murano, and stroll through the colorful houses of Burano, all within a six-hour tour. Led by a local expert, this customizable journey offers a relaxed pace and the opportunity to delve deeper into the rich history and culture of this remarkable destination.
Key Points

- A 6-hour private boat tour exploring Venice’s Grand Canal, Murano, and Burano islands, with a focus on the iconic sights and local glassblowing demonstrations.
- Customizable itinerary with hotel or port pickup, allowing for a personalized experience tailored to individual preferences.
- Experienced local guide providing insights into Venice’s rich history and culture, as well as recommendations for local gelato and restaurants.
- Comfortable pace and attention to individual needs, with some reports of shared boat sections and logistical issues with porter services.
- Moderate physical fitness level required, with non-wheelchair accessibility and proximity to public transportation.
Tour Overview

The Grand Canal Boat Tour offers a 6-hour private experience exploring the canals of Venice, Italy.
Located in the historic city, the tour earns a 4.8/5 rating based on 10 reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor.
Priced from $1,227.58 per group (up to 6 people), the tour includes a private boat, visits to key sites like St. Mark’s Square, Murano, and Burano, along with commentary from a local guide.
The itinerary is customizable, and hotel or port pickup is provided.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour requires only a moderate fitness level.
Travelers must follow a smart casual dress code.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Venice
Experience Highlights

A private boat tour allows visitors to explore Venice’s iconic canals. The tour includes stops at renowned attractions like St. Mark’s Square, Murano, and Burano. Travelers can witness a live glassblowing demonstration in Murano and admire the vibrant, colorful homes of Burano. Throughout the tour, a local guide provides commentary, offering insights into the city’s rich history and culture. The itinerary can be tailored to individual preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.
| Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| St. Mark’s Square | Explore the iconic Venetian square |
| Murano | Witness a live glassblowing demonstration |
| Burano | Admire the vibrant, colorful homes |
| Customizable Itinerary | Tour tailored to individual preferences |
Inclusions
Although a private boat tour, the package includes a tour guide in the preferred language for 6 hours, hotel or port pickup, and a private boat to Murano along the Grand Canal.
The tour also includes:
- A shuttle boat, which may be shared, from Murano to Burano.
- A return private boat to the hotel or San Marco.
- All transportation between the key sites.
However, gratuities, lunch, food, and drinks aren’t included in the tour price.
It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate physical fitness level.
Important Information

While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and a moderate physical fitness level is required. The dress code is smart casual. Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times. Plus, a €5 access fee may apply for travelers staying outside Venice on certain dates.
| Accessibility | Physical Fitness | Dress Code | Cruise Ship Passengers | Access Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not wheelchair accessible | Moderate level required | Smart casual | Ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times must be provided | €5 may apply for travelers staying outside Venice on certain dates |
Traveler Reviews

Positive feedback from travelers highlights several key aspects of the Grand Canal Boat Tour. Reviewers praise the exceptional guides, who provide personalized experiences and well-organized tours.
Plus, travelers appreciate the comfortable pace and the tour’s attention to individual needs. For example, some notable experiences include:
- Gelato and local restaurant recommendations from the guide.
- A relaxed itinerary that allows for flexibility.
- Seamless coordination with cruise ship schedules.
However, some travelers have reported shared boat sections and logistical issues with porter services as common complaints.
Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Venice
- Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat
- Dolomite Mountains and Cortina Semi Private Day Trip From Venice
- Venice Private Arrival Transfer by Water Taxi: Cruise Port to Central Venice
- The History of Venice: San Marco Highlights Private Tour
- St Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip the Line – Semi-Private
- Venice Private Photoshoot – Walk,Pose,Repeat!
Exploring the Grand Canal

What better way to experience the captivating essence of Venice than by exploring its iconic Grand Canal?
On this private boat tour, travelers will glide along the historic waterway, marveling at the city’s stunning architecture and catching glimpses of daily Venetian life.
From ornate palaces to charming bridges, the Grand Canal offers a unique perspective of Venice’s rich cultural heritage.
With a knowledgeable local guide providing insightful commentary, guests can fully enjoy the city’s enchanting atmosphere.
This intimate tour allows for a personalized experience, tailored to individual interests and preferences.
Discovering Murano’s Glassblowing

