With its endless maze of canals and bridges, quaint cobbled streets and excellent cultural scene, Venice in Italy is one of a kind. This floating city has fast made a name for itself as one of the most iconic European city destinations that should be on every luxury traveller’s bucket list – and from historic sites to its numerous designer boutiques, there is something here for everyone.
It’s not just central Venice itself that is worth taking the time to explore, as the city is surrounded by beautiful islands – including Murano, which is known for its spectacular hand-crafted glass goods, and Burano, which is lined with colourful buildings and pretty canal-side eateries.
With so much water around, it goes without saying that one of the best ways to explore Venice and the surrounding areas is by boat, but if the crowded vaporetto water taxis and large ferries don’t quite offer the kind of space and privacy that is important to you, then what better way to see the sights at leisure than by hiring a private boat?
Boat rental in Venice has been taking off in recent years, and luxury boat rental company Nautal offers a personalised VIP service for anyone looking to explore in style, allowing travellers to design a fully bespoke itinerary that suits their needs. There’s nothing worse than being taken to spots you’re not all that interested in when you could be doing something more up your street, or feeling rushed from place to place. By renting a boat for the duration of your trip, you put yourself at the helm, going where you want, when you want, and all at a leisurely pace.
If you’re not quite ready to steer your own exploration of Venice, then you can instead opt to add a professional and knowledgeable captain to your booking to help you get the most out of your trip. And, with hourly, daily and weekly rentals available through Nautal – which has a presence in 63 different countries and more than 1,300,000 users annually – versatility and convenience are guaranteed.
If you’re considering boat rental in Venice, then take a look at these top three vessels you won’t want to miss taking a trip on – these boats will ensure that you get to see all of this magical city’s highlights in style.
The Lagoon Catamaran 620
Available for an eye-watering cost of £25,370 per week, if you’re looking for the most opulent way to explore Venice’s waterways then look no further. This lavish catamaran, at 18.9 metres in length, sleeps six passengers in spacious private cabins, and comes complete with a hydraulic platform, barbecue, ice machine and Bose Lifestyle audio system on deck – to name but a few of the included perks. Water sports enthusiasts will love the added extras of paddle surf, water skis and wakeboards on board, making for an action-packed and unforgettable way to explore the Venice lagoon.
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The Minuetto 6+ River Yacht
This lavish houseboat, made by Houseboat Holidays Italia, is an impressive 45 feet in length, and sleeps groups of up to eight – so if you’re travelling with friends or family, then this is the perfect pick. Set sail from the Porto di Casale sul Sile, and take in all of Venice’s most iconic sights from the water – from St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace to the Rialto Bridge, and everything in between. Fully equipped with hot water, a gas stove and oven, and of course, heating, this yacht is a great choice for any time of year, and provides the perfect vantage point from which to take in the spectacular river views while sipping on a glass or two of champagne.
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Sciallino 20
For smaller groups or couples, the Sciallino 20 is just the ticket for a leisurely exploration of Venice, and will take you around the wild surrounding lagoon areas and fishing valleys in the utmost of comfort. Sleeping up to five people, if you’d rather allow someone else to do the planning then Skipper Emanuele Eulisse will take the weight off, taking you on a perfectly planned tour of the islands of Murano and Burano and organising fishing trips upon request. For just £444 a day, we’d say it’s more than worth your money if you’re looking for a luxurious boat rental in Venice.