Grand Canal Venice

• Explore Venice in the evening, at its quietest and most mysterious, as your guide expertly navigates you through winding alleys and dimly lit squares; 
• Hear dark the story of Biasio the Buther of Venice, a murderer who cooked his victims in soups to hide their corpses;
• Walk past the Anatomy Theatre of Venice which opened in 1671 and was used to dissect cadavers;
• Learn of the bull hunting games and Venice Carnival in Campo San Polo, one of the most popular carnival locations;
• Explore the Castelletto area, the ancient Venetian Red Light District;
• Get acquainted with the real stories and legends surrounding Giacomo Casanova, an Italian adventurer known as the most famous lover in history who escaped from prison multiple times;
• See several of the city’s highlights, including the Rialto Bridge that crosses the Grand Canal, the largest and most famous canal in Venice that separates the city in half;
• Hear tales of the Ghost of the Rialto Bridge and a ghostly pet that roams St. Mark's Square;
• End your tour in St. Mark’s Square, as you take in the magnificent play of lights of the Piazza at night, truly a magical experience;

Please note: this tour can be amended in advance to be friendly for children. Please notify us in advance of the tour if you wish for the stories to be told in a kid-friendly way! 

Venice is one of the world's most enchanting cities, offering a wide array of experiences that highlight its unique blend of history, art, culture, and natural beauty. With a fascinating topography unlike anywhere else in the world, the city’s main ‘street’ is actually the Grand Canal. This main waterway snakes through the heart of Venice, offering a spectacular introduction to the city's iconic architecture and stunning views. Cruise the Canal on our private water taxi tour and enjoy the magic of Venice from the water. A wonderful way to combine 3 of the most quintessential Venetian moments - a canal cruise, an exclusive look inside a Murano glassblowing factory and a typical Italian aperitivo - to make for a truly memorable evening in the Floating City.

On your private sunset boat tour, you will:

• Enjoy the convenience of a private water taxi that can pick you up and drop you off directly from your hotel in Central Venice;
• Discover the wonders of the Grand Canal on a boat tour led by a passionate local;
• Take in the breathtaking views of Venice at sunset;
• Sail across the Venetian lagoon to the island of Murano and learn all about the wonderful artisan traditions that thrive there to this day;
• Meet with a famous Master Glassblower at his private studio for an exclusive glassblowing performance;
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at a glassblowing workshop that is not accessible to most visitors;
• Have a special Venetian aperitivo whilst you observe the artist at work

As the sun sets over Venice, the city takes on an ethereal beauty. The famous palazzos are bathed in golden light, and the water reflects the colours of the sky, creating a magical atmosphere. Your gorgeous evening in Venice will begin at your hotel, where you will meet your expert guide and hop aboard your private water taxi which will serve as your vessel for your exhilarating journey.

After an introduction to the Floating City, it will be time for your first activity, a tour of the Grand Canal. Thanks to the insights of your private guide, you will learn how the Grand Canal has been the central hub of Venetian life for centuries, how dating back to Roman times, it became a crucial route for transporting goods and people and how in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was lined with magnificent palaces, built by wealthy Venetian families who flaunted their wealth and power through architecture. All the while, you will pass by these stunning palaces and other emblematic Venice landmarks and sail under its charming bridges where your guide can point out the most intricate features and tell riveting tales of their home city.

You will then head deeper into the Venice lagoon, enjoying wonderful twilight views of the city’s skyline from a unique vantage point on the water. You will float past the islands dotted around the lagoon at their most tranquil and peaceful, before arriving at your next destination: mesmerizing Murano. This series of small islands is a must-see for any visitor to Venice, showcasing hundreds of years of artisanal tradition. The islands' most famous export is of course Murano Glass and you can find a myriad of handcrafted glass objects on display there, from exquisite vases and chandeliers to gorgeous glass beads and jewelry.

Once you disembark in Murano, your guide will lead you through the quaint colourful streets to the private workshop of a famous local Master Glassblower, where you will get a privileged look at the painstaking process of crafting the amazing glass objects. In addition to a special glassblowing demonstration, you will have the opportunity to sit down and talk with the maestro himself where you can learn the secrets of his craft, ask about the innovative techniques passed down through the generations and understand why these treasures of Murano remain a symbol of luxury and artistry to this day.

Not only that, you will also be able to experience a unique take on the traditional Venetian aperitivo. This ritual of a pre-dinner drink, derived from the Latin aperitivus, is meant to open up the appetite and is thought to date back to Roman times, though it evolved into a national pastime in the 20th century. Now an essential element of Italian culture, aperitivo happens across the country and beyond, though Venice is known for doing it particularly well. In the comfort of the workshop of your glassblowing guru, you will enjoy a glass of Prosecco or a Bellini Cocktail and toast to your night of Venetian delights.

Following your intimate aperitif, your water taxi will be waiting to return you to central Venice and give you one last chance to take in the picturesque vistas of the lagoon by night. As the city lights draw ever closer, your guide can provide recommendations for a decadent dinner or moonlit stroll around the city and you can choose to return to your hotel or be dropped off at the iconic St. Mark’s Square to keep exploring having formed a deep personal connection to the streets and waterways of Venice.