Venice: Boat Tour With Grand Canal and San Giorgio Maggiore

Discover the enchanting beauty of Venice through an intimate boat tour along the iconic Grand Canal. This guided excursion promises an unforgettable experience, taking visitors on a scenic one-hour cruise past the city’s stunning architecture and historic landmarks. The tour also includes a visit to the magnificent Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, where travelers can admire breathtaking views from the Bell Tower. With personalized attention and luxurious transportation, this small-group adventure offers a unique opportunity to take in Venice’s rich culture and history. However, the true highlight of this tour may lie in the unexpected delights that await those who choose to embark on this remarkable journey.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Venice.

Key Points

• This 2-hour guided boat tour in Venice offers a cruise along the iconic Grand Canal and a visit to the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, including a climb to the bell tower.
• The tour is priced at €119 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour and a "reserve now, pay later" option available.
• The small group experience is limited to 9 participants and includes live commentary from an expert local guide, as well as the use of headsets for an enhanced experience.
• Participants can expect to see stunning views of Venice’s architecture and landmarks, including a panoramic view from the top of the Bell Tower.
• The tour departs from the Colonna di San Marco, and transportation is provided via a luxury speedboat, with the option to reach the starting point by Vaporetto, taxi, or on foot.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Venice Boat Tour with Grand Canal and San Giorgio Maggiore offers visitors a 2-hour guided excursion priced at €119.00 per person.

This tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to check availability and reserve in advance. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

There’s also a "reserve now & pay later" option available. The tour departs from the Colonna di San Marco and includes a boat cruise, sightseeing, and a visit to the Bell Tower with stunning views over the city.

Itinerary Highlights

Commencing from the Colonna di San Marco, the tour’s itinerary highlights key sites across Venice, including St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, and the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore.

The tour includes:

• A visit to the Bell Tower, offering stunning panoramic views of the city
• A 1-hour scenic cruise along the Grand Canal
• A 25-minute stop at the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore for further exploration
• Live commentary from an expert local guide, providing insightful perspectives on the city’s rich history and architecture.

The tour’s carefully curated itinerary ensures a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing visitors to discover the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of Venice.

Experience and Group Size

This boat tour offers a small group experience, limited to just 9 participants.

An expert local guide will provide live commentary in English, ensuring clear communication throughout the tour. Guests will be equipped with headsets to enhance the experience.

The tour features a luxury speedboat, offering a thrilling and comfortable mode of transportation.

With a maximum of 9 persons per boat and children under 5 not counted, the group size is carefully managed to provide an intimate and personalized exploration of Venice’s iconic landmarks.

The small group size allows for easy interaction with the guide and a more immersive sightseeing experience.

Important Information

As the meeting point, guests are required to gather at the base of the Winged Lion column in front of the Doge’s Palace.

The tour has a few important guidelines to keep in mind:

• Shorts, baby strollers, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts aren’t allowed.
• The tour is limited to a maximum of 9 persons per boat, with children under 5 not counted.
• The Bell Tower may be closed on special occasions, but alternative views will be available.

It’s crucial to adhere to these rules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the Venice Boat Tour.

With these considerations in mind, guests can look forward to a memorable journey through the city’s iconic waterways and landmarks.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Venice Boat Tour has received an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 75 reviews.

The tour guide received a stellar 4.9 out of 5 rating, with customers praising their expertise and knowledge.

The transportation and service aspects were also highly rated at 4.7 and 4.6, respectively.

Customers consistently highlighted the memorable experience and scenic views as tour highlights.

While some complaints were made about the boat quality and group size exceeding limits, the positive feedback overwhelmingly praises this tour as a must-do activity for visitors to Venice.

Booking and Availability

Booking the Venice Boat Tour is simple and convenient. Customers can reserve their spot online in advance, ensuring availability for their desired date and time.

Plus, the tour operator offers a "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option, allowing visitors to secure their booking without an immediate financial commitment.

Some key booking details:

• Likely to sell out, so early reservations are recommended
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund
• Tour limited to 9 participants for an intimate experience
• Children under 5 not counted towards the group size

Booking the tour in advance guarantees a hassle-free experience and an opportunity to explore the stunning sights of Venice from the comfort of a luxury speedboat.

What to Expect

Visitors embarking on the Venice Boat Tour can expect a captivating journey through the city’s iconic waterways. The tour offers a guided cruise along the Grand Canal, showcasing the stunning architecture and landmarks that line its banks.

Passengers will also enjoy a visit to the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, where they’ll climb the bell tower for panoramic views of the city. The experience is enhanced by a small group size, ensuring personalized attention from the expert local guide.

Travelers will have the opportunity to explore Venice’s rich history and culture while taking in the city’s breathtaking scenery from the comfort of a luxury speedboat.

Getting There and Parking

To reach the starting point of the Venice Boat Tour, visitors can make their way to the Colonna di San Marco, located at the base of the Winged Lion column in front of the Doge’s Palace.

This convenient location is easily accessible, whether arriving by:

• Vaporetto (water bus) – The nearest stop is San Marco, just a short walk away.
• On foot – The tour meeting point is in the heart of Venice, within walking distance of major landmarks.
• By taxi – Taxis can drop passengers off right at the Colonna di San Marco.
• Private boat – Those arriving by private water taxi or gondola can disembark directly at the tour’s starting point.

Ample signage and the presence of the tour guide ensure visitors have no trouble finding the meeting location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Based on the tour details, it doesn’t appear that bringing your own food and drinks is allowed. The tour likely provides a set experience, so outside items may not be permitted onboard. It’s best to check with the tour operator to confirm their policy.

Does the Tour Include a Visit to the Doge’s Palace?

The tour includes a visit to the Doge’s Palace, a prominent landmark in Venice. Guests will have the opportunity to view this iconic site during the guided sightseeing portion of the boat tour.

Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour information does not explicitly mention wheelchair accessibility of the boat. As a small group tour with a luxury speedboat, the boat may not be designed for wheelchair users. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the tour operator for more details.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund. This provides flexibility for customers to change their plans without penalty.

Can I Purchase Additional Tickets for Family Members?

Yes, you can purchase additional tickets for family members. The tour allows a maximum of 9 persons per boat, and children under 5 are not counted towards the total. You’ll need to book extra tickets for any additional family members.

Recap

The "Boat Tour With Grand Canal and San Giorgio Maggiore" in Venice offers an enchanting and intimate experience. Guests can enjoy a scenic cruise along the iconic Grand Canal, visit the stunning Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, and take in breathtaking views from the Bell Tower. Led by an expert local guide, this memorable tour promises rich history and culture, making it a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the beauty of Venice.

You can check if your dates are available here: