Private Venice Lagoon Classic Boat Tour (4 hours)

Explore Venice’s Lagoon in Style on a Private Vintage Motorboat

The Private Venice Lagoon Classic Boat Tour offers a luxurious and flexible way to see Venice from the water. For around $1,734.66 per group, up to 6 people can enjoy a 4-hour journey aboard a private vintage motorboat. This tour departs from Certosa, passing through Le Vignole and San Erasmo to the north, giving you the ability to personalize your stops along the way. Ideal for romantic getaways or those who simply want to soak up the sights from the water, this experience provides a unique blend of comfort, privacy, and stunning scenery.

What sets this tour apart is its customizable itinerary — you choose where to stop for sightseeing, making it a highly personalized exploration of the Venetian Lagoon. The journey includes delicious snacks, soft drinks, and a bottle of prosecco, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable day on the water. The only potential limitation is that lunch and guides are not included, so you’ll want to plan accordingly if you seek in-depth commentary or meals.

Key Points

• Private boat for up to 6 guests with flexible stops
• 4-hour tour starting from Certosa at 9:30 am
• Includes snacks, soft drinks, bottled water, and prosecco
• You decide where to stop, with options like Torcello and Burano
• Fuel and boat rental are covered, no guide included
• Free cancellation available with 24-hour notice

Starting Point at Certosa: Arrive at AQVA VENICE Water Loft

The tour begins at AQVA VENICE – The Exclusive Water Loft located at Marina Santelena in Castello. This meeting point is accessible via public transportation and is clearly designated, making the start of your adventure straightforward. The 9:30 am departure allows for a full morning on the water, giving ample time to enjoy the scenery and stops.

The meeting location ensures a smooth beginning, with service animals allowed and most travelers able to participate. As a private tour, your group alone is on the boat, which enhances the sense of exclusivity and personalized service.

The Private Boat Experience on the Venetian Lagoon

The vintage motorboat used for this tour combines elegance with comfort. The Sweet Molly, a well-regarded vessel, features an open design that makes for easy sightseeing and photo opportunities. The ride is mostly open, which means you can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, but be aware that it might be less sheltered in bad weather.

The service of the driver, who is also your guide in navigating and managing the boat, ensures a relaxed experience. Fuel costs are included, so there are no surprises at the end. The private nature of the tour guarantees that your group has the boat all to yourselves, making it perfect for romantic trips, family outings, or small groups of friends.

Customizable Stops: From Torcello to Burano and Beyond

The tour’s main highlight is its flexibility in choosing stops. Starting from Certosa, you can decide to visit Isola Torcello, where you can see the Convento San Francesco del Deserto and explore the quiet island known for its historic churches and peaceful atmosphere. This stop lasts approximately an hour and is completely admission ticket free.

Another popular stop is Isola di Burano, renowned as the ‘Island of Lace and Colors’. This World Heritage Site features brightly painted houses, a curved bell tower, and quaint bridges. A one-hour visit here offers the chance to stroll, take photos, and admire the vivid scenery without feeling rushed.

Additional options include Lazaretto Nuovo or the convento at San Francesco del Deserto, depending on your interests. The ability to tailor the itinerary is especially appealing for those who want more than a standard route, as you can select stops based on your preferences.

What to Expect During the 4-Hour Journey

The duration of approximately 4 hours provides ample time to explore multiple islands or spend longer at a single stop. The pace is flexible, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery or explore each location at your leisure.

The boat is equipped with bottled water, snacks, soda, and prosecco, ensuring that your thirst and hunger are satisfied during the trip. Since lunch is not included, you might consider bringing additional food if desired, especially if planning a longer stop or a leisurely lunch on an island.

The driver’s service ensures a smooth ride, and the fuel costs are covered, so the experience remains stress-free. Remember that guides are not included, so if you prefer detailed commentary, you may want to arrange for an external guide or self-guided exploration.

Visiting Torcello: A Historic Landmark

Torcello is a favored stop for those interested in history and tranquility. The Convento San Francesco del Deserto and surrounding historic sites provide a glimpse into Venice’s past. The one-hour visit is free of charge, making it a practical and enriching stop.

Torcello stands out for its less crowded streets and medieval churches, offering a different perspective of the lagoon compared to bustling Venice. The quiet ambiance and stunning views make it a memorable addition to the tour, especially for those looking to escape the crowds.

Discovering Burano’s Colorful Charm

Burano draws visitors with its vividly painted houses and quaint streets. Recognized as a World Heritage Site, it’s famous for lace-making and its picture-perfect scenery. A one-hour stop is enough to enjoy a leisurely walk, take photos, and browse local shops.

The curved bell tower and the bright facades create iconic vistas that are perfect for capturing memories. Visitors often find Burano’s vibrant atmosphere a refreshing contrast to Venice’s historic core, making it a highlight of the lagoon excursions.

Additional Islands and Customization Options

Beyond Torcello and Burano, the tour offers the possibility to include stops at Lazaretto Nuovo or San Francesco del Deserto, depending on your preferences. These locations provide additional opportunities for sightseeing, photography, and experiencing the lagoon’s diverse landscapes.

Since the itinerary is flexible, you can prioritize islands or sites that interest your group most, whether that’s historical landmarks, scenic vistas, or local craftsmanship. This adaptability makes the tour a personalized experience tailored to your interests.

Practicalities: Booking, Cancellation, and Accessibility

The booking process is straightforward, with confirmation received within 48 hours, subject to availability. The free cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind in case of weather changes or scheduling conflicts.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and easy access from public transportation. The private nature of the experience ensures exclusivity, and since most of the tour is open, participants should be comfortable with outdoor conditions.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most

This private boat tour appeals to couples, small groups, or families seeking a relaxed yet personalized way to explore Venice’s lagoon. The customizable stops and exclusive boat create an intimate atmosphere ideal for special occasions or simply enjoying a day away from crowds.

While no guide is included, the driver’s local knowledge and the flexibility in stops enable a tailored experience. Travelers looking for a laid-back, scenic, and private exploration will find this tour particularly satisfying.

The Sum Up: A Personalized Lagoon Adventure in Venice

The Private Venice Lagoon Classic Boat Tour offers a luxurious and flexible way to see the lesser-known corners of the Venetian lagoon. With customizable stops at charming islands like Torcello and Burano, along with snacks and prosecco, it suits those seeking a relaxed, exclusive experience.

Its private setting and ability to tailor the itinerary make it stand out from more structured group tours. The 4-hour duration strikes a good balance between sightseeing and leisure, providing a memorable water-based adventure that appeals especially to small groups or couples.

While lunch and guided commentary are not included, the overall quality of the boat, the service, and the freedom to choose your stops make this tour a worthwhile investment for anyone wanting to explore Venice’s lagoon in comfort and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour’s open design and private setting make it manageable for children, but parents should consider weather and comfort.

Can I customize my stops?
Yes, the tour offers the flexibility to choose stops such as Torcello and Burano, based on your preferences.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bringing additional snacks, personal items, or sun protection is advisable, as lunch is not included. The boat provides bottled water, snacks, and prosecco.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its personalized itinerary, private boat experience, and inclusion of snacks and prosecco make it a comfortable, intimate way to enjoy Venice’s lagoon.