The gondola is a symbol of Venice, as emblematic of the famous city of canals as it is mysterious in its origins. Experience a half-hour gondola ride that takes you to the heart of Venice as you admire its historic sites as they were meant to be seen.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 30 minutes
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Host or greeter
- Italian, French, German, Spanish, English
- Small group
- Limited to 6 participants
Experience
Highlights
- Experience Venice from the water on a Venetian gondola ride
- Glide along some small canals in the area of Campo San Moisè
- Pass by La Fenice Theater, admire palaces and iconic bridges
- Enjoy time on the Grand Canal facing the Salute Church
Full description
You will be met at the meeting point and brought to the gondola pier where you'll board the gondola and meet your gondolier. Take your place on the gondola (maximum of 5 people per shared gondola) and let the local gondolier, in his distinctive blue and white striped shirt, carry you along the hidden channels of Venice on a 30-minute ride.
Considered one of the most beautiful and elegant boats on earth, the traditional Venetian gondola is built following unique techniques that incorporate symbolic meanings.
For example, the gondola’s multi-pronged ferro, or prow, features pettini that are symbolic of the 6 sestieri (divisions) of Venice. This part is made of iron to balance the weight of the gondolier, and has the shape of an S, evoking the flow of the waters of the Grand Canal.
On this enchanting and relaxing way to enjoy the sights, charm, and beauty of Venice, you’ll admire elegant canal-side palaces, unique bridges, and the magic atmosphere that you’ll only find here.
Includes
- Approximately 30-minute ride on a traditional Venetian gondola
- Boarding assistance
- Commentary
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Musicians
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
Covid-19 precautions
You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- You must keep social distance while in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- You are required to bring and wear a mask
- You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
The details below may change if you update your current selection:
Meeting point
Calle Larga Ascensione, in front of the Post Office behind Saint Mark’s Square
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Pets
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- This is a shared gondola (up to 5 passengers per gondola)
- Infants up to 1 year of age can ride for free only if seated on a parent's lap
- No refund is available for no-shows or late arrivals. The tour also operates in the rain, although in the case of exceptionally high tides or heavy rains the tour might be cancelled by the organizer, with a full refund provided
- Please note that it is possible that someone would be not seated in the desired place next to their partner, due to organizational and weight distribution
- Please note that the ride could last less than 30 minutes depending on how busy the canals are. The length of the gondola ride is up to the discretion of the Gondolier.
- Please note that the gondolier is not a tour guide, he's not required to speak your language, nor to sing or give additional information.
