Grand Canal Gondola Experience with Live Commentary™

Venice, IT
58% of travellers recommend this
Good (4202 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Gondola Gallery: A unique VR experience of Venice in the past (not included in the private option)
  • inclusion
    30 minutes gondola ride with Live commentary in English, French and Spanish
  • inclusion
    App commentary in Italian, German, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi and Russian
  • inclusion
    Journey in the past by gondola Virtual Reality Experience (not included in the private option)
  • inclusion
    Private Gondola Ride Option: 30 minutes gondola ride without commentary

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Earphones
  • exclusion
    Hotel pickup
  • exclusion
    Audio devices

Meeting Point

Venice Tours is in Campo San Gallo, beside San Marco Square. Having the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches. Find Olivetti Museum, turn right, pass under the archways, cross the little bridge and go straight to “Campo San Gallo”.

Meeting point

Venice Tours Srl Close to St.Mark’s Square, Calle S. Gallo, 1093/b, 30124 Venezia VE , Italy

End point

End Point

Venice Tours is in Campo San Gallo, beside San Marco Square. Having the Basilica of San Marco behind you, stay on the right side of the square and go under the arches. Find Olivetti Museum, turn right, pass under the archways, cross the little bridge and go straight to “Campo San Gallo”.

Meeting point

Venice Tours Srl Close to St.Mark’s Square, Calle S. Gallo, 1093/b, 30124 Venezia VE , Italy

End point

What to expect

1

Meeting Point

From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.

2

Meeting Point

***PRIVATE GONDOLA RIDE-NO GUIDE***: ************************ GO to the Gondoliers landing stage in Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, in front of the Gritti Palace Hotel. Please go directly to the gondoliers for the check-in. Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time.

3

Meeting Point

SHARED GONDOLA RIDE WITH GUIDE Assistance Point is grey newsstand between Fendi boutique and Poste Italiane (Post Office) with a sign "VENICE TOURS – ASSISTANCE POINT" . staff will wait for you there with the signboard “Gondola Tour”. Please be at the meeting point 10 mins before the departure time.

4

Ombra del Leone

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We will pass trough the Gran Canal terrace of Ca Giustinian, one of the oldest Palace overlooking the Canal Grande.

Duration 5 minutes
5
Chiesa di San Moise

Close to San Marco Square, in front of St Moise (Moses) Church and the Gondola station, the guide will introduce you in the elegant and romantic world of the Gondolas.

6
Teatro La Fenice

Once one of 7 major theatres in the city, today the Fenice is Venice’s one and only opera house. It is surely a jewel among European theatres, and began to shine from the beginning, as the best composers of the age wrote and performed their operas here, among which Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini. But it was Giuseppe Verdi who is most attached to the Fenice and to Venetian memory.

7

Canal Grande

The most beautiful road in the world”, this is how the Grand Canal is known as. If you look around, what you will see is almost exactly what a nobleman in the 18th century might have looked upon, and before him a Renaissance courtesan and before him a merchant in the Middle Ages.

8
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Here, as you come into the Grand Canal you admire the church of the Madonna della Salute. The first thing that strikes a viewer is how imposing the church is, strategically placed at the entrance of the Grand Canal looking out onto the rest of the city in every direction, thanks to its circular shape. Today, ever 21 November the city celebrates the Madonna della Salute in memory of the end of the plague

9
Punta della Dogana

Punta della Dogana separates the Grand Canal from the Giudecca Canal. For its strategic location it was the house of the Custom and of the Salt Warehouses. During the fifteenth century, the Sea Customs House, which had previously been near the Arsenale, was transferred to the western point of Dorsoduro borough.

10

Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore

You will have a view of the Island of san Giorgio Maggiore, with its beautiful Renaissance Church built by Palladio in the Renaissance and the belltower resembling the bigger one in St Mark’s Square. The island was once known as the Island of Cypress Trees before it became an important Benedectine monastery.

11

Giardini Reali

At the end you will enjoy a wonderful overview of Saint Mark’s Square. This is a spot which painters from all over the world have tried to capture in its uniqueness, but we can only recommend that you sit back and take it all in.

12

End Point

From St. Mark’s Square, face the Basilica and turn right towards the Doge’s Palace. Continue past the Bridge of Sighs to Riva degli Schiavoni (the waterfront promenade). Walk for 2 minutes, then turn left into Calle de le Rasse. The Venice Tours Office is at number 4536.

