Where to Go Private: the 7 Best Venice VIP Tours

1.Legendary Venice: Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s & VIP Terrace Access

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,033 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $76Our pick

See Venice’s two essential monuments in two to three hours with a local English-speaking guide. Choose the 8 AM departure for early access to Doge’s Palace, or add St. Mark’s Basilica terrace access for sweeping views over Piazza San Marco.

“Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, understandable, and personal. The tour was packed with information and history. Having been to Venice once before, I can say that this tour really made all the difference in the world as I now have a much better understanding of the rich history of Venice.”

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2.Venice Deluxe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 743 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $266Top rated

Join Venetian guide Antonio Barbini for a 3 to 4 hour walking tour through St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto, and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. Expect art, history, local stories, skip-the-line entry, and a group capped at 14.

“During our 2+ week tour of Europe and many tour guides and experiences, Venice was the last stop before heading back to the states. Antonio was the stand out, we were fortunate to have our best guide for our trip last. His tour of the Doge’s Palace was a highlight — he didn’t just recite facts, he told stories that made the history feel real and fascinating. He broke down the art, architecture, and Venetian culture in a way that was super approachable and actually interesting. Truly masterful explanations of the artwork and storytelling in Doge's Palace. So good even casuals who were not on our tour couldn't help themselves…”

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3.Exclusive Private Venice Food Tour with 6 or 10 Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 598 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $147

Meet a private local foodie at Campo Manin for six or ten Venetian tastings, from mozzarella in carrozza and cicchetti to prosecco and gelato. Guides such as Giada, Alessandra, Claudia, and Giacomo tailor the route and explain Venice’s food customs as you walk between local stops.

“Fortunato had a lot of knowledge on Venice and was very nice. It was a great tour with lots of walking and some food. We wanted to try one specific food and he didn’t let us leave without trying it. Super nice and thoughtful.”

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4.Venice: After-Hours St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace VIP Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 393 reviews · from $157

Spend 3.5 hours with an English-speaking guide inside Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica after closing. Expect grand council halls, prisons, the Bridge of Sighs, the Pala d’Oro, and a small-group atmosphere. Guides such as Elena, Roberta, and Nico are praised for vivid local stories.

“So happy we chose this evening tour. No crowds, no queues, good audio, small group. Saw St Marks in all its glory, that we would never have seen in the daytime. And also the Doge’s Palace, lovely quiet tour with a small group so could really appreciate the experience.”

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5.Exclusive Prosecco Wine Tour from Venice – Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 189 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $199

Leave Venice with sommelier Riccardo for a six-hour trip into the Valdobbiadene Prosecco Hills. Visit two small family wineries, taste up to eight wines, enjoy salami, cheese, pizza, and focaccia, and return to Piazzale Roma by air-conditioned vehicle.

“We had an absolutely wonderful experience on our Prosecco tour, and it was all thanks to our fantastic guide Ricardo. From start to finish, he was knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely passionate about the region and its wines. The explanations about the Prosecco-making process were clear and engaging, and we loved learning about the history of the area while visiting beautiful vineyards and wineries. Ricardo made the day feel relaxed yet well-organized, always making sure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves . What truly set this tour apart was the personal touch—great recommendations, thoughtful answers to our questions, and a warm, friendly attitude that made the experience fe...”

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6.Luxury Tour of Murano & Burano by Private Boat and Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 167 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $350

Spend about four hours with a private guide and boat visiting colorful Burano and historic Murano. Watch a master glassblower at work, meet lacemaker Anna at La Perla Gallery, taste Burano cookies, and enjoy a quieter route away from large groups.

“Our tour guide Nico was amazing! He took us to the quiet parts of Burano, which was enjoyable since there was less people. Watching the glassmaker craft pieces of art was incredible. Highly recommend this tour. Pace was nice, light, and relaxing. Transportation by water boat was nice as well.”

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7.Premium Prosecco Hills Winery Tour with Prosecco Tastings & Food

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 80 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $247

Paolo drives you from Venice to the Prosecco Hills, where a family-run winery explains DOCG production and pours four premium wines with local meats, cheese, bread, and breadsticks. The group is capped at four, making this a relaxed, personal half-day outside the city.

“Paolo was so informative and very gracious. I traveled with my daughter studying abroad to see the country. He was a great tour guide and the vineyard was beautiful. The pairings of Prosecco with the lunch was excellent.”

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