With its gilded grand palazzos, priceless works of renaissance art, gourmet culinary wonders, and artisanal creations to die for - the floating city of Venice exudes luxury and opulence. It's no wonder then that this beautiful coastal city attracts celebrities and other travelers looking to indulge in the finer things in life.
As the saying goes, privacy is the ultimate luxury. In a city that's visited by millions, this old saying rings all the more true. After all, why get lost in a crowd when you can have the spotlight all to yourself? Our professional, hand-selected tour guides will give you a private, bespoke experience that'll make you feel like you have Venice all to yourself. Here are some luxurious experiences to include in your Venetian adventure.
Enjoy a Private Boat Tour of the Venetian Lagoon
Venice is known as the floating city, so what better way to explore the area than by enjoying a private tour on the water? While most tourists stick to the main island, there are actually more than 100 islands in the Venetian Lagoon. The most obvious way to test the waters is, of course, by hopping on a quintessentially Venetian gondola - but this will typically only give you 30 minutes or perhaps an hour on the canals. With a private boat tour, you can enjoy a half or even a full day out on the water and see the sights at your own pace.
Just imagine: you and your chosen companions cruising the lagoon on your own private boat, with the captain pointing out all the key landmarks and hidden gems along the way. While a gentle breeze plays in your hair, you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of bubbly. This is how to do Venice right!
Travel tip: Consider how far you want to explore and how much time you want to spend. Visiting the neighboring islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello is a fabulous choice. This tour will take around four hours. If you prefer to stay closer to the city center, you could opt for a scenic evening cruise along Venice's canals, which will take around 1–2 hours.
Feast Like a Local
Italy is, of course, a foodie's heaven and Venice is no exception. As a coastal city, Venice is known first and foremost for its seafood, though you can of course also expect all the Italian classics, from melt-in-your-mouth pasta to may-I-please-have-another-slice pizza.
For those craving some decadent five-star dining, Venice is blessed with several Michelin starred restaurants. Glam Enrico Bartolini is the only local restaurant with not just one but two Michelin stars, offering classic Italian dining with a modern twist in a beautiful garden facing the Grand Canal. Venues like Local, Quadri, and Zanze XVI have all earned one Michelin star, making for a very memorable dining experience in the City of Water.
Travel tip: The Michelin starred restaurants are all in high demand, so be sure to make a booking to secure your table. Keep in mind that parts of Venice have become very touristic, with many restaurants offering run-of-the-mill meals with inflated prices. Take some time to seek out the true hidden gems - or ask a local guide to take you to the best restaurants favored by locals.
Sleep in a Grand Palazzo
Venice's picture-perfect canals are lined by stunning palazzos (palaces) exuding artful architecture and centuries old history. These days, you don't need a royal title in order to spend the night here. Many of the most beautiful Venetian palazzos have been converted into amazing five-star hotels, and none of them is quite as opulent as the iconic Gritti Palace.
Built along the Grand Canal, the Gritti Palace dates all the way back to 1475. The palazzo became a hotel in 1895 and ever since it has been a celebrity favorite. Everyone from Ernest Hemingway to Elizabeth Taylor and Angelina Jolie have stayed here. The rooms are decorated with hand-selected antiques and opulent Venetian fabrics, while the hotel's Club del Doge restaurant offers an incredibly scenic setting for fine Italian dining. If you are looking for the ultimate experience in Venetian luxury, the Gritti Palace is the place to stay.
Travel tip: To get the full Venice effect, book one of the suites which look over the Grand Canal. The courtyard facing rooms are beautifully appointed, but the views are more of the "could be anywhere" variety. The hotel welcomes families and children, but note that there are no kid-specific facilities available.
Shop for Luxurious Artisanal Goods
When it comes to high-end shopping, Venice punches well above its weight. Though Venice's population is less than 300,000, all the luxury brands a shopaholic could ask for have planted their flags in the city. Of course, you will find all the Italian greats here, including Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Giorgio Armani. On the international side, Chanel, Burberry, Dior, and Saint Laurent (to name just a few) all have their own boutiques in Venice.
While global brands are certainly well represented in Venice, for those seeking bespoke luxury items, it's best to explore local artisanal boutiques that have been around for generations. From Murano glass to artful ceramics, and from fine jewelry to Venetian masks, Venice is a real treasure trove of artisanal wonders - if you know where to look. Discovering these hidden gem boutiques, showrooms, and workshops dotted throughout the city is exactly where a private tour guide will come in handy.
Travel tip: Look out for knockoffs. If you are looking to buy authentic local goods crafted by artisans, steer clear of shops advertising shockingly low prices and/or huge discounts. Reserve haggling for the local markets, of which Venice has a few - ask your private guide to show you the best ones to get a feel for the local ambiance!
Conclusion
Venice offers old world glamour and opulent luxury like few other places can. From lavish cruises to fine dining, grand palazzos, and luxury spoils, in the City of Canals, living la dolce vita comes naturally. Looking for more inspiration for planning your luxurious Venetian getaway? Explore our fully customizable private tours of Venice.