Private tour in Venice Matteo C

Grand Canal Private Boat Experience and Hidden Venice

5.0

(22) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Matteo C.

5.0

Guide rating

31

Reviews

Tours delivered

12 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi, I’m Matteo, a licensed tour guide and art historian based in Venice. I believe the best way to discover Venice is not simply to see it, but to understand it. With a Master’s degree in Art History and many years of experience as a professional guide, I love sharing the history, art, characters and stories that have shaped this extraordinary city. My tours are designed for curious travelers who want to go beyond the checklist of famous sights. Of course, I’m happy to show you St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Grand Canal, but I also love taking you into the neighborhoods, stories and places that reveal a different Venice. I’ve created a range of different private experiences, each designed around a particular way of discovering Venice. I recommend browsing my tours first to see which one best matches your interests. Once you find the experience that feels right for you, we can always customize the itinerary and make small adjustments to suit your interests and pace. Many of my guests are returning visitors to Italy or experienced travelers, and I particularly enjoy showing them a side of Venice they may not have discovered before. Whether you are passionate about art and history, food and wine, architecture, local life or simply curious to understand what makes Venice so unique, I’ll tailor the experience around you. I’m a very sociable person and I believe that a great tour should feel like spending time with someone who genuinely loves the city: informative, relaxed, personal and, hopefully, with plenty of laughs along the way. I can also arrange private boat experiences, from the iconic Grand Canal to quieter waterways and the islands of the lagoon, always choosing the experience according to your interests. Outside of guiding, I love traveling, good food and wine, cinema, reading, hiking and long walks with my dog. I’m always curious to discover something new, and I think that curiosity is one of the best things we can share with our guests. If you’re looking for a guide who can give you both the context behind Venice’s masterpieces and the stories behind its streets, I’d love to show you my city. See you in Venice! 🇮🇹

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Matteo C.

Overview of your Venice tour

IMPORTANT NOTE: SEPTEMBER 2–12: BOAT PORTION UNAVAILABLE DUE TO THE VENICE FILM FESTIVAL. WALKING TOUR ONLY Discover Venice beyond the usual sights, through quiet alleys, secret courtyards, charming squares and hidden stories, then experience the city from the water on a cruise along the Grand Canal. We’ll begin with a relaxed walk through quieter corners far from the busy tourist routes. Along the way, discover leaning towers, Gothic and Moorish windows, hidden architectural gems and fascinating stories of Venetian life. Then we’ll board a traditional Venetian wooden boat to cruise the Grand Canal, admiring magnificent palaces and hearing the stories of the people who once lived there. We’ll pause for spectacular views of St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs, before exploring narrow waterways inaccessible to larger boats, with hidden gardens, ancient boatyards, mysterious statues and unexpected corners of Venice. A private experience designed to reveal the Venice most visitors never see.

Recent Reviews

Susan M.United States
4 days ago

Matteo was a wonderful tour guide. Matteo was knowledgeable in architecture and history. He made the tour so interesting and fun. A native of Venice, he knew all the 'off the beaten paths' to take yet we still saw all the city highlights. We also took the 1 hour boat ride, so great to see Venice from the water perspective, Matteo goes on the boat with you and points out the highlights. On top of being an intelligent and informative guide, he helped us plan our dinner reservations and boat transfers from the airport to the hotel before we arrived in Venice. He helped us decide what to hotel to book. He was invaluable. Amazing communication. Thank you Matteo!

Justin P.United States
4 days ago

Our walking tour with Matteo was the absolute highlight of our trip to Venice! His passion for the city shines through in every story, and he led us through hidden corners and charming canals we never would have found on our own. The one-hour boat tour was pure magic, giving us a stunning view of Venice from the water while Matteo shared fascinating history and local insights. He was warm, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience feel personal and unforgettable.

Ken L.United States
5 days ago

Very nice guy, art history degree

Deborah C.
2 weeks ago

We had an extraordinarily good time exploring Venice with Matteo as our guide for the Grand Canal Private Boat Experience and Hidden Venice tour. As a native Venitian with degrees in art history, Matteo was incredibly knowledgeable about the architecture and history of the beautiful buildings and palaces we passed. He put everything into a proper and understandable historical context. He also had a wonderful sense of humor so that the three hour tour never dragged. He took excellent care of us to make sure we were comfortable the whole way through. If you have the opportunity to book a Venice tour with Matteo, definitely do it! Drew & Dane

Caroline W.United States
September 2026

I cannot say enough about what a fantastic guide Matteo is. As a native Venetian and art historian, he is a wealth of knowledge and showed us many hidden parts of the city that we would not have otherwise seen. Because we had more of any overview tour the day before, he quickly adapted and customized our tour, which provided a more in-depth experience. Anyone would be fortunate to book a tour with Matteo

Jacob K.United States
August 2026

Had a super memorable walking tour with boat ride through Venice with Matteo. We only had the afternoon to see the city and Matteo made sure we came away with an excellent experience. We definitely will be coming back!!

Your Venice tour itinerary

- Begin with a 2-hour walking tour through Venice’s hidden corners - Private Pickup Service – €30 The tour includes meeting at the designated meeting point near Rialto. If you would prefer to start the tour at a different location (outside St. Mark's/Rialto area, I can arrange a private pickup for an additional €30. - Quiet alleys, secret courtyards, gothic facades - Leaning towers, moorish windows, local artisan spots - Away from the crowds, full of authentic charm - Then enjoy a 1-hour private speedboat ride (A 1-hour private boat ride can be arranged upon request. Cost is approx. €190 for 1–4 guests, plus €10 per extra guest, paid directly to the boat provider). - Sail the full Grand Canal with breathtaking views - See Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Square, Bridge of Sighs - Enter narrow canals only reachable by boat - Relax, feel the breeze, and capture unforgettable photos ** Prefer a different time? Just let me know — I'm happy to adjust the start time if possible.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Boat

A 1-hour private boat ride is available for approx. €190 (1–4 guests), plus €10 for each additional guest. Paid directly to the boat provider. Step aboard a beautiful handcrafted wooden water taxi, elegant and classic in true Venetian style. With plush seating inside and out, this boat offers both comfort and charm as we cruise through the canals. It’s not just transport — it’s part of the experience, giving you a stylish, unforgettable view of Venice from the water.

What's included
Private Guide
Other: 3-hour private tour (walking + optional boat ride). Boat ride is not included in the price but can be arranged.
What's not included
Other: Optional 1-hour boat ride available for approx. €190 (1–4 people), plus €10 for each extra guest. overs 1–4 guests. €10 for each additional guest. Paid directly to boat provider. Optional and not included in tour price.
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation With Driver
Services: Private Pickup Service – €30 The tour includes meeting at the designated meeting point near Rialto. If you would prefer to start the tour at a different location (outside St. Mark's/Rialto area), I can arrange a private pickup for an additional €30.
Meeting location

Campo San Bartolomio, Venezia, Veneto, 30124, Italy

We’ll meet in Campo San Bartolomio, right at the base of the Carlo Goldoni statue, just steps from the Rialto Bridge. It’s a central and easy-to-find spot. I’ll be there to welcome you with a smile — please arrive 5–10 minutes early so we can start our Venetian adventure on time! ** If possible, I’m happy to agree on a different, more convenient meeting point – feel free to contact me before the tour!

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
Boat
City Highlights
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
1423777
Languages
Italian
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Venice best suited for?

This private tour in Venice is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's hidden gems and enjoy a unique perspective from the water. It's ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and local stories. The tour is also kid-friendly, making it a great choice for families.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Venice be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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