The tour then ventures to the nearby island of Murano, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of glassblowing.
Visitors witness a live demonstration by a skilled artisan, showcasing the intricate techniques that have been passed down through generations. The process captivates onlookers as the master craftsman manipulates molten glass with remarkable dexterity, shaping it into intricate works of art.
Afterward, guests have the opportunity to:
- Browse the showrooms and browse the stunning display of Murano glass products.
- Learn about the history and significance of this iconic Venetian craft.
- Explore the charming streets and canals of the island at their own pace.
Wandering Through Burano’s Vibrant Streets

Next, the tour makes its way to the captivating island of Burano, renowned for its vibrant, colorful houses and traditional lace-making. Disembarking the private boat, visitors are immediately captivated by the picturesque streets and canals. Exploring the island, they witness skilled artisans demonstrating the intricate techniques of Burano’s renowned lace-making. The tour also includes time for wandering the charming alleyways, admiring the striking hues of the buildings, and perhaps indulging in a delicious local treat.
| Burano Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colorful Houses | Lace-Making | Charming Canals |
| Skilled Artisans | Local Treats | Picturesque Streets |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Choose the Departure Time for the Tour?
Yes, the tour allows you to choose your preferred departure time. The private nature of the tour enables customization according to your schedule and preferences.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves walking and boarding boats. Children of all ages are welcome on the private Grand Canal boat tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
The tour does not provide food or drinks, so guests are welcome to bring their own. However, the tour operator notes that no outside alcohol is permitted on the boat.
Can I Take Photos During the Glassblowing Demonstration?
Yes, guests are generally allowed to take photos during the glassblowing demonstration on the tour. However, visitors should be mindful not to obstruct the artisans’ work or disrupt the demonstration.
Do I Need to Purchase Any Tickets Separately for the Tour?
The tour includes private boat transportation, a guided visit to Murano for a glassblowing demonstration, and a shuttle boat to Burano. No additional tickets need to be purchased separately for this tour.
The Sum Up
This private Grand Canal boat tour provides a captivating exploration of Venice’s iconic landmarks and vibrant islands. Guests can enjoy the city’s rich history and culture, witnessing a live glassblowing demonstration in Murano and wandering through the colorful homes of Burano. With a customizable itinerary and a local expert guide, this six-hour experience offers a tailored and enchanting journey through the enchanting beauty of Venice.
More Private Tours in Venice
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Venice: Private Walking Tour with a Local
- Private City Kickstart Tour: Venice
- Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Venice
- 4 hours Private Boat Tour to Murano, Burano with local real guide
- Private Gondola ride and Photo Session in Venice.
More Tour Reviews in Venice
- Venice: St Marks Basilica Priority Entry, Host & Audioguide
- Haunted Venice Audio Tour with Palazzo Bovolo Entry Ticket
- Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat with Glassmaking
- Venice: Convent Garden of Redentore Entry Ticket
- Hidden Venice – Small Group Tour
- Murano, Burano & Torcello: Vetro, Case Colorate & Storia
Still browsing? Here are more Venice experiences we've covered recently
- Which Venice Workshops & Classes To Choose? We Rank The 13 Best
- The 5 Most Popular Shopping & Market Tours In Venice
- Discover 14 Great Photography Experiences In Venice
- Our 13 Favorite Venice Walking Tours
- 8 Best Private Driver Services In Venice (With Prices)
- Our Picks For The 5 Best Dining Experiences In Venice
- 12 Best Tours & Experiences In Venice (With Prices)
- 14 Best Wine Tours In Venice
- Top 12 Tours In Venice
- We Rank Venice’s 4 Top Dinner Experiences
- Venice’s 4 Best Full-Day Tours (With Prices & Reviews)
- 4 Must-Try Lunch Experiences In Venice
