Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice worth booking?
Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice is a 3-hour experience in Venice, Italy, from $610 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (27)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $610 per person
An itinerary that will take us off-the-beaten-path to hidden corners often unknown to Venetians too! Meet me where you prefer and tell me what you would like to see. Let me “guess” your tastes and suggest where to go: my
What you get
About this experience
An itinerary that will take us off-the-beaten-path to hidden corners often unknown to Venetians too! Meet me where you prefer and tell me what you would like to see. Let me “guess” your tastes and suggest where to go: my greatest satisfaction will be to see the amazement in your eyes, as we discover a Venice you would have never been to, without the help of a local friend! Silent neighborhoods that take us back in time, where everything is steeped in history, allowing me to answer any questions you may have about Venice!we will then discover Venice from the water with a private water taxi after that "Let’s go to drink a shadow" . This is an invitation to go for a drink, and more exactly a small glass of wine (a "shadow"), plus .Cicchetti are small snacks typically served in traditional "bàcari" Normally not a part of home cooking, the cicchetti’s importance lies not just in the food itself,but also in how, when and where they are eaten with fingers and toothpicks
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Venice
Once aboard our private water-taxi we will then see seven centuries of this History parading before us, as we cruise the whole Grand Canal (the city’s main waterway) and the most beautiful minor canals from their best perspective… water! Behind the windows that mirror themselves in the waves, countless gems of Art and Culture can still be found, while in front of them historical events have often unfolded, making this city the unique place it is. Once again we will be amazed by what we have seen. Once again we will experience the unique sensations that this city conveys only to those who dare venture into its meanders. Once again … your Friend in Venice will be there!
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Venice
DI FRONTE Hotel Rialto
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Fondamenta della Misericordia (considerata ormai un tutt’uno con la Fondamenta degli Ormesini): una lunga banchina che accoglie locali di tutti i tipi, dai bàcari veneziani alle birrerie, dalle enoteche ai ristoranti. . ,
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Friend in Venice Private Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
5 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
27 verified traveler reviews for Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing tour, we love Nadia
We had a wonderful time learning about the hidden Venice with Nadia. We booked the tour last minute and Nadia was extremely accommodating. She showed us to many point you would not normally see by hitting the main tourist spots. Nadia gave us an insightful lesson on the history of Venice shared orally and through the tour. She was warm, funny and generous. The tour was capped with a beautiful private water taxi ride for 60 minutes where we experienced Venice from the water hitting several spots tourist never got. Later in the day as we walked the alleys of Venice our college-aged kids were recalling what they learned from Nadia and pointing things out along our walk. She recommended a fantastic restaurant and made reservations for us during the tour and dropped us off at the restaurant right on the water to end the tour. We can’t say enough about Nadia and this tour.
via Viator
Absolutely Excellent
Just excellent. This was our 2nd tour with Nadia and she is truly amazing. The tour was so interesting and Nadia just knows the City inside out. I would highly highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Dear Andrea, Thank you so much for your wonderful words. It truly means a lot to me that you chose to join me for a second tour. Building a connection with returning guests is one of the greatest compliments I can receive. I’m very happy to hear that you found the experience so interesting and that my knowledge of Venice helped you enjoy the city even more. Sharing Venice in all its layers, especially its quieter, hidden side, is always a pleasure for me. Thank you again for your trust and your enthusiasm. I hope to welcome you back once more for even more stories, places, and moments in my beloved Venice. I especially enjoyed sharing with you the unique perspective of Venice from the water and then continuing our journey on foot through its quieter corners. Experiences like these remind me why I love showing visitors a side of Venice that many people never get the chance to see. Warm regards, Nadia @friendinvenice
via Tripadvisor
Really, The BEST.. really!
Wow, Nadia! This is a “Local’s Local!” The nooks and cranny’s of Venice? She illuminated each & every one with a passion and in such depth that she made each place come to life for us…The Signora who makes the Tiramisu & Biscotti… The “fry bread/mozzarella/ham” Cicchetti! With that perfect sized glass of wine. The alleys, the Avenues, the waterways AND the bridges; Every common thing viewed from the perspective of someone who seems to have spent a lifetime working to share the Venice SHE Knows… rather than the one you see in EVERY picture. It is available for you and me to experience. She’ll take to to “the ONLY place in Venice where you can see St. Marks bell tower.. from a bridge. This isn’t about relics. This is about creation, sustenance, regeneration. It’s about Pride in your home, heritage and your people’s history and achievements. It’s the quiet places where there was no one but the birds. The greenery. hidden courtyards and private homes of the once wealthy merchants.. I cannot emphasize enough that, if you are looking for the Venice that can ONLY be seen through the eyes of one who loves their home… then THIS IS YOUR GUIDE! Thank you Nadia
Response from the operator: Dear Paul, Thank you sincerely for taking the time to write this wonderful review! It’s true, Venice has a unique way of revealing itself, and it often takes very little to discover its most authentic side, away from the crowds. I’m very happy to hear that your experience felt like a deep immersion into local life, which is exactly what we hope to share. Sharing a tiramisù in places loved by Venetians is a special way to connect with the city and its history. I’m glad you enjoyed the moments we shared together, from the hidden corners to the stories, flavors, and atmosphere of Venice. Every encounter leaves something behind, and I truly believe you will carry beautiful memories of this experience with you. I really hope to see you again soon to continue discovering the wonders of Venice together. Goodbye for now, and see you soon! Warm regards, Nadia
via Viator
Its always best to Explore Venice by a local and Nadia was Definitely amazing to work with.✨️
Loved learning All about venice through a local, Nadia was Very Friendly, Smart and Fun. We had such a good time seeing Beautiful areas of venice That Tourists wouldn't have come across on there own. We definitely recommend her as a private Tour guide❤️
Response from the operator: Dear Joy, Venice is a unique city, unlike anywhere else, and she really opens up only to those who take the time to discover her. That’s why my tours are created for travelers, not just tourists. Not for those who rush from place to place thinking, “seen it, done it,” but for those who want to slow down and truly experience the city. I especially love meeting people like you: curious, open, and happy to explore beyond the usual paths. The hidden corners, the real stories, the way Venice actually lives… that’s where the magic is. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. It truly means a lot, especially these days when everything moves so fast. Baci baci, Nadia FriendinVenice
via Tripadvisor
We learned so much - the hands-on way!
A very in-depth walk and boat ride around Venice from a local who really loves her city. Nadia has the subconscious ability to quickly figure out what you are interested in and drive the tour in that direction. For example: history, the arts, food. The walking and the boatride are freeform and they take you to the places you would be most interested in. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Dear Traveler, Thank you for taking the time to write this review. It is valuable not only to me, but also to future travelers who are looking for a deeper and more authentic way to experience Venice. Venice is a city built on water, shaped by its canals. Not only the Grand Canal, but also the smallest, quietest ones. Seeing the city this way is a true experience and a unique emotion. You chose a truly special tour. Venice is very good at hiding its less frenetic side, its silent and mysterious soul. I love helping my guests find it, search for it, and slowly discover it, following their interests and curiosity. This is how you capture the true essence of the city. Thank you so much. Baci baci Nadia
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Venice.
How much does Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice cost?
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Prices start at $610 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 Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 27 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 Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice?
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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 Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice?
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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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Venice for Pleasure: Water Taxi & Hidden Venice 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 Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine in Venice, Eating Venice Small Group Food & Drinks Tour, Venice Bacaro Food Tour: Eat and Drink like a Venetian. 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.
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