Top Venice Outdoor Activities

Explore Venice's famous canals on a guided gondola ride through the city. Meander beneath bridges and along quiet, peaceful stretches in a traditional Venetian boat, taking in sights such as the Rialto Bridge and Campo Manin as you go. Join our expert gondolier in enjoying one of Venice's most leisurely and original pastimes, and don't miss this chance to experience the Grand Canal from the water.

Visit Torcello, Murano, and Burano—three islands in the Venetian Lagoon—on this tour from Venice by motorboat. With a guide, watch glass being blown at a Murano glass factory, see historical cathedrals on Torcello, and admire exquisite handmade lace on Burano. This is a great way to see more than just the central sights of Venice and enjoy a cruise on the water. Select a departure time when booking.

If you fancy a break from the crowded sightseeing spots in Venice, then this catamaran tour is a great pick. With chill-out music to set the scene and plenty of places to sit or lie down, you can simply relax on board and enjoy the views of Venice from afar with a glass of spritz or prosecco. Places passed include Doge's Palace, St. Mark’s Square, and Santa Maria della Salute Church.

Embark on a guided boat tour through the Venetian Lagoon to explore three islands in just one trip: Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Discover Murano's famous glass-blowing art with a live demonstration; stroll through Burano’s colorful streets; and explore the historical wonders of Torcello, the birthplace of the Venice Republic. Customize your experience with different tour options, including the chance to travel by retro boat.

Nothing takes the shine off a gondola ride more than standing in line. Say goodbye to long waits as you cruise the Grand Canal aboard a shared gondola. As you glide past churches, bridges, and canals. Learn about the sights using an app or brochure in your choice of nine languages. Lastly, experience a ride in a unique virtual reality as you glide over the Grand Canal's tranquil waters at sunset, and then discover the craftsmanship and secrets behind Venice's iconic boats with an up-close look at a sectioned model.

Soak up the seductive atmosphere of Venice at dusk on this sunset Jazz cruise. Sail out of San Marco bay while the setting sun illuminates the city, past the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and down the Canale della Giudecca while sipping a glass of spritz or prosecco and listening to the gentle jazz sounds of a tenor saxophone .

Taste your way through the backstreet bars of Venice—and discover sights and bites you'd be unlikely to find on your own—on this small-group tasting tour. Follow your local guide to a range of bars where Venetians go to drink and mingle. At each stop, sample regional wines alongside plates of the popular Venetian appetizers called cicchetti. Along the way, visit multiple neighborhoods and discover key city landmarks.

Experience the tranquil beauty of Venice from the water on a private gondola ride that takes you through the city's less-traveled canals. Relax onboard a traditional Venetian boat as a gondolier navigates past historic palaces, churches, and landmarks that most tourists miss. Booking in advance guarantees your party’s seats and saves you the hassle of payment on the spot, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Explore the intricacies of two famed Italian handicrafts on a fully guided day trip from Venice to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano with a group of up to 22 people. Watch centuries-old glassblowing techniques in Murano, and marvel at the detailed stitches of exquisite Burano lace. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history of these two artisan islands while you visit local workshops and wander the picturesque streets.

Italy’s mountainous Dolomites region is within a couple of hours from Venice, but if you don’t know the region, exploring it may seem daunting. This Dolomites day trip from Venice offers an easy solution with round-trip transport and an itinerary with ample free time to discover the Dolomite highlights. Visits to the chic mountain town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lake Misurina, and Lake Auronzo are all in the mix.

Access tiny canals that most boats can't enter on this unique kayaking tour. Follow your kayaking guide to paddle through quiet canals far from the crowds and learn about the history and culture of the Floating City. Savor views from the water and see the city from an exclusive perspective. Participants of all levels are welcome, and no kayaking experience is necessary.

Explore Venice–and enjoy a more intimate experience at a time that suits you–on this private tour with a local guide, complete with half-hour gondola ride. Discover the city’s highlights, including St. Mark’s Square and Accademia Bridge, visit hidden gems you might otherwise have missed, and step inside historic buildings. Take a private gondola along the Grand Canal and enjoy plenty of time for photo opportunities on the water.

