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VeniceWater activities

Our most recommended Venice Water activities

Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

1. Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary

Feel the essence of Venice as you explore hidden and picturesque waterways near the Grand Canal with a gondola ride. Listen to in-app commentary to learn more about the city as you admire the sights. Start your activity by meeting the host, who will explain some curiosities about the history of gondolas and gondoliers. Get free access to an app with commentary of your itinerary on the gondola. As you enjoy the beauties of the Grand Canal, admire the marvelous Palaces such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Palace, the Gritti Palace, the Salute Church, the Punta della Dogana. Discover the worldwide-famous La Fenice Theatre and the Mozart House along the romantic and hidden waterways. At the end of your ride, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Saint Mark’s Basin with San Giorgio Island.

Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

2. Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

Discover some of the most famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon on this full-day boat tour. Travel with your guide through Venice Lagoon on a panoramic vessel and enjoy the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Start your day of adventure by boarding a comfortable panoramic boat as you set off from St. Mark's. Learn about the islands from your host along the way. Take in the sights of this ancient city for around 30 minutes until you reach your first destination, Murano. Enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration with a glass master accompanied by a historical explanation of the craft. Stop by the souvenir store at the glass factory and enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on your purchases. Your scheduled time in Murano also includes free time to explore on your own. Leave Murano behind as you travel to the nearby island of Burano. Witness the quaint and colorful houses that dot the island and observe the lace makers at work. Become acquainted with their rare skill which is considered some of the finest worldwide. Stop for a bite to eat during your time in Burano and taste some of the local biscotti that are native to the island. Travel to your final stop, Torcello. Enjoy a 1-hour visit to the island and visit historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Attila's Throne, the Devil's Bridge, and the Bell Tower. Finish your adventure with a 1-hour trip back to Venice taking in the breathtaking ambiance of the Venetian lagoon.

Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

3. Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary

Explore the canals of Venice aboard a gondola. Enjoy live commentary from your guide as your gondolier takes you down narrow ways and along the Grand Canal. Learn about the city's palaces, churches, and attractions. Hear about local stories and the history of the gondola and gondoliers. During your journey, admire Desdemona’s House and Mozart’s House. You'll also pass by the magnificent La Fenice Theatre and the “De le Ostreghe” Canal. Continue to the most important canal in Venice, the Grand Canal. Make your way towards the Salute Church, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and some of the stunning Venetian palaces that run alongside the canal, like Ca'Dolfin, Ca'Loredan, Grimani Palace, and many others. You will also see Punta de la Dogana and Saint Mark’s Basin before making your way back to Campo San Moisè. 

Venice: Murano and Burano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit

4. Venice: Murano and Burano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit

Set sail on a boat tour from Venice to the islands of Murano and Burano. Sail there on a comfortable vessel, enjoy some time exploring the islands at your leisure, and witness a glass-blowing demonstration on Murano. Depart from San Marco or the Venice Train Station (depending on the option selected) and head to Murano and Burano. Meet your crew and cruise across the lagoon, enjoying the views from a panoramic terrace along the way. Discover the art of glass-making in Murano and visit a glass factory. Learn more about the traditions and processes behind glass production. Then, admire the colorful houses of Burano and take a stroll through the picturesque streets. In the evening, return to your original meeting point.

Venice: Private Gondola Ride along Grand Canal

5. Venice: Private Gondola Ride along Grand Canal

Board an authentic gondola and take a romantic journey along the Grand Canal in Venice. See the historic sights along the shoreline as you glide down the canal. Set off from the departure point and admire marvelous palaces, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. Explore the secret waterways of Venice and soak up the city's atmosphere with your friends or your beloved. Travel by gondola close to St. Mark's Square, Fenice Opera House, Punta della Dogana, and many other charming palaces. Pass under a small bridge as you discover the hidden spots reachable only by gondola.

