Charming Shared Gondola Ride in Venice
Glide along the Grand Canal, discover hidden waterways, and enjoy an immersive cultural experience
Securing a spot on a gondola in Venice can be surprisingly difficult and often expensive, — but this experience makes it easy and stress-free. With your place on a gondola guaranteed, you can fully enjoy the magic of Venice from its most iconic vantage point: the water. Relax as you glide through the Grand Canal and its hidden waterways, with English app-based audio commentary enriching your ride. Conclude at the Gondola Gallery, with virtual reality and exhibits that revive Venice’s history.
- Meeting point
- 30-Minute Gondola Ride
- App commentary
- Grand Canal
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Gritti Palace
- Mozart House
- Santa Maria della Salute & San Giorgio View
- Gondola Gallery
- Ending point
Your journey begins in the heart of Venice, in Calle Larga de l'Ascension, near the bustling San Marco district, where you’ll board your shared gondola, with a maximum of 5 people per boat. As your gondolier expertly navigates through both the renowned Grand Canal and quieter, hidden waterways, you’ll receive headphones and access to an intuitive mobile app. The app’s commentary will guide you through Venice’s incredible landmarks, sharing fascinating stories and insights.
Glide past the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the grand Gritti Palace, Teatro La Fenice, the Salute Church, and the legendary Punta della Dogana during your 30-minute gondola ride. After your peaceful ride, your journey continues at the Gondola Gallery. This unique exhibit showcases the tools, blueprints, and secrets of gondola construction. Explore a full cross-section of a gondola, admire rare artifacts, and enjoy a virtual reality experience that transports you back through centuries of Venetian life. Experience history come alive as you virtually drift through ancient Venetian canals, seeing the city as it once was, before concluding the tour back at your starting point on Calle Larga de l'Ascension.
Charming Shared Gondola Ride in Venice Description
This 1-hour experience include:
Shared 30-minute gondola ride along the Grand Canal and secret canals
In-app audio commentary to guide you through the sights and stories of your route
Visit to the Gondola Gallery with interactive exhibits and 3D/VR experiences
Admire iconic landmarks such as La Fenice Theatre, Salute Church, and Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Insight into Venice's rich history, traditions, and craftsmanship
Maximum of 5 people per gondola
Start Your Venetian Gondola Experience
Your Venetian adventure begins in Calle Larga de l'Ascension, near the iconic Grand Canal, where you’ll board a shared gondola with a maximum of 5 people. Before setting off, you’ll receive headphones and access to a specially designed mobile app that provides rich commentary throughout your journey.
As you glide through Venice’s famous waterways, the app will immerse you in the history and artistry of gondolas, revealing the symbolism behind their elegant design and sharing fascinating stories about the gondoliers—their customs, rowing techniques, and distinctive attire.
Cruise Along the Grand Canal’s Icons
As you settle into your gondola and begin to glide across the shimmering waters, the Grand Canal opens up like a storybook. Listen through your app as you're guided past world-famous landmarks such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in an elegant palace once home to the American heiress and her astonishing collection of modern art.
Marvel at the Gritti Palace, a symbol of Renaissance opulence and home to the doge Andrea Gritti. As you drift by, the gentle sway of the gondola mirrors the timeless rhythm of Venice’s beating heart.
Explore Secret Canals and La Fenice Theatre
Leaving the main thoroughfare of the Grand Canal, your gondola will slip into narrower, lesser-known canals that reveal the city's intimate soul. As you pass the Teatro La Fenice, your in-app audio will recount its turbulent past of fires, rebirths, and operatic triumphs — a true phoenix rising from the ashes, time and time again.
These quieter waterways offer a unique, peaceful vantage point of Venice, far removed from the hustle of the main tourist paths. Along these canals, you’ll spot charming bridges, tucked-away courtyards, and the Mozart House, where the composer once stayed while performing in the city.
Admire Santa Maria della Salute & San Giorgio
As your gondola returns to the Grand Canal, you’ll approach the breathtaking Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Its grand dome dominates the skyline, and your audio guide will explain how it was built in gratitude after Venice survived the plague. A symbol of hope and resilience, it watches over the water like a silent guardian.
Your ride concludes with a stunning view of St. Mark’s Basin and San Giorgio Maggiore Island across the water — a moment of serenity and awe as the beauty of Venice wraps around you one final time.
Discover the Gondola Gallery
After your gondola ride, your experience continues at the Gondola Gallery Virtual Reality experience, where the secrets of Venice’s most iconic boat come to life. Explore original tools, historical blueprints, and a detailed gondola cross-section that reveals the craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Step into a virtual reality experience that transports you back in time, gliding through the canals during Venice’s golden age and Carnival. The tour concludes where it began, at Calle Larga de l'Ascension, ensuring a smooth and easy return to the heart of Venice.
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please bring a valid ID document matching the name provided at the time of the booking and your smartphone to access the app. We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a good camera and umbrella in case of rain. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.
What to bring?
Please bring a valid ID document matching the name provided at the time of the booking and your smartphone to access the app. We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a good camera and umbrella in case of rain. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.
Is this a private or shared gondola ride
This is a shared experience, with each gondola accommodating up to 5 passengers. Seating is not pre-assigned and will be arranged by the gondolier based on the guests’ weight distribution to ensure balance and safety on board.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Venice.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, due to the areas visited, this small group tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. If you have other mobility concerns, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to assist you.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
In rare cases when the tour is canceled, we will inform you as soon as possible. The tour does not operate during exceptional high tides, but in such cases, it can be rescheduled for the next day, or a refund will be provided.
Can I bring my pet?
No, pets are not allowed on this tour.
What happens if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine. However, in cases of extreme weather, the itinerary may be adjusted, or the tour may be rescheduled or refunded.
How long does the ride last?
The gondola ride will last about 30 minutes total.
What is the Gondola Gallery?
It’s an interactive exhibit space where you can explore how gondolas are made, learn their history, and enjoy a virtual gondola ride through Venice's past using 3D and VR technology.
Can the gondola tour itinerary change?
Yes, the route may vary depending on weather or water conditions. In case of strong wind, rain, or other safety concerns, the gondolier may adjust the itinerary to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Children are welcome on this tour. Children under 2 years old can join the tour for free. Please note that strollers are not always accessible on this tour, and infants must not sit on laps due to limited seating.
Is the app required?
The app is not required, but it provides great informative commentary during the ride!. Free Wi-Fi is available at the meeting point to download it.
Are there any additional fees?
Travelers visiting Venice for the day may be required to pay a €5 access fee. Check official details at: https://cda.ve.it
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