Swap the waterways of Venice for the alpine scenery of the Dolomites, without the stress of self-driving, on this small-group day trip. Meet at a convenient location in Venice, hop aboard your vehicle and soak up the scenery on the drive north. Stops include Lake Auronzo, Lake Misurina, Cortina, and more.

Venice is home to hundreds of attractions, making it difficult to cover the highlights in limited time. Ideal for first-time visitors, this full-day tour of Venice checks off top sights. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge and browse the lively Rialto fish market, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal. Finally, visit St. Marks's Basilica and enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge's Palace.

Discover the beauty of "La Serenissima" after dark. This evening catamaran cruise takes you out onto the Venetian Lagoon, far from the crowds, from the bay of San Marco past the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute down the Canale della Giudecca along Fondamenta Zattere and the Dorsaduro. With a glass of spritz or prosecco, you'll want to toast the city as it sparkles in the nighttime.

Discover three of the most beautiful islands in the Venetian Lagoon in just a few hours on a private tour aboard a typical Venetian motorboat. See where the world’s finest blown glass is made in Murano, visit the home of artisan lace makers and famous biscuits in Burano, and set foot on Venice’s oldest settlements in serene Torcello. Enjoy a customizable itinerary, hotel pickup, and the personalized attention of your private boat captain.

Experience the magnificence and mystery of the Doge’s Palace in Venice with this skip-the-line ticket. Head to the front of the queue with your guide, and then wander through the palace’s ornate public rooms as you learn the history of Venice’s powerful rulers. Admire magnificent interior artwork, including Renaissance masterpieces by painters Tintoretto and Veronese. Explore the palace’s darker side with a visit to the prison quarters and a walk across the notorious Bridge of Sighs.

Maximize time in Venice with an express tour designed to feature the city’s top sights in a short time period. Explore Venice with a walking tour that includes entry to St. Mark’s Basilica, and skip-the-line entry to the popular Doge’s Palace. To fully appreciate the grandeur of Venice, finish your tour in style with a scenic gondola ride.

Venice is famed for its historic palaces, churches, and bridges, but the best way to admire the city’s landmarks is from the water. Cruise through Venice’s canals on this 30-minute gondola ride. Admire the city and its beauty as you ride around in comfort, your gondolier steering the way. Start at the Grand Canal, and see spots such as Santa Maria della Salute and Fenice Opera House.

Hiring a gondola on the fly in Venice can be stressful. Take the guesswork out of your experience on this pre-booked shared gondola ride that takes you through the most picturesque canals and beneath the iconic Bridge of Sighs. Kick off your ride with a brief explanation of the history and design of Venetian gondolas, then glide through the city to enjoy views of its sumptuous palaces from the water. Upgrade to visit Casanova's Palace, Ca’Rezzonico.

Escape the bustle of land and sail into the setting sun with a kayak tour around Venice. This small-group adventure takes you under Venetian bridges, along canals, and past colorful houses. With an instructor nearby, you’ll learn to use kayaks and paddles as you paddle 4-5 kilometers through the city. See more of Venice than you would on foot while enjoying included safety gear and photos.

Experience the magic of Venice on a small-group gondola ride through its enchanting canals, led by skilled gondoliers. Glide beneath centuries-old bridges, marvel at the Grand Canal, and enjoy stunning views of St. Mark’s Square and San Giorgio Island. Enhance your journey with a visit to the Gondola Gallery to uncover the history and craftsmanship of Venice’s iconic gondolas, see an original gondola on display, and take a 3D journey through Venice across the centuries.

This tour is the perfect pick for time-tight travelers visiting Venice. Save yourself the hassle of booking tickets and waiting in long lines and opt for this convenient one-day itinerary instead. As well as skip-the-line admission and guided tours of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, the trip also includes a scenic gondola ride and visits to Murano and Burano to watch glass-blowing and lace-making demonstrations.