Venice by Night by Boat: A Panoramic Tour of the Lagoon
Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, when the tourists leave and the city returns to its silence, Venice reveals its most authentic side. Aboard our boats, which have been operating on the Venetian lagoon for over thirty years, you can experience an exclusive nighttime tour that sails the waters of the Serenissima from Vignole to St. Mark’s Basin.
Departure at 8:00 PM from Punta Sabbioni, return at 10:45 PM.
Duration approximately 3 hours.
Adults €29 | Children 4–10 years old are free | Family Ticket €100 (2 adults + 2 children 4–10 years old).
Note: The trip departure is guaranteed subject to a minimum of 20 participants.
The stops on the Venice night boat tour
Le Vignole: the lagoon’s secret island
The tour begins by gliding toward the Vignole, a small archipelago almost unknown to tourists. Far from the floodlights of the Grand Canal, the water here is dark and silent, the silhouettes of the trees are outlined against the sky, and the few lights of the houses reflect on the surface of the lagoon. A deliberately slow start, to get into the rhythm of Venice at night. The Arsenal: a thousand years of naval history illuminated. Continuing toward the Arsenal, you find yourself before one of the lagoon city’s most imposing buildings: the productive heart of the Serenissima Republic, where for centuries the galleys that dominated the Mediterranean were built. At night, the grazing lighting highlights the medieval walls and the imposing marble portals. For history lovers, it is one of the most evocative moments of the entire excursion.
The Venice Lido: the Riviera of the Serenissima
The boat then glides toward the Lido, the thin strip of land separating the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. Home to the Venice International Film Festival, the Lido has a secluded and intimate atmosphere at night, far removed from the bustle of the daytime. The lights of the tree-lined avenues and Art Nouveau buildings create an atmosphere of times gone by.
San Lazzaro degli Armeni: the monastery of books
One of the most unusual and fascinating stops is the island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni, home to a monastery founded in 1717 that houses one of the world’s richest polygraphic libraries. At night, the warm lights filtering through the building’s windows lend it an almost mystical aura. Lord Byron stayed there to study the Armenian language: a place you wouldn’t expect to find in the middle of a lagoon.
San Servolo: the island that preserves memories
San Servolo, once home to one of Italy’s most notorious mental hospitals, is now an international cultural center surrounded by lush greenery. The boat passes by in the evening hours, when the historic buildings are bathed in a soft light that invites reflection. A disturbing contrast to the city’s festive atmosphere visible in the distance.
St. Mark’s Basin: the grand finale
The tour concludes with one of the most famous views in the world: St. Mark’s Basin seen from the water, with St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile reflected in the lagoon. Seen at night, from the water, without the daytime crowds, it’s a spectacle that lingers in your memory. Here you’ll understand why Venice is unique.