The 6 Best Private Boat Trips for Two in Italy

1.Romantic Venice: 30 Minute Gondola Ride with Serenade

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 2,742 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.) · from $66Our pick

Join a shared gondola near Piazza Santa Maria del Giglio for about 30 minutes on Venice’s Grand Canal and smaller canals. A singer performs from one boat in the flotilla, while you pass Peggy Guggenheim’s terrace, Accademia Bridge, Santa Maria della Salute, and old palaces.

“Arrived to the meeting spot and it was confirmed that it would be with music and 30 minutes as advertised… the ride lasted no more than 20 minutes and music lasted 5 minutes from another gondola… not worth it.. seemed like the gondola guys wanted to rush and on top of that asked for a tip… LOL”

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2.Romantic Shared Gondola Serenade on the Grand Canal

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 270 reviews · from $55

Meet near San Marco Square for a shared gondola ride through Venice’s smaller canals and part of the Grand Canal. A singer and musician perform from a central gondola, so the music may be at a distance. The experience also includes a Gondola Gallery and virtual reality presentation.

“Loved the gondola ride!! The route was beautiful and we the music was great! The musicians weren't in our gondola but we could always hear it. It's hard to rate the guide since he really didn't say anything but he got the job done. The only small disappointment was that I would have liked to have gone under the Bridge of Sighs. It was also very well organized in getting us all into boats.”

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3.Winter Walking Tour & Romantic Gondola Ride Upgrade

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 179 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $14Best value

Walk Venice’s historic center with a live guide in English, Spanish, or Italian, passing the Scuola Grande di San Marco and Rialto Bridge. A VR presentation brings old Venice to life. Add a 30-minute shared gondola ride, with set times and space for up to five people.

“Molto bello il giro in gondola. Un filo frenetico il tour a piedi”

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4.Romantic Gondola tour and Dinner for two

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 153 reviews · from $520

You and your companion take a private 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s canals, then walk five minutes to Restaurant La Caravella near St. Mark’s. Your evening includes prosecco, a three-course dinner, coffee, and mineral water. The gondolier drives but is not a formal guide.

“Nice evening seeing the different islands with a spritz.”

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5.Private Crafted Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 56 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.)

Take a private gondola for up to five people from near Saint Mark’s Square, gliding along the Grand Canal and smaller waterways. Expect iconic views of Santa Maria della Salute, the Gritti Palace, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Commentary is not included, so confirm directions before you go.

“Our young gondolier waited for us as we were running a bit late. He was very informative about the area and the uniqueness of Venice. It was a tad chilly but well worth the effort for this iconic ride.”

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6.Grand Canal: Renew Your Wedding Vows on a Venetian Gondola

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 23 reviews · from $468Top rated

Meet your celebrant near Saint Mark’s Square, walk to Santa Maria del Giglio, and renew your vows aboard a gondola. You can exchange rings, read personal vows, and sign a certificate, with roses included. English, French, German, and Italian support is available. Photography costs extra.

“Due to bad weather we didn't actually get to renew our vows in the gondola. Maria Rosa immediately came up with plan B, which was to have the ceremony inside the Doge Palace. Later in the afternoon the weather cleared up and we had our gondola ride - so amazing and romantic. I highly recommend Venice Events.”

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