13

End Point

***PRIVATE GONDOLA RIDE-NO GUIDE***: ************************ GO to the Gondoliers landing stage in Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, in front of the Gritti Palace Hotel. Please go directly to the gondoliers for the check-in. Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time.

14

End Point

SHARED GONDOLA RIDE WITH GUIDE Assistance Point is grey newsstand between Fendi boutique and Poste Italiane (Post Office) with a sign "VENICE TOURS – ASSISTANCE POINT" . staff will wait for you there with the signboard “Gondola Tour”. Please be at the meeting point 10 mins before the departure time.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Each gondola can host maximum 5 people; the seat aboard cannot be chosen but will be assigned by the gondolier depending of guests weight.
  • Additional information
    On certain dates, most travelers staying outside of Venice who are planning to visit for the day will be required to pay a €5 access fee. For further details (including exemptions) and to learn what days this fee is applicable, please visit: https://cda.ve.it
  • Additional information
    Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time
  • Additional information
    Please note that the activity may follow two different itineraries, the Grand Canal or St. Mark’s Basin, depending on the option chosen.
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    SHARED GONDOLA RIDE OPTION (if option is selected): 20 minutes walking introduction to the gondola experience and 30 minutes shared gondola ride
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    The Gondola Ride does not operate in case of exceptionally bad weather or high/low tide (in these cases it can be postponed the days after otherwise it will be refunded)
  • Additional information
    The guide will be only on one gondola, the participants on the others gondola will listen to her/him with the audio-devices
  • Additional information
    The itinerary may change in the event of wind or bad weather
  • Additional information
    The live commentary IS NOT included in the PRIVATE OPTION
  • Additional information
    The live commentary will be only in English, French and Spanish. The commentary on German, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi, and Russian will be provided by mobile app downloaded on the own devices.
Provided by CITY TOURS CO. LTD

What our experts say

  • icon
    Arrive 10 mins early to secure your spot.
  • icon
    Visit the nearby Correr Museum before or after.
  • icon
    Try gelato at Gelato Fantasy near the meeting point.
  • icon
    Consider evening rides for stunning sunset views.
  • icon
    Check weather conditions as rides can be postponed.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Venture into the enchanting city of Venice and experience the timeless beauty of the Grand Canal on a captivating gondola ride with live commentary. Glide through the hidden passages and picturesque canals that are only accessible by gondola, as your expert gondolier reveals the stories and secrets of the magnificent palaces that surround you. With its fairytale-like ambiance, this tour offers a glimpse into the real soul of Venice.

What to expect?

Embark on a 30 to 50-minute journey filled with awe-inspiring sights and insightful commentary. Pass beneath centuries-old bridges, marvel at the iconic Fenice Opera House, and embrace the breathtaking view of the Santa Maria Della Salute Church. As you cruise along the Grand Canal, known as "the most beautiful road in the world," immerse yourself in the rich history and splendid architecture that define Venice.

Who is this for?

This gondola ride is a perfect experience for anyone seeking a romantic and elegant adventure. Whether you are a couple looking for a magical date or a group of friends wanting to delve into the heart of Venice, this tour is designed to appeal to a diverse range of individuals. It welcomes history enthusiasts, art lovers, and those seeking an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the allure of Venice, guided by an expert gondolier who will enchant you with the fascinating history of gondolas and the city itself. As you leisurely float along the canals, let the live commentary reveal hidden tales known only by Venetians, enveloping you in the rich cultural heritage of this romantic city. Indulge in the exclusivity of a private gondola ride for an even more intimate and personalized experience.

Good to know

The meeting point for this tour is conveniently located close to the Correr Museum entrance, overlooking the Grand Canal. Please arrive on time to ensure a smooth departure. Capture unforgettable moments as you pass by iconic landmarks such as the Teatro La Fenice and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Remember to sit back and take in the breathtaking view of St. Mark's Square at the end of the journey.

Reviews

Previous visitors have shared their enchantment with this gondola ride, praising the knowledgeable guides who passionately narrated the history and tales of Venice. The serene atmosphere and stunning views left guests in awe, capturing the essence of the city's charm and beauty. Visitors highly recommend the private gondola option for a truly personalized and intimate experience. Prepare to be mesmerized by the captivating allure of Venice's Grand Canal on this unforgettable journey.

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