The 6 Best Romantic Boat Rides 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 flotilla from Santa Maria del Giglio for a roughly 30-minute gondola ride past the Grand Canal, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Accademia Bridge, and Santa Maria della Salute. A singer performs from one gondola, so your view and sound depend on where you are seated.

“Trip was supposed to last 30 minutes, we started late and were back to the starting point by 23 minutes after the hour—it wasn’t even 20 minutes long! Serenade was 2 American songs—I assumed we would be serenaded with Italian standards. The crew were nice, but I was disappointed.”

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2.Romantic Shared Gondola Serenade on the Grand Canal

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

Join a small shared gondola group near San Marco for a 30-minute canal ride, a 10-minute serenade introduction, live Italian singing and music from a central boat, plus the Gondola Gallery and virtual reality show. Add a Venetian dinner if you choose.

“Our sunset gondola ride with on board singer and accordion player was nothing short of a dream come true. It met every expectation and checked off one of my bucket list items. Highly recommended if you have ever dreamed of having the true Venice experience.”

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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 calli and campi with a live guide, visiting the Scuola Grande di San Marco and Rialto Bridge before a VR journey through old Venice. Add a 30-minute shared gondola ride for a water-level view of the canals. English, Italian, and Spanish tours are available.

“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’ll take a private 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s canals, then walk about five minutes to Restaurant La Caravella near St. Mark’s. The evening includes prosecco, coffee, mineral water, and a three-course meal. The gondolier drives but does not serve as a formal guide.

“Great organised trip, great guide and amazing view of the sunset.”

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5.Private Crafted Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal

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

Share a private 30-minute gondola with up to five people, departing near Saint Mark’s Square. You’ll glide along the Grand Canal and smaller canals past La Fenice, La Salute, the Gritti Palace, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Commentary varies, and dinner is not included.

“Great guide with good information. With as many gondola services available, better signage and “pre trip ” info would be helpful.”

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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 private gondola for two. You can exchange rings, read personal vows, sign a certificate, and add a photographer. The ceremony moves to a quieter canal for privacy.

“Giovanni was the best! He was very personable and sincere! Can't imagine having anyone better. Every thing was great...”

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