Venice's grand front
Grand Canal of Venice by Private Boat
Venice's main street from the water — palaces, bridges and palazzi as they were meant to be seen
The Grand Canal is Venice's grand showcase, its main street, lined over three centuries with the palaces of the richest families. They were meant to impress from the water: from land the façades can't be seen at all. On a private boat you travel the canal as the doges and the Republic's guests did — not in a crowd on the vaporetto, but at your own pace, stopping where you please.
In short
- The Grand Canal by premium boat just for you, with a guide: an hour (or two).
- Palaces and palazzi of three centuries from the water — as the architects intended.
- The Rialto Bridge, Ca' d'Oro, the palaces of noble families, out to San Marco.
- No vaporetto crowds, at your own pace; on request, our guide with the story of each palace.
- A fine introduction to Venice, or a striking way to see it from the water in the evening.
The programme
- Along the Grand Canal. We travel the city's main waterway: baroque and Gothic palazzi, the Ca' d'Oro with its lacy façade, palaces each with its own story of the wealth and decline of Venetian families.
- The Rialto Bridge. The oldest and most famous bridge on the canal; from the water it looks quite different than from the quay.
- Out to San Marco. The canal opens into the Bacino di San Marco with the view of the Doge's Palace, the campanile and San Giorgio.
- Two hours on request. We add side canals and more time for the story and photo stops (€1,000).
Boat and guide
The route runs on a premium boat with a skipper, and our licensed art-historian guide is already aboard — with him the Grand Canal becomes a story of each palace and the family that built it.
Included / paid separately
Included: a premium boat with skipper, our licensed guide, water aboard, the Grand Canal route.
Separately: an aperitif, entry tickets if we go into museums.
The price is for the whole boat. For 1–3 guests at the price shown; for four or more, quoted on request.
FAQ
How much is a Grand Canal boat cruise?
From €500 for an hour on a premium boat with a skipper and guide; two hours €1,000. The price is for the whole boat, not per person, guide included.
How is it different from the vaporetto on the Grand Canal?
The vaporetto runs to a timetable, with stops and in a crowd. A premium boat is just for you, at your own pace, with photo stops and the guide's story aboard.
How long is it?
The standard route is one hour, the extended with side canals two. An hour is enough for an overview; two to take your time and add the story.
Can we go in the evening?
Yes, the Grand Canal in the evening, with the palaces lit, is especially beautiful — a popular format.
Is a guide included?
Yes, the guide is already included on this route — aboard and telling the story of the canal's palaces.
The Grand Canal was meant to impress from the water — and only from a boat do you see Venice as it was built. Write to us and we'll set a time and, on request, a guide.
Available dates and a quote for your party — in reply to a short message.
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