From Venice: Murano and Burano Panoramic Boat Tour

6. From Venice: Murano and Burano Panoramic Boat Tour

Discover the most charming and famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon on this half-day excursion. Marvel at the beautiful surroundings of Venice and learn more about Venetian life and traditions. Start your journey in a comfortable panoramic boat leaving from the St. Mark's area and reach the island of Murano in around 30 minutes. You will be welcomed to a glass factory to see a glass-blowing demonstration made by a glass master. You can purchase some craft souvenir items in the shop with an exclusive 10% discount. Head next to Burano Island. Immerse yourself in its quaint and colorful houses for just over an hour. On Burano, admire the fishermen's houses painted in bright colors to find their way home when returning from the sea. The island is also known internationally for its rare artisan lace. Close the mooring dock in the island center, observe the lace makers and enjoy your time relaxing or buying the typical biscuits made on the island: i bussolai. Board newly to go back to Venice and enjoy the quiet nature of the Venetian lagoon

Venice: Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

7. Venice: Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 Passengers

Experience the romance of Venice aboard a traditional gondola for up to 6 people and enjoy a more intimate experience, exclusive to your group. Depart from the Campo San Luca at a time to suit you. Gondola rides are available by day and at night, when you can marvel at the monuments illuminated after dark. Journey along the legendary Grand Canal to see some of the historic buildings from the water. Venture down some of the smaller canals and get away from the tourist crowds. Pass the Gothic façades of palazzos at a gentle pace as your gondolier punts you through the historical center aboard the city's most traditional mode of transport. Glide back to the starting point for the end of your amazing gondola ride.

From Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Island Tour by Boat

8. From Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Island Tour by Boat

During your stay in Venice, take the opportunity to visit the nearby islands of Murano and Burano, famous for their traditional crafts. First, head to Burano, take a guided tour, and discover the art of lacemaking. On Murano, you'll also take a guided tour and witness a glassblowing demonstration. Avoiding the busy public ferries, depart from Venice and make your way to two of the most iconic islands in the area. Accompanied by your local guide, you'll discover the history and arts of Murano and Burano. Admire the mesmerizing colorful houses and learn about the time-honored tradition of lacemaking on Burano. Following this, you'll proceed to the picturesque Murano, where you'll learn about the Venetian craft of glassblowing that has been passed down through generations.

Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

9. Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

Spend some time on the most famous Venetian islands, known throughout the world for their picturesque scenery, craft traditions, and unique history. See a glass factory in Murano, visit a lace shop in Burano, and enjoy free time in Torcello. Depart from near Saint Mark’s Square or Santa Lucia Train Station, and take an enjoyable trip across Saint Mark’s Basin. On the boat, a live guide will illustrate the history of the lagoon and the three islands you will visit.  Your first stop will be the island of Murano, sometimes referred to as the “Island of the Glass.” Spend 30 minutes visiting one of its famous glass factories and see the glass being manufactured and blown.  Enjoy about 15 minutes of free time on Murano before heading to Torcello, the most ancient of the inhabited islands. Continue to Burano, admiring the natural environment and the minor islands spread all around you. Enjoy some free time in Burano, a typical fishing island with colorful contrasts and chocolate-box-painted houses. Look out, too, for much evidence of its renowned lace-making and embroidery industry, and try some of Burano’s notable homemade cakes. Please note that once on the ground, this is not a guided tour. The guide will escort you to the glass factory in Murano and the lace shop in Burano. Afterward, you will have time to explore each island on your own.

Venice: Shared Gondola Ride Across the Grand Canal

10. Venice: Shared Gondola Ride Across the Grand Canal

Share a gondola ride with up to 5 other people and a master gondolier through the canals of Venice. Glide gracefully through the mysterious canals of Venice on a peaceful 30-minute ride. Discover the quaint and charming canals of Venice that have different charms and appeals, which you'll experience on this tour. Float down the iconic Grand Canal, ride down minor waterways, and pass by the famous theater, La Fenice, to soak up the atmosphere.

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Frequently asked questions about Venice Water activities

What are other things to do than Water activities that are worth visiting in Venice?

The other unmissable things to do in Venice are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Venice

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What people are saying about Venice

First of all, I would like to thank the gondolier who led us for 30 minutes to the history of water, buildings, events, personalities from the world of culture or the Venetian aristocracy that made VENICE a good place to visit at least once in life. The company that takes care of the organization is as appreciated, as in the profit of the big requests it pleases everyone.

This was a lovely time! Even though it was rainy, it was still a very cool experience, and our tour guide Riccardo was very informative, charming and engaging. (He gave me some great restaurant recommendations too!) The trip in total was about 45 minutes and there was no wasted time. Definitely recommend!

Amazing! The day was very well organized and the guide were super friendly and gave us a very nice and interesting outlook on the history and culture of Murano and Burano.

Great to walk & hear about the city’s history. Windy conditions limit the gondola in the grand canal, which is a bummer. Great experience, worth it!

Great fun! Little walk to the boat with a nice explanation of the city then the gondola ride was a good amount of time :))