Overview
Glide through the canals of Venice on a gondola ride with a live guide who explains the stories and secrets of the fascinating palaces around you.
The expert gondoliers will drive you along Venice's hidden passages and canals, reachable only by gondola, admiring the breathtaking Venetian landscape.
Pass beneath centuries-old bridges and take in the famous Grand Canal with its amazing views of stunning palaces.
The guide will narrate to you the fascinating history of gondolas and gondoliers! On board, you will hear all about the palaces, churches, and attractions around you.
Lastly, experience a ride in a unique virtual reality as you glide over the Grand Canal's tranquil waters at sunset over the centuries, and then discover the craftsmanship and secrets behind Venice's iconic boat with an up-close look at a sectioned model.
If you want to live an exclusive experience, book the private gondola and enjoy a ride with only you and your partner or friends!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
PRIVATE GONDOLA RIDE OPTION: 30 minutes gondola ride WITHOUT commentary
Journey in the past by gondola Virtual Reality Experience (not included in the private option)
SHARED GONDOLA RIDE OPTION: 30 minutes gondola ride with commentary
The Yard of Venice: discover the secrets of a sectioned gondola (not included in the private option)
SHARED GONDOLA RIDE OPTION: Live commentary in Italian, English, French and Spanish
SHARED GONDOLA RIDE OPTION:App commentary in German, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi and Russian
SHARED GONDOLA RIDE OPTION: 20 minutes introduction to the gondola experience
Hotel pickup
Audio devices
Earphones
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
***SHARED GONDOLA RIDE WITH GUIDE***
***********************
Grey newstand close to Correr Museum entrance between Fendi Boutique and Poste Italiane (Post Office).
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
- Each gondola can host maximum 5 people; the seat aboard cannot be chosen but will be assigned by the gondolier depending of guests weight.
- 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)
- The itinerary may change in the event of wind or bad weather
- The guide will be only on one gondola, the participants on the others gondola will listen to her/him with the audio-devices
- The live commentary will be only in English, French, Spanish and Italian. The commentary on German, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi, and Russian will be provided by mobile app downloaded on the own devices.
- The commentary IS NOT included in the PRIVATE OPTION
What to expect
-
Ombra del Leone
5 min
We will pass trough the Gran Canal terrace of Ca Giustinian, one of the oldest Palace overlooking the Canal Grande.
-
Chiesa di San Moise
5 min
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.
-
Teatro La Fenice
5 min
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
5 min
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.
-
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
5 min
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
5 min
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
5 min
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
5 min
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Rome).
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
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary
Can I cancel Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 30–50 min.
Where does it start?
***SHARED GONDOLA RIDE WITH GUIDE*** *********************** Grey newstand close to Correr Museum entrance between Fendi Boutique and Poste Italiane (Post Office).
What's included?
- PRIVATE GONDOLA RIDE OPTION: 30 minutes gondola ride WITHOUT commentary
- Journey in the past by gondola Virtual Reality Experience (not included in the private option)
- SHARED GONDOLA RIDE OPTION: 30 minutes gondola ride with commentary
- The Yard of Venice: discover the secrets of a sectioned gondola (not included in the private option)
- SHARED GONDOLA RIDE OPTION: Live commentary in Italian, English, French and Spanish
- SHARED GONDOLA RIDE OPTION:App commentary in German, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi and Russian
- SHARED GONDOLA RIDE OPTION: 20 minutes introduction to the gondola experience
What's not included?
- Hotel pickup
- Audio devices
- Earphones
Which places does it visit?
It visits Ombra del Leone, Chiesa di San Moise, Teatro La Fenice, Canal Grande, Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Punta della Dogana, Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore, Giardini Reali.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in German, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Spanish.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by CITY TOURS CO. LTD
