
Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour worth booking?
Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour is a 4-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $423 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (26)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $423 per person
Venice wasn’t built for walking—it was built for sailing. This exclusive boat tour takes you beyond the postcard clichés to explore the Venetian archipelago as it was meant to be experienced: from the water, in small groups, with access to places that most visitors will never discover. Over four carefully curated hours, you’ll journey through islands that each tell a different chapter of Venice’s story. From witnessing firsthand the agricultural marvel of Sant’Erasmo (yes, Venice grows its own vegetables) to getting a glimpse of the island where Venice’s most famous are laid to rest, you’ll witness traditions that have survived centuries of change. This isn’t about collecting Instagram moments, though you’ll certainly have them. It’s about understanding Venice as a living, breathing archipelago where real people create extraordinary things, away from the crowds.
What you get
About this experience
Venice wasn’t built for walking—it was built for sailing. This exclusive boat tour takes you beyond the postcard clichés to explore the Venetian archipelago as it was meant to be experienced: from the water, in small groups, with access to places that most visitors will never discover. Over four carefully curated hours, you’ll journey through islands that each tell a different chapter of Venice’s story. From witnessing firsthand the agricultural marvel of Sant’Erasmo (yes, Venice grows its own vegetables) to getting a glimpse of the island where Venice’s most famous are laid to rest, you’ll witness traditions that have survived centuries of change. This isn’t about collecting Instagram moments, though you’ll certainly have them. It’s about understanding Venice as a living, breathing archipelago where real people create extraordinary things, away from the crowds.
What's included
Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Taste vegetables grown in lagoon soil, artisanal pizza, a primi piatti and tiramisu!
- ‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips
- Sail past San Michele Cemetery, where Venice’s most illustrious rest on their own private island
- Explore the Venetian lagoon by boat in a small group (max 5 guests), ensuring an intimate experience
Not included
- Gratuities / Tips for the guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Extra drinks
What you'll see and do
You'll begin your journey at a traditional Venetian bacaro (wine bar) to taste a local classic: cicchetto, a creamy salted cod snack, perfectly paired with a glass of crisp, regional wine.
30 minutes here
Sailing through the lagoon, we'll pass the serene and hauntingly beautiful island of San Michele. Your guide will share the history of Venice's iconic cemetery island, a unique landmark where the city's most illustrious figures rest.
25 minutes here
We'll cruise to Sant'Erasmo, the 'garden of Venice,' for a true farm-to-table taste of the lagoon. You'll sample seasonal products grown in the unique local soil, paired with a glass of crisp, family-made prosecco.
45 minutes here
Next, we indulge in a moment of perfect simplicity with a delicious, artisanal pizza. Enjoy your slice fresh from the oven, with a cold beer or a soft drink of your choice.
15 minutes here
Sail through the Venetian Lagoon and enjoy unique perspectives of the city and its islands, while learning how it has shaped Venice’s history, culture, and maritime identity. Enjoy the sunset with a slice of pizza, while returning to Venice Mainland.
25 minutes here
Your culinary journey culminates at a charming local eatery. You'll enjoy a signature primi piatti (first course) paired with a fine local wine, followed by a classic, creamy tiramisù for the perfect Italian finish.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Eating Europe Food Tours Rome
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that the tastings mentioned are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Both offerings and tour stops may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
- Have dietary requirements? Simply email us or add a note at booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free guests or other dietary needs where we can. For guest safety, this experience isn’t suitable for those with severe or life-threatening food allergies to ingredients found on the tour, and the company cannot take responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing
Giulia was absolutely amazing! His knowledge of Venice was impeccably interesting. The tour was very well organized as was the food itself. I would highly recommend the Eating Europe boat tour! It was a 3 1/2 tour with all the local tastes
Response from the operator: Dear Corinna, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience with us. We’d love to welcome you back for another foodie city experience.
via Tripadvisor
Venice like you never imagined!
Amazing! Giulia was great! I thought I’d been to Venice (4 previous times), now I’ve seen the real Venice. This was my fourth Eating Europe tour, won’t be my last!
Response from the operator: Dear guest, We’re so glad you enjoyed your experience! Thank you for your kind comments about the tour. We hope to see you again soon for another foodie city adventure.
via Tripadvisor
Must do!!
This was the most amazing tour!!! Being on the boat and the couple who took care of the boat were amazing, our tour guide Gioele was fantastic and so personable. Best tour we’ve ever taken
Response from the operator: Dear guest, We’re delighted to hear that everything made for an enjoyable experience. Thank you for your kind words about us. We hope to see you again for another foodie city experience.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Venice food tour with Eating Europe!
Excellent experience with Joe in Venice. Amazing food and expo! So so recommended!!!
Response from the operator: Dear Janine, Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re happy to know that you enjoyed the tour and had a pleasant time with us. We hope to welcome you back for another foodie city adventure.
via Tripadvisor
Truly the most unique and best food, wine and sunset boat tour in Venice
Outstanding and unique food, wine, cultural and boat tour along with perfect sunset. Giole ( Joe) entertained us, told us much about the history of Venice and took us to many places including a delightful farm on an island off of Venice for authentic tastes of Venetian delicacies. We watched the sunset on the calm waters on the boat with local off island pizza and drinks. We returned to Venice for our main course in a lovely local restaurant with delicious dessert as well. Loved why not. Truly the best tour we have done!!!!
Response from the operator: Dear Janeth, Jane, John and Wayne Thank you so much for this wonderful review! It truly means a lot to us to hear that you enjoyed the food, wine, culture, boat ride, and beautiful sunset. It was a pleasure sharing a taste of authentic Venice with you and showing you some of the special places that make the city so unique. I’m very happy that you enjoyed the experience and the time we spent together. Thank you again for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you back to Venice in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $423 to $740
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Eating Europe Food Tours Rome, who run 21 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 76.7 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Eating Europe Food Tours Rome runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour cost?
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Prices start at $423 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Venice usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Venice is not rushed.
Is Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Venice, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Venice can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Venice and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Venice within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Venice?
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On Outty we rank every Venice experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Venice Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with wine by Cooking Italy, Eating Venice Small Group Food & Drinks Tour, Tour of The Real Hidden Venice. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Venice?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour?
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Included: Local English-speaking guide; Taste vegetables grown in lagoon soil, artisanal pizza, a primi piatti and tiramisu!; ‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips; Sail past San Michele Cemetery, where Venice’s most illustrious rest on their own private; and Explore the Venetian lagoon by boat in a small group (max 5 guests), ensuring an intimate. Not included: Gratuities / Tips for the guide; Hotel pick-up and drop-off; and Extra drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour?
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Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag! Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Venice. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Exclusive Venice: Private Hidden Islands Food & Boat Tour?
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Across 26 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling, the guide. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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