Gondola Ride & Venice Walking Tour
Discover hidden Venice on a 2.5-hour tour, explore Palazzo Contarini and enjoy a serene gondola ride
Finding the perfect blend of a walking tour and a gondola ride is rare but this experience offers both in one unforgettable adventure. Escape the crowds and discover a more intimate side of Venice with an off-the-beaten-path journey through hidden alleys and lesser-known treasures, such as the renowned La Fenice Theatre and Chiesa di San Moisè. Led by an expert guide, you'll uncover fascinating stories not found in guidebooks, before finishing with a gondola ride through Venice’s quieter canals.
What You Get With This Tour
-
Expert English-speaking guide
-
30-minute shared gondola ride
-
90-minute guided walking tour
-
Iconic Grand Canal views
-
Secret Venetian alleyways access
-
Drift through silent streets of water
-
Guide gratuities
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Meeting Point in Campo San Gallo
Your tour begins in Campo San Gallo, a quiet square steps from St. Mark’s. Meet your expert guide and prepare to dive into the winding secondary streets of the San Marco district. -
2
See the Bovolo spiral staircase
Stop at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo to admire its iconic Gothic spiral staircase. This unique multi-arch structure is a hidden architectural masterpiece that showcases the city's artistic ingenuity. -
3
Wander the Calle degli Avvocati
Follow your guide through narrow passages to see authentic local life away from the crowds. These quiet streets and hidden campi offer a peaceful escape into the heart of Venice. -
4
Admire the Teatro La Fenice
Stand before Venice’s legendary opera house to learn its resilient history of destruction and rebirth. Discover why this grand venue remains a world-class center for Italian music and performance. -
5
Visit the Chiesa di San Moisè
Explore the exterior of this ornate Baroque church, famous for its detailed stone carvings. Your guide will highlight the intricate artwork before you head toward the nearby gondola station. -
6
Glide along the Grand Canal
Board a traditional wooden gondola for a 30-minute ride through the iconic waterways. You will pass under the Bridge of Sighs and see the majestic St. Mark’s Square from the water. -
7
Your tour finishes at Campo San Gallo
The journey concludes back where you started in Campo San Gallo. You finish the experience with a deeper connection to Venice's hidden heritage and its timeless liquid streets.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: 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.
Dress Code: Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Please Note: The gondola ride is shared with up to 5 people and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 2.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
1.5-hour guided walking tour of Venice
30-minute shared gondola ride
Audio commentary on the gondola
Explore hidden gems like Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo and the Chiesa di San Moisè
Maximum group size of 15
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Camera
You might also like...
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Venice in a Day Tour with Gondola Ride
Visit St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, and the hidden areas of Venice
Guided Tour Private Tour
Private Venice Tour: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Gondola Ride
Skip the lines and explore Venice’s top landmarks with a private guide before gliding through canals
Free Cancellation Family Friendly
30-Minute Shared Gondola Ride Through Venice
Warning: this gondola ride may cause sudden urges to sing opera at strangers!
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Private Venice Highlights Tour with Gondola Ride
Join your own expert guide to discover St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge, and Venice's hidden gems
Free Cancellation New Tour
Charming Shared Gondola Ride in Venice
Glide along the Grand Canal, discover hidden waterways, and enjoy an immersive cultural experience
Free Cancellation Exclusive Access
Private Gondola Ride in Venice
Glide down the idyllic canals of San Moisè and admire historic sites from the Grand Canal!
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride
Experience Venice’s top 3 must-dos, back-to-back, with skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide
Skip the Line Trusted Partner
Skip-the-Line Doge's Palace Tour with Gondola Ride
Cross the Bridge of Sighs & follow in Casanova's footsteps (but not all the way to a rooftop escape)
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Hidden Alleys Venice Walking Tour with Exclusive Rooftop Access
Discover secret courtyards with a local guide and small group, then visit a panoramic terrace
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano
Skip the lines at St. Mark’s and Doge’s Palace, ride a gondola, and meet artists on colorful islands
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Venice Evening Food Tour in Cannaregio with Authentic Sit-Down Dinner
Enjoy 8 tastings, including cicchetti, wine, pasta and gelato, in Venice’s most authentic district
Free Cancellation Private Boat Private Tour
Venice Islands and Artisans Private Tour
Explore colorful streets and ancient trades in Murano and Burano with a private boat and local guide
Customer Reviews
This experience revealed the quieter heart of Venice. The slower gondola ride, fewer crowds, and more authentic corners revealed a very genuine side of the city.
The guide's voice was gentle and clear, and the stories perfectly complemented each location. It created a calm atmosphere where listening and looking around felt completely natural.
This walk revealed tranquil lanes and charming little squares, far removed from the bustling crowds. Our guide was articulate and shared captivating stories. The gondola ride at the end felt truly exceptional.
Anyone visiting Venice for the first time would benefit from this tour. The route explains the city's layout, history, and daily life and then caps it off with that quintessential gondola ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please bring a valid ID document matching the name provided at the time of the booking. We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a good camera and umbrella in case of rain.
What to bring?
Please bring a valid ID document matching the name provided at the time of the booking. We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a good camera and umbrella in case of rain.
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.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, food is not included in the price of this tour, and we recommend bringing water with you. Your guide will be happy to point you in the direction of restaurants and bars after the tour.
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.
How many people share a gondola, and how long does the ride last?
The gondola ride is shared with up to 5 people and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You will meet your guide at the designated meeting point.
