Grand Canal Gondola Experience with Live Commentary™
Highlights
- Glide the canals of Venice on a gondola ride
- Enjoy a live guide narrating the history and stories of Venice
- Pass beneath centuries-old bridges on the Grand Canal
- Admire famous landmarks like Fenice Opera House and Santa Maria Della Salute Church
- Discover hidden passages and canals only accessible by gondola
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30-50 minutes duration
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Live commentary in multiple languages
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Private gondola ride option
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Shared gondola ride available
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Virtual reality experience included
Experience the enchanting beauty of Venice on a gondola ride along the Grand Canal with a live guide. Glide through the hidden passages and canals unreachable by foot as the gondolier navigates the picturesque Venetian landscape. Pass under centuries-old bridges, admire the breathtaking palaces, the Fenice Opera House, and the Santa Maria Della Salute Church. Listen to the fascinating history of the gondola and learn tales known only by the locals. For a truly exclusive experience, book a private gondola ride for you and your loved ones. The tour lasts 30 to 50 minutes, taking you on a journey through the heart of Venice's most iconic sights. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the real soul of Venice on this unforgettable gondola ride.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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30 minutes
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in Italian, Russian, French, German, Spanish; Castilian, Japanese, , English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Experience Venice's magic with a scenic gondola ride, featuring live commentary and a unique virtual reality journey through the Grand Canal.
Included
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Gondola Gallery: A unique VR experience of Venice in the past (not included in the private option)
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30 minutes gondola ride with Live commentary in English, French and Spanish
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App commentary in Italian, German, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi and Russian
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Journey in the past by gondola Virtual Reality Experience (not included in the private option)
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Private Gondola Ride Option: 30 minutes gondola ride without commentary
Excluded
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Earphones
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Hotel pickup
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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”.
Venice Tours Srl Close to St.Mark’s Square, Calle S. Gallo, 1093/b, 30124 Venezia VE , Italy
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”.
Venice Tours Srl Close to St.Mark’s Square, Calle S. Gallo, 1093/b, 30124 Venezia VE , Italy
What to expect
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.
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.
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.
Ombra del Leone
We will pass trough the Gran Canal terrace of Ca Giustinian, one of the oldest Palace overlooking the Canal Grande.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Each gondola can host maximum 5 people; the seat aboard cannot be chosen but will be assigned by the gondolier depending of guests weight.
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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
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Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time
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Please note that the activity may follow two different itineraries, the Grand Canal or St. Mark’s Basin, depending on the option chosen.
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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SHARED GONDOLA RIDE OPTION (if option is selected): 20 minutes walking introduction to the gondola experience and 30 minutes shared gondola ride
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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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)
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The guide will be only on one gondola, the participants on the others gondola will listen to her/him with the audio-devices
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The itinerary may change in the event of wind or bad weather
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The live commentary IS NOT included in the PRIVATE OPTION
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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.
What our experts say
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Arrive 10 mins early to secure your spot.
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Visit the nearby Correr Museum before or after.
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Try gelato at Gelato Fantasy near the meeting point.
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Consider evening rides for stunning sunset views.
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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.This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is